04:47China: 'Crowded and full of joy’ - Temple fair returns to Beijing following COVID hiatus
Hundreds of tourists and locals were seen at Beijing’s traditional temple fair in Yuanmingyuan Park Wednesday.
Footage shows people sampling the food, drinks and handicrafts on offer at the many stalls, as well as taking photos and skating on the frozen water.
“We noticed the temple fair is back, so immediately we planned to bring our child to come,” said one visitor.
It marks the first time the event has been held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My biggest feeling about attending the temple fair is that it is very busy, crowded, and full of joy. We haven’t experienced this kind of event for years, so we are really happy to be back to this kind of life,” explained another.
Temple fairs, usually held around the Chinese New Year, originated as traditional religious gatherings when vendors would congregate near temples and serve pilgrims who came to pay tribute to the gods.
Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, has been used for celebrations since the days of the 18th Century Qianlong Emperor. It is seen as a unique example of the period’s royal architecture.
04:47Hundreds of tourists and locals were seen at Beijing’s traditional temple fair in Yuanmingyuan Park Wednesday.
Footage shows people sampling the food, drinks and handicrafts on offer at the many stalls, as well as taking photos and skating on the frozen water.
“We noticed the temple fair is back, so immediately we planned to bring our child to come,” said one visitor.
It marks the first time the event has been held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My biggest feeling about attending the temple fair is that it is very busy, crowded, and full of joy. We haven’t experienced this kind of event for years, so we are really happy to be back to this kind of life,” explained another.
Temple fairs, usually held around the Chinese New Year, originated as traditional religious gatherings when vendors would congregate near temples and serve pilgrims who came to pay tribute to the gods.
Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, has been used for celebrations since the days of the 18th Century Qianlong Emperor. It is seen as a unique example of the period’s royal architecture.