Pro:

"It's so cool there are so many interesting stores in 798 now. In the past, I felt there was a gap between the place and me, because those artworks in the galleries seemed so remote and inaccessible."

Guo Ruifeng, a Beijing-based university student

Con:

"Galleries closing, cafes opening, what a pity! 798 has gradually lost its contemporary art feel. These fancy stores are diluting the zone's artistic characteristics."

Liu Haochuan, a Beijinger who works at an advertising company

Pro:

"798 is a very multi-dimensional art community that combines fashion, high arts and street arts. Plus, there are a lot of interesting people and places that are worth photographing."

Con:

"It doesn't feel like a typical art zone. It's like nothing because it mixes everything up."

Meng Siyan, a university student from Xiamen, Fujian province