Opened in May of 1996, Courtyard Gallery shows the best of emerging and mid-career Chinese contemporary art in all mediums, as well as work by emerging international artists. Its original location was situated directly across from the East Gate of the Forbidden City in a traditional courtyard house that was once a part of the imperial palace.  In the fall of 2006, the gallery moved one kilometer east, to 53 Donganmen Dajie, just below  RBL restaurant.  In the spring of 2005, Courtyard opened its second space in Beijing, the CourtYard Annex, in a converted factory space in the Caochangdi art district of Beijing. The Annex space of 400 plus square meters can accommodate larger, experimental projects and multimedia events. 

The gallery's approach is not to limit itself to the confines of a particular art style. It is willing to offer space to all kinds of artistic expression, provided the artists display a singular vision, a concern for technique, and a committed desire to make good art. By producing professional exhibitions of high quality art works with a truly contemporary vision, Courtyard strives to promote a wider understanding and acceptance of contemporary Chinese artists within China and abroad.
In addition to its work in China and in international fairs, museum exhibitions and biennales, CourtYard also cooperates with overseas galleries in showcasing Chinese artists works. Recent exhibitions include, "Wang Qingsong: Romantique" in collaboration with Salon 94 in New York, "Cao Fei: COSPlayers" in collaboration with Lombard Freid Gallery in New York, and “Liu Zheng: The Chinese” in collaboration with Yossi Milo Gallery in New York.