Various Locations

January or February

Temple Fairs originated when traders put up stalls around temples to get the custom of the visiting pilgrims. The tradition has flourished and now a number of temples in Beijing hold fairs during the Spring Festival that attract citizens keen to watch folk performances, buy traditional snacks and take part in religious ceremonies. Ditan Park was the site of an altar on which sacrifices were formerly offered to the earth god, and today visitors can watch recreations of the ceremony, while Dongyuemiao temple fair is devoted to re-creating the customs and life of old Beijing.