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

The art spaces taking part in Gallery Weekend comprise Beijing's art elite, according to Thomas Eller, the founder of Gallery Weekend Beijing. "We have to start strong so that we can develop," he tells China Daily.

The participants include the local branches of leading international galleries such as Pace Beijing and established local players like Magician Space, who have been in the area for many years.

Also, there are emerging forces on the art scene such as the 3-year-old M Woods, a nonprofit museum founded by a young collector couple, Lin Han and Wanwan Lei.