Chinese across the country are preparing for the lunar new year, but how did the imperial families celebrate hundreds of years ago? Some rituals are being reconstructed at the imperial parks of the Qing Dynasty in the capital Beijing.

It's not a film shoot, but rather a reconstruction of how soldiers trained on ice, some three centuries ago. The parade for celebration of big festivals originated from the military practice.

But now those rolling the skates are college volunteers. Pay a visit to the Old Summer Palace in west Beijing, and you might watch a football match on ice before you warm up at the exhibition of the well-known Yangliuqing Wood-carving paintings.

Beihai Park, the old imperial park next to the Forbidden City, is also reviving the tradition of the royal families. You can see how the Qing emperors prayed for a lucky new year. And for the two week holiday, an annual cultural festival, now in its 8th year, will highlight China's rich and diverse folk culture with live demonstrations by famous artists.