Where is the best place to go if I want to experience Spring Festival atmosphere in Beijing?
During the Spring Festival, a temple fair following the traditions of Ming and Qing dynasties, will be held in Ditan, in which the God of Earth was worshipped and folk performances staged. It runs from January 30 to February 7.
This is one of the city's busiest temple fairs. The park is the site of the altar where sacrifices were formerly offered to the earth, and this year's fair will open with a performance imitating the Qing Dynasty sacrificial ceremony. Activities and events during the fair will include folk performances, fashion shows and a food street.
The following is the detailed programme schedule of this year's Ditan Temple Fair.
Opening ceremony: 9:30 am, January 30.
Sacrifice offering ceremony for the God of Earth and performance: 1-1:30 pm, daily from January 30 to February 7.
Folk art performances: At the northeast corner of the Sacrifice Altar in the park; 10 am to 12:30 at noon and 1:30 to 4 pm, daily from January 30 to February 7.
Visitor karaoke performance: South side of the Sacrifice Altar; 9 am to 4 pm, daily from January 30 to February 7.
Children's puppet show: Inside the North Gate of the park; 10-11 am, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, 1-2 pm, 2:30-3:30 pm, daily from January 30 to February 7.
Fashion show: In Fangzhexuan Hall, 9:30-10:30 am, 11-12 am, 1:30-2:30 pm, 3-4 pm, daily from January 30 to February 7.
Varied exhibitions: daily from January 30 to February 7.
Ice lantern and snow sculpture show: 8:30 am to 5 pm, daily from January 1 to February 15.
To get there, Yonghegong subway, bus 13, I 16, 62 for the south gate; trolley bus 104, 108, or bus 27, 358, 119, 407, 328, 803 or 912 for west gate. Also Andingmen subway.
Ticket price: 6 yuan (72 US cents) for individuals, 5 yuan (60 US cents) for groups.
For more information: 6421-4657
(Beijing Weekend January 20, 2003)
