Temple fairs are a Beijing custom that dates back to the Liao Dynasty. In the Yuan
Dynasty, the bustling temple fair in Chenghuangmiao, Street -- present-day Chengfang
Street -- Became particularly famous. During the Ming Dynasty, temple fairs became
widespread, and under the Qing Dynasty their numbers further increased. After the
Revolution of 1911, however, large permanent markets were established and temple
fairs gradually disappeared.
In Beijing, temple fairs are held during Chinese New Year about 7 to 10 days at the Earth
Temple, the Flower Market, Changdian, Dongyuemiao, the White Pagoda Temple, the
Huguo Temple and the Longfu Temple and so on.
In traditional temple fairs around Beijing, there are performances and booths demonstrating
and selling traditional arts and crafts. The fairs have lots of games to play, food to eat, and
performances to see, which attract lots of people. In the temple fairs you can taste numerous
kinds of local snacks, court foods, and other dishes.
Most temple fairs feature dragon and lion dances, waist drum dancing, lotus blossom fairy
dances, ground and clam dancing, as well as other folk performances, and some even stage
traditional wedding ceremonies.
For foreigners, a temple fair is definitely a cultural experience, because it airs Chinese cultures
from a very detailed perspective. While enjoying the samplings of Chinese delicacies, you can
appreciate craftsmanship and artworks displayed by local artisans.
