Up close with art and artists

This is arguably China's largest art colony, attracting thousands of artists like bees to the honey pot. But Songzhuang is a quiet refuge as well, away from the hustle and crowds of the city's exhibition centers.

The name itself is familiar to art-lovers, who read of it often enough in the national media, but it takes a trip to the enclave itself to fully experience its charms and attractions.

Located along Beijing's eastern city boundary, Songzhuang features exciting art exhibitions in its scattered galleries and museums, and also facilitates visits to the artists' studios and homes, offering a closer perspective into the creative process.