Songzhuang Artist Village

Try the 84art Cafe. Their food is ok.

Song Zhuang Artist Village, located in Tong Zhou District (eastern suburbs of Beijing), is the most famous and biggest artist community in Beijing. Now nearly 400 artists live in Song Zhuang, which is seen as synonymous with the Chinese avant-garde not only in China but also in other countries.Though painters come from different places and have different backgrounds, when they arrive at Song Zhuang, they all become "freelance artists."Artists like to call themselves "village people." They live in farmhouses and share sunlight, land, and air with common farmers. They love old furniture, and raise crude and atrocious dogs. When they scold dogs, their sounds are often mixed with the farmer-like tone, sly and proud.Different from other citizens, Song Zhuang artists like dropping by for a visit, chatting, and playing cards. They are extremely satisfied with the unrestrained village life.Most of the artists have a free life without rules. They sleep at daytime and work at night. They seldom read newspaper, listen to the music, or watch television. Computer is a rare gadget for them; they disdain to learn how to use it. What they are really interested in is talking about gossip and spreading rumors in their free time. Different people come to Song Zhuang with different dreams. Some want to make a pile of money, some want to get fame, and some just long for the tranquil atmosphere in the countryside.

Song Zhuang Artist Village, located in Tong Zhou District (eastern suburbs of Beijing), is the most famous and biggest artist community in Beijing. Now nearly 400 artists live in Song Zhuang, which is seen as synonymous with the Chinese avant-garde not only in China but also in other countries. Though painters come from different places and have different backgrounds, when they arrive at Song Zhuang, they all become "freelance artists." Artists like to call themselves "village people." They live in farmhouses and share sunlight, land, and air with common farmers. They love old furniture, and raise crude and atrocious dogs. When they scold dogs, their sounds are often mixed with the farmer-like tone, sly and proud. Different from other citizens, Song Zhuang artists like dropping by for a visit, chatting, and playing cards. They are extremely satisfied with the unrestrained village life.Most of the artists have a free life without rules. They sleep at daytime and work at night. They seldom read newspaper, listen to the music, or watch television. Computer is a rare gadget for them; they disdain to learn how to use it. What they are really interested in is talking about gossip and spreading rumors in their free time. Different people come to Song Zhuang with different dreams. Some want to make a pile of money, some want to get fame, and some just long for the tranquil atmosphere in the countryside.

Try the 84art Cafe. Their food is ok.