From Factory to Future: Exploring Science, Art, and Sustainable Urban Development at Beijing’s 798 Art District
UNAIR students explored Beijing’s 798 Art District, linking science, art, education, industrial heritage revitalization, and sustainable urban development.
Beijing, China (15 July 2026) — The 798 Art District in Beijing’s Chaoyang District stands as a remarkable example of how industrial heritage can be transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Originally a military electronics factory complex built in the 1950s with support from the Soviet Union and designed by East German architects (Information Detail - 798艺术区|798 Art District - 北京七九八, no date), the district was once the largest Bauhaus-style industrial complex in Asia. Following industrial decline in the late 1990s, artists began moving into the abandoned factory buildings in 2002, gradually converting them into galleries, studios, cafés, museums, and creative workspaces (Company Introduction - 798艺术区|798 Art District - 北京七九八, no date). Today, the district has evolved into one of China’s leading contemporary art destinations, housing hundreds of cultural institutions and attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year.
The visit was conducted by students participating in Universitas Airlangga’s KKN-BBK 8 International 2026 Program Group 1 as part of a field-based learning activity in Beijing. Through observation, interviews, and documentation, the students explored how cultural spaces contribute to education, creativity, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban development.
Among the many galleries in the district, the team focused its visit on Art Bridge Gallery, which was hosting “The 212 MOVEMENT: Zhao Chuang and Yang Yang Scientific Art Exhibition.” The exhibition showcases the achievements of the PNSO Scientific Art Projects Plan: Stories on Earth (2010–2070) by scientific artist Zhao Chuang and children’s science writer Yang Yang (PNSO, no date). Guided by the philosophy “Movement creates the world. The world embraces all things. All things rest in your heart,” the exhibition is divided into three thematic sections—Life, Universe, and Human—featuring life-sized dinosaur reconstructions, solar system artworks, and projects illustrating human civilization (China Daily, 2026a).
The students interviewed Ms. Liu, a staff member at Art Bridge Gallery, who shared insights into the exhibition’s purpose and highlights.
“This exhibition presents sixteen years of creative achievements in scientific art. It tells the story of biological evolution, the mysteries of the universe, and human civilization,” said Ms. Liu.
She explained that the exhibition invites visitors to explore the relationship between humans, nature, and scientific discovery through curiosity and observation.
“The life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex reconstruction is our most popular attraction. It draws both children and adults with its impressive scale and scientifically accurate details,” she added.
The transformation of the 798 Art District demonstrates how abandoned industrial sites can be repurposed into spaces that foster creativity, education, and cultural preservation (China Daily, 2026b).
This activity supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by making scientific knowledge accessible through art, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through adaptive reuse of industrial heritage, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between artists, scientists, museums, and educational institutions.
Photo Caption: KKN-BBK International 2026 students from Universitas Airlangga visited Art Bridge Gallery in Beijing's 798 Art District and interviewed gallery staff as part of a field-based learning activity exploring science, art, and sustainable urban development.
Reported by: KKN-BBK International 2026 Group 1, Universitas Airlangga
Written by: Jee Wen Li and Chan Yan Ni
Edited by: Yutika Amelia Effendi
Date: 15 July 2026
Location: 798 Art District, Beijing, China
This article supports SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, dan SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
#SDG4 #QualityEducation #SDG11 #SustainableCitiesAndCommunities #SDG17 #PartnershipsForTheGoals #SDGsUNAIR #KKNBBK2026 #UNAIR #798ArtDistrict #Beijing #ScienceArt
References
Information Detail - 798艺术区|798 Art District - 北京七九八 (no date). https://www.798artdistrict.com.cn/info/479.
Company Introduction - 798艺术区|798 Art District - 北京七九八 (no date). https://www.798artdistrict.com.cn/about/company.
PNSO (no date). http://www.pnso.org/?page_id=17.
China Daily (2026a) '212 Movement' sci-art exhibition by Zhao Chuang & Yang Yang opens in Beijing. China Daily, 5 July. Available at: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202607/05/WS6a4a14a5a310986e2b463956.html
China Daily (2026b) Beijing sci-art show puts 'New Aesthetic Education' in lights. China Daily, 14 July. Available at: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202607/14/WS6a55e983a310986e2b465318.html
