On May 5, the "Art & Light: A Journey through Cinema" series of events—jointly organized by the 798·751 Art District and the 15th Beijing International Film Festival—successfully concluded. Spanning the May Day holiday travel season, the park empowered cinematic experiences through art, presenting the public with a cultural feast that fused technology, art, and film. Through diverse cultural activities, immersive tech experiences, and innovative consumption scenarios, the industrial heritage site was transformed into one of the most popular holiday destinations. The event attracted over 860,000 visitors in total!

visitors checking in at the 798·751 Art District

Industrial Landscapes × Light and Shadow Art: Outdoor Cinema Rekindles Childhood Memories

As one of the core events, the “Art & Light: 798 × Beijing International Film Festival” outdoor screenings and themed market turned industrial relics into a natural open-air cinema. Iconic facilities like gas pipelines and giant storage tanks were transformed into cinematic backdrops, creating a unique viewing experience. Each night, 10 blockbuster films—including Detective Chinatown and Lost in the Stars—were screened for free, drawing full audiences. Many moviegoers even brought their own foldable stools to secure a spot. After the screenings, numerous viewers shared their impressions on social media, expressing how the experience “brought back memories of childhood.”

798 Open-Air Cinema

Beyond watching movies, visitors could also enjoy gourmet food and shop for film-themed merchandise at the “Into the Scene Wine & Market”—a themed market that blended cinematic atmosphere with lifestyle experiences. This “cinema + socializing + consumption” model created a vibrant, multi-dimensional cultural scene, breathing new life into the industrial space.

The "Art & Light" Outdoor Screenings and Themed Market Scene

Dimensional Wallbreakers: VR Technology Unlocks Time and Space Travel

As the core feature of the "Hyperdimensional Vision" VR cinema unit, the “798 Hyperdimensional Vision” immersive VR cinema project officially opened on May 1, becoming the largest “light and shadow amusement park” during the holiday season. It launched 8 interactive 4D works, including The Strange Chronicles of the Tang Dynasty: Westward Journey. Audiences were able to explore different dimensions of time and space in 360° through temperature, vibration, and tactile simulation systems, achieving multi-dimensional interaction between the virtual and the real.

The '798 Hyperdimensional Vision' Exhibition

In this "city film set" where light, shadow, and art intertwine, the Boundaryless Realm Technology and Art Center uses digital technology to immerse audiences in the charm of iconic architecture, sparking the "Tech+" experience craze during the May Day holiday. Visitors could explore the "Notre-Dame Cathedral Immersive VR Exhibition", experiencing Paris’s Notre-Dame from a first-person perspective as seen in classic films like Midnight in Paris, Before Sunset, and Mission: Impossible – Fallout. They could also journey back to early 20th-century Barcelona in the "Eternal Gaudí XR Immersive Exploration Exhibition", stepping into the vibrant, fantastical world of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.

"Cultural Tourism Beijing" Releases Report on the "Notre-Dame Cathedral Immersive VR Exhibition"

The 'Notre-Dame Cathedral Immersive VR Exhibition' On-Site During the May Day Holiday

Rock & Electronic Music All the Way: A Musical Festival from Afternoon to Midnight

During the May Day holiday, "Art & Light" introduced its first-ever day-to-night music matrix: In the daytime, the "FREE INSIDE Music Festival" at Frog Factory offered affordable tickets at just 10 RMB, featuring performances from over 20 new-generation bands. In the evening, the outdoor "Post-Screening Party" gathered musicians such as Zang Hongfei, Zhang Ran, Alipu, and Mechanical Princess ASTA, who ignited late-night storms with their synthesizer-driven electronic beats. With its unique industrial charm and high-standard audio-visual equipment, the 798·751 Art District became a pioneering hub for indie rock and experimental music.

Frog Factory 'FREE INSIDE Music Festival' Performance Scene, Photography by Feng Yue (Top), Chi Jingyu (Bottom)

‘Art & Light’ - Post-Screening Party Performance Scene

The Winds of Image: Artistic Practice from Creation to Market

During the "Art & Light" event, multiple institutions within the park also launched image-related exhibitions and cultural activities. The “Dream-Making Live” Film Art Exhibition hosted multiple guided tours during the holiday, while a special “improvised comedy” event bridged the worlds of comedy and cinema. The “Flowing Moments” Image Exhibition, co-curated by popular video creators such as Little Deer Lawrence and Crazy Ami, attracted long queues in front of the Morning Space. The “Photography Labor Day Special” initiative by Eiga Gallery, which has deep roots in photography exhibitions, promoted the appreciation of visual arts through exhibitions, markets, and workshops. Photography equipment stores from brands like Fujifilm, Ricoh, Canon, and DJI were also bustling with activity, sparking a “early summer visual craze.”

‘Dream-Making Live’ Image Art Exhibition Guided Tour Scene

The Queue Waiting to Enter the ‘Flowing Moments’ Exhibition

The Atelier Fujifilm Store was bustling with people

Rising Public Benefits: Cultural Creativity Ignites New Consumer Momentum

The "Art & Light" event at the 798·751 Art District has also unlocked a new “ticket stub economy,” transforming movie-watching enthusiasm into diverse consumption. In collaboration with over 100 local merchants, the district launched the "惠聚798·751" (Gathering at 798·751) shopping campaign, where ticket stub holders of the Beijing International Film Festival can enjoy exclusive discounts, promoting a dual synergy between art experiences and commercial consumption. Additionally, the district introduced the new “Art Bus,” which combines transportation, guided tours, and navigation functions. The stylish and cute yellow bikes can be seen weaving through the streets, helping families with children and pet owners navigate the district. According to statistics, merchant spending in the district increased by 115% compared to last year, while nearby dining and cultural consumption also saw a rise, creating a healthy ecosystem with a "light and shadow-driven foot traffic—consumer loop.

The 798 ‘Art Bus’ Weaving Through the Streets of the District

The portrait stall was crowded with curious onlookers

Cultural and Art Centers from Various Countries Attract Numerous Visitors

A guided tour of the ‘Annika Yi: Another Evolution’ exhibition is currently taking place in the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art galleries

The 'Eternal Landscapes' Exhibition at the Meet Museum

The bustling crowd in the district

This May Day, the 798·751 Art District has written a vivid chapter of cultural and tourism innovation with art and light as its theme, using the canvas of industrial heritage. From May to June, the district will host major art events such as "Beijing Art Season," "Gallery Weekend Beijing," "798 International Art Season," and "ART021 BEIJING," injecting new vitality into the integrated development of culture, commerce, tourism, and sports in Beijing. While the light and shadow momentarily pause, the dialogue between art and life never ends—an early summer wave is gathering force and about to surge.

What unforgettable memories did the district bring you during the holiday? Feel free to share with us in the comments section!