Beijing - a new land of fantasy?

I took 3 days in Beijing on my way to Hanoi, and let me tell you, it’s a fascinating time to be in Beijing right now.

I didn’t just say that out of the ostentatious level of wealth possessed by some Chinese families these days, even though I was absolutely surprised, and rather annoyed, by the number of kids running around and crying in the Business Class cabin.

I didn’t just say that out of the somewhat expected degree of pollution, either, even when it really brought the worst out of some people, such as my Singaporean friend Selina, who uncharacteristically swore at everything, from her uncontrollably frizzy hair to Chinese rudeness.

Beijing is fascinating because of its burgeoning art scene. From beautiful architectures to a vibrant art community filled with amazing galleries and hard-working art dealers, it’s no better place to be than in the Chinese capital. Indeed, a friend of mine quitted her job in New York to work for an art gallery in the 798 art zone. Now she no longer spends sleepless nights to meet deadlines but surfs from one gallery opening to another meeting with art patrons. Dressed in style, surrounded by a beautiful art crowd, she never felt more alive.

And so do art lovers such as myself – or anyone with a tiny bit of appreciation for beautiful grand things. As I strolled through contemporary exhibitions and admired bold, iconic infrastructures, I was taken to a land of fantasy, where the dreams of becoming bigger, better, and more beautiful are woven and realized at a speed that, well, could very much be as fast as their economic growth.

But art can even offer a better escape. In a country where Facebook is blocked, artists are apparently left relatively free to express their point of view, even their criticism of the government. As my Chinese art dealing friend explained to me, Chinese artists are still testing the water to see where the boundaries are… As a country in transition, both the government and its citizens still have to see where to draw the appropriate line… but exactly for that reason, art is blooming in some very unexpected directions.

Just try to avoid the summer, but otherwise, go see it for yourself.