Sui Jianguo's exhibition at Pace Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The 798 and Caochangdi art districts in Beijing typically experience a buzz every weekend when exhibitions open. But last weekend was special as the first Gallery Weekend Beijing was launched.

There were many new exhibitions and lots of discussions and bilingual tours were held at the 18 participating galleries and museums.

The event drew a large number of visitors, including prominent gallery owners, dealers and collectors from around the world who came here before heading to Art Basel Hong Kong (March 23 to 25).