The only pain holidays bring, for the adventurous, is how you are going to make them memorable. The humdrum and mundane activities in your neighbourhood appeal you no more. You need something exciting, unique, something to charge you up and ready you to take that monotonous routine head on again. If that is what you are looking for, look no further than The Chinese New Year 2016, which begins on Monday, 8 February 2016 and end on Monday, 22 February 2016. Whether you are a pyromaniac, a fan of dumplings, cherish operas or an ardent admirer of cultural activities, Chinese spring festival has something in store for everyone. Of course, your festivals need to be rich and diverse if you are a nation 1.3 billion strong.
The History of the Spring Festival
According to the legends, a mythical beast, Nian, that lived under the sea or in mountains would come out of the hiding, once every spring, to feed itself. It was a man-eating beast; young children were its favourite repast. To end this ordeal, a god stepped forward and advised one of the villagers to put the red paper on his door and place firecrackers. After discovering that Nian is afraid of loud noises, and the colour red, it became a custom to wear red around the springtime. People also used firecrackers and drums during the spring to keep it away from their village. The Nian never came back to attack the village.
Beijing Temple Fairs
Temple Fairs reproduce centuries-old traditional customs of Beijing and are the salient feature of the Chinese Spring Festival. For outlanders visiting a Temple Fair is a delightful cultural experience. Lion and Dragon dances, demonstration of conventional arts and crafts, games, a reenactment of ceremonies of worship, Chinese New Year food are all part and parcel of these fairs.
Changdian Temple Fair
The Changdian Temple fair is one of the most vibrant and vivacious celebrations in the city and attracts the Chinese and foreigners alike. Located in the heart of the city, just south of Tian’anmen Square, Changdian Temple will offer you an authentic fair experience. Since this is one of the most popular events in the town, so be prepared to brace a huge crowd. This fair is famous for art and crafts, tea, local Ornaments and local Food. The Admission Fee is only £1.00 (10.00 Chinese Yuan) and the fair dates are 8th Feb 2016 – 12th Feb 2016
Ditan Temple Fair
If, in Rome, you do what the Romans do, in China you go where the Chinese go. With an estimated attendance of 1 million people every year, the Ditan Temple Fair is the most popular event in Beijing, every spring. The reenactment of the Qing Dynasty’s sacred worship of the god of earth is the highlight of the fair. Besides, there will be puppet shows, dragon and lion dances, gymnastics and traditional art will be on exhibition. Do not forget to try the local savoury snacks as well.
Hongluo Temple Fair
The hongluo Temple Fair brings to you a serene spiritual experience and lets you escape the crowd. It also lets you take part in traditional Buddhist prayer meetings and to connect with the Buddhist culture.
Chun Jie or the Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, if you want to Travel to china, book cheap flights to China now & please be advised that:
- It’s always a good idea to book Flight tickets, train tickets, hotels and dinners well in advance.
- Asthmatics need to check with their GP before they travel, as there will acrid smoke resulting from all the fireworks.
- The fireworks last for weeks, although it may excite some, bearing that noise all day long is not easy.
Have fun, Happy (Chinese) New Year!
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