New Year fairs are among the places where one can discover Beijing's festive atmosphere. If you're hunting for gifts inspired by intangible cultural heritage (ICH), interactive activities, or captivating performances, there's a fair to match your festive mood.
Daji Xiang's Spring Festival Fair
The fair brings together over 30 aesthetic brands. ICH workshops offer hands-on experiences related to traditional crafts such as paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Experts from the Forbidden City Publishing House lead discussions on the cultural significance of the Beijing Central Axis. The fun treasure-hunting tour offers everyone the chance to collect stamps and exchange them for a lucky bag. In addition, there are talent shows and ICH-inspired flash mobs. Don't forget those traditional snacks and Chinese New Year goods on sale! The fair will run until March 3.
Tongzhou's Canal Fairs
[Photo via Beijing Tongzhou Fabu]
The Canal Fairs include a total of eight featured fairs and will run until March 3. A wide range of cultural activities are scheduled under the theme "Festive Spirit at Fairs Along North-South Grand Canal".
ICH-Inspired New Year Gift Fair
At the China National Arts and Crafts Museum (also China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum), this Spring Festival-themed fair is open at the hall where the exhibition "Guo Nian: Exhibition of the Spring Festival" is held. It features products from 34 provincial-level regions and ICH workshops from five provinces and municipalities. Practitioners explain and demonstrate traditional craftsmanship and invite visitors to participate in hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to savor the festive atmosphere while shopping for New Year gifts. The fair will run until March 20 (reservation required).
Heping Guoju's 4th Winter Hutong Cultural Festival
Welcome to an immersive indoor temple fair brimming with the festive atmosphere. Visitors can try fortune-themed games such as ring-toss and zhuacaishou (literally "grabbing the lucky hand"). Staff in costumes are there to interact with visitors. Participating visitors can earn traditional silver notes and exchange them for exquisite New Year gifts at the God of Wealth's Bank (财神钱庄). Heping Theater will stage a variety of wonderful performances including magic shows, xiangsheng (crosstalk), and Peking Opera throughout the holiday. On February 14, lion dance performances have been added, blending traditional folk customs with engaging fun. The festival will run until March 8.
(Sources: Beijing Fabu, Beijing Daily App, Beijing Tongzhou Fabu)
