A glimpse of Lunar New Year activities across China

A rehearsal of ritual of offerings to the Earth takes place in Ditan Park on Feb 6, 2016. The ritual reflects sacrifice etiquettes dating back to Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty. The performing team consists of singers, dancers and band.

The Temple of the Earth is located in the northern part of central Beijing. It was built in 1530 during the Ming dynasty. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would attend the annual summer solstice ritual of offerings to the Earth. A total of 14 Emperors between Ming and Qing Dynasty used this altar as a place of sacrifice from 1531 to 1911. Since the 1980s, traditional temple fairs have been held regularly during the Chinese lunar new year. [Photo/People.cn]