Set up for success

Beijing's duty-free port aims to turn China into one of the world's largest art markets. Deng Zhangyu reports.

High import duties imposed on artwork brought into China have long discouraged foreign galleries, art dealers and collectors from entering the country's prosperous art market. But the Beijing Culture Free Port, which opened on Aug 25, offers new opportunities for art dealers, and could turn the capital city into the third-largest art market in the world after New York and London.

The Beijing Culture Free Port is located next to Beijing Capital Airport and occupies a space larger than 60 football fields. A total of 28 buildings are under construction, and they will serve as warehouses, showrooms and trader centers.