Festive Fun: Guide to Traditional Temple Fairs in Beijing

Temple fairs are annual celebrations of Chinese folk culture that take place across the country during the Spring Festival, offering a diverse range of events and activities. This year, iconic locations such as Ditan (Temple of Earth) Park, Longtan Park, Changdian, the Grand View Garden, Shijingshan Amusement Park, and Badachu Park are set to host their renowned temple fairs once again. Changdian Temple Fair, for instance, promises a unique journey with its theme "Strolling on the Central Axis of the Ancient Capital and Appreciating the Centennial Changdian Together", bringing Beijing's rich traditions to the forefront. So, what adventures await at Beijing's temple fairs this Spring Festival? Join us on a journey to find out!

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[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Ditan Temple Fair is a time-honored event in Beijing, known for its displays of Beijing's traditional culture, authentic folklore and traditional folk art. This temple fair features intangible cultural heritage demonstrations, traditional snacks, and interactive shows.

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[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Focusing on cultural activities, Changdian Temple Fair was among the first batch of the intangible heritage items included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. Reputed as one of the top four temple fairs in China, it features activities such as traditional huahui (a collection of recreational activities), performances of Peking Opera and other old-time plays, and bargain book fairs.

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[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Shijingshan Amusement Park Temple Fair is a "westernized temple fair" that blends Chinese and Western cultural elements. There are exotic float parades and European-style castles, as well as red lanterns, acrobatics and other traditional Beijing folk performances.

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[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Tourists can watch and experience 17 thematic activities such as the performances of the huahui of the New Year Blessing Dharma Assembly, the Opening of the Blessing Gate, etc., and immerse themselves in the traditional Beijing temple fair culture.

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[Photo via Beijing Daily]

At Longtan Temple Fair, tourists can not only taste the fine cuisine of Beijing centuries past, and visit the intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, but also experience the charm of ice and snow sports.

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[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Among the temple fairs in Beijing, this is the only one focusing on "Dream of the Red Chamber", one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. "Yuanchun Coming Home" is a unique program of this annual temple fair, which is a grand performance that depicts the big scene of Jia Yuanchun's homecoming as portrayed in the original novel.

What's your plan for this Spring Festival? Feel free to leave us a message to share your stories.

(Source: Beijing Daily App)

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