Travel

The fairs are coming to town

By Todd Balazovic (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-01-26 09:09

A street vendor sells a traditional wind-wheel toy to a child at a temple fair. Photos provided to China Daily

Whether you are an old Beijing hand or a traveler trying to catch the city celebrations, no Spring Festival would be complete without a trip to a booming Spring Festival temple fair.

These events are on during most of the days of the Spring Festival, but make sure to call ahead in case of last minute changes.

The fitness fair

One of the newest temple fairs to enter into Beijing's millennium-old tradition is the Olympic Sports Center Temple Fair.

Utilizing the facilities put in place during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, this sports-themed fair is a fresh take on a traditional idea.

Offering a range of physical activities from yoga, martial arts, golf and boxing, it is a perfect way to get out and get moving on a cold winter day.

Open: 9 am-5 pm

Address: Olympic Sports Center, south side of the North Fourth Ring Road

Tel: 6491-2233

Beijing's bustling fair

For a more traditional taste of Spring Festival celebrations, Ditan Park (Temple of Earth) is Beijing's busiest temple fair.

Held at an ancient altar once used to make sacrifices to the earth god, Ditan is perfect for Beijing's newcomers to join in the festivities, and snacking, with the city's residents.

With a variety of folk performances, children's puppet and art exhibitions, the fair will have a lot to see. Perhaps the biggest attraction for locals though is the sprawling snack street, hawking traditional Beijing street food.

Open: 9 am-4:30 pm

Address: Ditan Park, Andingmenwai Avenue, Dongcheng district

Tel: 6421-4657

International fair

For a well-rounded cultural experience, Chaoyang Park's International Spring Festival Carnival plans to get every country involved in a global experience.

With traditional performances from both Eastern and Western cultures, Chaoyang Park's carnival is a glowing display of Beijing as an international city.

Though the list of participating countries varies from year to year, it is a great way to witness the city's diverse expat crowd bringing in the holiday cheer in its own unique way.

Open: 9.30 am-5 pm

Address: 1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang district

Tel: 6506-5409

The fair of the future

As a great alternative to an archaic gig, the Zhongguancun Temple Fair blends technology with tradition.

Around since 2007, the Zhongguancun Festival showcases the marvels of modern civilization in what is sometimes hailed as Beijing's Silicon Valley.

With interactive games and scientific demonstrations, it is perfect for anyone looking to expand their mind. However, with fewer food options available compared with most other fairs - think microchips - your stomach might leave empty but your mind will be full.

Open: 9 am-5 pm

Address: Zhongguancun Pedestrian Street, Haidian district

Tel: 8072-2881

Beijing's oldest fair

For those wanting to check out the real deal, the Dongyue Temple Fair is one of, if not, the oldest fairs in the capital's long history.

Started during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), this festival is laced with tradition.

Locals and visitors to Dongyue, eager to ignore the new and trendy fairs, will get a glimpse into the capital's fascinating history.

It offers a variety of folk performances, as well as the chance to receive a good start to the new year by embracing the fair's famous Fu (good fortune) culture.

Open: 9 am-5 pm

Address: Dongyue Miao, 141 Chaowaidajie, Chaoyang district

Tel: 6551-4148