Beijing's Dragon Year Temple Fairs
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CRI, January 20, 2012
Longtan park (龙潭公园)
All the way out in Chongwen district, this is another fair that does'nt actually feature any temples, although the park does boast some tasteful Qing-style buildings and will be decked out in dragon-related regalia. Touch the giant character for wealth (fu) made up of miniature dragon figurines while wearing a blindfold and you'll bag yourself some prosperity for the coming year too.
The fair will feature a 300-strong parade, apparently Beijing's rather surreal wintertime answer to Rio's carnival. It's set to including dancing and a host of colourful floats that will meander their way through the park. A stage will also be set for taekwondo and other martial arts champs to show off their skills.
Wrap up warm for the outdoor ice carving. If you do get too cold, head indoors for an all-day Chinese chess competition.
Free shuttle services from the south-east exit of Tiantan Dongmen station to Longtan parks's north-west gate will be running from 8.30am, although the number of buses and times are variable, so it is best to call in advance to find out more.
Longtan Park, 8am-5pm from Sunday 22 to Sunday 29.
Ditan Park (地坛公园)
One of Beijing's biggest temple fairs, this one is a regular hit with the locals. Inside the park is the Altar of Earth and plenty else to catch your eye.
See if you can spot the Dai people's 'peacock dance' amongst a host of dances from all over China. You'll be able to see exhibitions that cover the life and customs of Beijingers through the centuries as well as the different ways that Spring Festival is now celebrated all over the world. Pick up some (supposedly) antique Chinese handicrafts from stalls and if you get there for 10am glimpse a re-enactment of the imperial family's traditional prayers for good harvests originally held here in the summer months.
Hungry? Pick up dry-fried beans, jiaoquan (fried dough sticks that taste great dipped into doujiang – thick soy milk) as well niangao (New Year cakes).
Ditan Park, 8am-5pm, Sunday 22 to Sunday 29.
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