The "temple fair" (Miao Hui) began as groups of vendors who did business near
temples when many pilgrims came to pay tribute to the gods during traditional
festivals. The practice grew, gradually turning into a regular event. Now temple
fairs are an important and joyful destination for Chinese people during
festivals, most especially the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year.
The temple fairs in Beijing date back to around 1000 AD, when they were
called "Spring Outings", steadily booming throughout the following three
dynasties of the Yuan, Ming and Qing emperors. Nowadays, going to temple fairs
has become a Spring Festival routine for residents in Beijing. This year, nine
local temple fairs will add more joy to your holidays.
Ditan Park Fair
One of the city's busiest temple fairs since 1985. Ditan Park is the site of
the altar where sacrifices were formerly offered to the earth god. This year's
fair will climax with a performance reenactment of a Qing Dynasty sacrificial
ceremony.
Location: 100 meters north of the Lama Temple or Lama Temple Subway
Station.
To get there: Yonghegong (Lama Temple) subway, bus 13, 116 and 62 for the
south gate; trolley bus 104, 108, or bus 27, 358, 119, 407, 328, 803 or 912 for
the west gate. Also accessible from Andingmen subway station.
Fair time: January 28th to February 4th.
Admission: 8 yuan (about 1 USD).
