Posted by Zara Arshad
My go-to place when I need a break from Beijing. CAFA is, surprisingly, not known by many, which makes it even more perfect. It is the only art institution of higher learning operated by the Ministry of Education and was founded in April 1950 when the National Beijing Art College and the Fine Arts Department of Huabei University were transformed into a single institution. The School of Design holds graduate exhibitions every year, which are well worth a visit, and also houses AIGA China. Equipped with an art museum (designed by Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki) as well as art supplies and book stores.