When is the best time to visit Songzhuang?
The best time to visit Songzhuang is during the October National Holiday. During this time the Songzhuang Art and Culture Festival is being held. At other times of the year, artists may not be exhibiting in mass numbers. Hence, visitors may be underwhelmed as exhibitions may be limited, and artists’ studios may be difficult to access.
My overall impression of the Songzhuang Art and Culture Festival:
The good, the bad, the ugly. I went to at least six different locations in Songzhuang and found a great mixture of styles and quality of artwork. Some of the best galleries were exhibiting top tier artists, alongside crafts-based artwork. On the whole, I found the experience enjoyable and would recommend visiting during the Songzhuang Art and Culture Festival. As mentioned previously, I have visited at other periods of time and found the atmosphere subdued with fewer exhibitions.
Exhibitions:
China Songzhuang Art Life Plaza
The first exhibition I attended was the China Songzhuang Art Life Plaza. This was a unique exhibition space as the organiser had set up containers for artists to exhibit in. Some artists were able to display their work in an entire container whereas other artists shared spaces.
There was a wide range of work, from emerging through to mid-career artists. I did see artwork that I would have loved for decorative purposes. Some of the artwork was priced. For other pieces, the artists’ contact details were provided, mainly by scanning a QR code for Wechat.
Sunshine International Art Gallery
The Sunshine International Art Gallery, also known as Shangshang Meishuguan, is located directly to the northeast of Fang Lijun’s roundabout. There are three main exhibition rooms, all very large. There is also a shop where small artworks and literature can be purchased.
At this exhibition, there were contemporary, traditional Chinese and ceramic works. Each were exhibited in the three spaces respectively. There was a large variety of work. Overall, I did enjoy it, and there were several well-known artists being exhibited.
Songzhuang Art Museum
The Songzhuang Art Museum was one of the first public art galleries to be set up in the art district. It has three main exhibitions spaces, and a shop, although this was closed when I visited.
This was by far one of my favourite exhibitions. There were inspiring works by contemporary artists with the likes of Fang Lijun and Zhongbiao. There were also works from well-known artists in academia. Various works were exhibited, including painting, sculpture, media, and 3D.
Songzhuang Contemporary Art Archive
The Songzhuang Contemporary Art Archive was constructed and opened in 2015. This gallery also focuses on research and publication of archival materials. There are three levels to the building with spacious exhibition spaces. The exhibition I attended was showing traditional and contemporary ink paintings. There was a mixture of mid-career and top tier artists at this exhibition.
G-Dot Art Space
G-Dot Art Space had a smaller exhibition area, but comparative to western gallery standards it is still a very large commercial building. It was opened in 2010. During the Art Festival G-Dot Art Space hosted a solo exhibition for an artist named Fa Ming. A collection of his works, spanning from over more than a 10-year period, were being displayed.
MOCA Beijing
The Museum of Contemporary Art Beijing, was founded by the artist Qin Feng in the 1990s. There are both interior and exterior spaces. The interior exhibition featured contemporary works for the art festival. The outdoor sculptures are permanent structures, some a little worse for wear.
How is Songzhuang written in Chinese?
Songzhuang is written in Chinese as 宋庄.
More information about Songzhuang:
For more detailed information on galleries in Songzhuang visit Beijing Creatives.
Attractions close by:
Tongzhou Museum, Universal Studios
Opening hours and price:
Price: All galleries I attended were free. However, I have had to pay to enter the Sunshine International Art Gallery (Shangshang Meishuguan) when it was not the Songzhuang Art and Culture Festival.
Opening hours: Most galleries are closed on Monday. Times between galleries differ, but in general between 10:00-16:00 the galleries or museums will be open. These opening times are extended during the Songzhuang Art and Culture Festival.
Getting there:
Address: The address for Songzhuang Art Museum is: Number 2, Meishuguan Road, Xiaopu Art District, Songzhuang, Tongzhou, Beijing (北京市通州区宋庄小堡艺术园区甲2号美术馆路).
Closest subway: Take a subway to Tongzhou Beiguan (通州北关) or Haojiafu (郝家府), both Line 6. Then take a taxi for the remaining distance to Songzhuang.
Accommodation Close By
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Premium Accommodation
Cun Shang Yun Ding Hotel: Large rooms and a relaxing environment after a long day exploring Songzhuang Art District. Central to the village action.
Affordable Accommodation
JI Hotel (Beijing Songzhuang Anzhen Hospital Branch): Close to three central areas at Songzhuang Art District, easy access to all main sites. Clean, standard hotel.
Budget Accommodation
Love Home Homestay: Newly opened, this homestay is clean and in a central position. Stay within the village itself and enjoy the cultural experience on a budget.
