Chinese-style carnival! Guides for Snake Year temple fairs in Beijing

Longtan Temple Fair

Dates: Feb 9-16, 2013

Venue: Longtan Park, 8 Longtan Rd, Dongcheng district

Price: 10 yuan

Buses: Take 34, 35, 36, 743, 957, 943, 822, 705 or 41 to Guangminglou, or 6, 8, 607, 60, 958, 116, 750, 12, 352 or 807 to Beijing Amusement Park.

Features: The temple fair, which originated in 1984, will feature a 300-strong parade this year. A stage will be set up for Taekwondo and other martial arts champions to showcase their skills. A photo exhibition will also be held to review the temple fair's history. Don't miss the exhibition of blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen, the "ceramic capital" of China. Visitors will have a chance to compete with the Chinese chess masters.