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Travel Feature Volume 8 Welcome the Winter Season of Beijing

北京市旅游发展委员会 Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development A Guide to Beijing’s Winter Events A Guide to Beijing’s Winter Events

Highlights

The Sights of New Year Celebration An Insider’s Guide to Beijing New Year Countdown Event the Winter of Beijing The Trips to Temple Fairs Ditan Temple Fair, Changdian Temple Fair, Hongluo Temple Fair, In the winter of Beijing, a sizzling breakfast of Douzhi, Jiaoquan, and a Beijing-Tianjin- Sports Culture and Tourism Temple Fair steamy deep-fried dough cake with sugar make the perfect start for the The Fun of Winter Sports day; followed by a trip to the , capturing the breathtaking Wukesong’s Ice World Sports Land, Beijing Olympic scenery of the palace after the first snow of the season. Shortly after a Forest Park JF Dry Ski Slope delicious instant-boiled mutton lunch at Donglaishun, we would take a detour to the , experiencing the early atmosphere of The Taste of Winter Delicacies

Beijing . Thereafter a day of exploring the city in the Beijing Mutton Hot Pot, Zhizi Barbeque, Traditional snacks winter, a hot spring bath sets the perfect mood for us to prepare the New Year celebrations, experiencing old Beijing folk culture with a variety of The Experience of Winter Entertainment

temple fairs. This is how we welcome the winter season of Beijing. Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival, Yanqing “Great Wall Iron Flower,” Hot spring bath

The Winter-themed Route of Beijing

2 3 The Sights of New Year Celebration The Sights of New Year Celebration

In the blink of an eye, twelve months have gone by and the New Year is upon us. Since 2011, famous The Sights of attractions of Beijing such as , , Great Wall, Olympic Celebration Square, Imperial Ancestral Temple, Olympic Park, and , have been served as New Year Celebration the stages of 7 consecutive New Year countdown events. Consequentially, Beijing has quickly emerged as one of the most reputable destinations in the world for New Year countdown celebrations, declaring the prime status of tourism in Beijing. Under Beijing’s contagious ambience spread from the ice and snow festivities, with the presence of all these incredible performances and the company of loved ones, following by the ringing of the bell, let us welcome the New Year!

4 5 The Sights of New Year Celebration The Sights of New Year Celebration

2016 2012 New Year Countdown New Year Countdown

The 2016 Beijing New Year countdown was held On December 31, 2011, Beijing organized the first at the Imperial Ancestral Temple with the theme official New Year countdown celebration at Temple of “Golden Dream, Happy Beijing.” Projecting the of Heaven, synchronized with fellow international grand landscape of the ancient Central Axis on a cities such as New York, London, and Paris. The large-scale display, led the audience to comprehend integration of iridescent spotlight and festive the immense change Beijing has undertaken for the atmosphere brought forward by the arrival of past centuries. Instead of traditional firecracker New Year, created a romantic aura for the solemn and fireworks, organizers opted for an eco-friendly, Temple of Heaven. With the countdown of 3, 2, high-tech light show extravaganza, glossing the and 1, the New Year’s bell in 2012 rang in a happy ceremonious Imperial Ancestral Temple a new color and peaceful atmosphere! of celebration and modernity.

2014 2018 New Year Countdown New Year Countdown

“3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!” With the cheers of the On December 31, 2017, the opening ceremony of the crowd and the laser light show flashing on the Beijing Ice and Snow Culture Tourism Festival and Badaling Great Wall, was the ringing of 2014 New 2018 Beijing New Year Countdown Event was jointly Year’s bell. The dazzling laser light illuminates the held in Yongdingmen, Beijing. Yongdingmen Tower night sky from the watchtowers of the Badaling was transformed into a large-scale display to showcase Great Wall, manifesting the shape of a shining Beijing landmarks and cultural features. Slides and dragon, reposing on the mountains. On December slides of the historic landscape of the gorgeous Central 31, 2013, the 2014 Beijing New Year countdown was Axis, accompanied by the countdown indication on the held at the world cultural heritage, Badaling Great screen, the cheers from the audience culminated in bell Wall, with the theme of “Flying Your Dreams and ringing of 2018 on the Central Axis. Blessing the World.”

6 7 The Trips to Temple Fairs The Trips to Temple Fairs

The Trips to Temple Fairs

Visiting temple fairs during Chinese New Year is a folk custom that has been followed by Beijing locals for many years, it is also an iconic scene of Chinese New Year in Beijing. Traversing the streets of Beijing is a sea of redness, from doors, walls, lanterns, and windows to the festive couplets and firecrackers, all covered in red. Temple fairs during Chinese New Year are where you can genuinely feel the legacy, custom and the intangible cultural heritage of Beijing, take a piece of the festive souvenir with you.

8 9 The Trips to Temple Fairs The Trips to Temple Fairs

Ditan Temple Fair Longtan Lake Temple Fair

Visiting the Ditan Temple Fair during the Chinese New Year has been The most distinctive feature of the Longtan Lake Temple Fair is a tradition of Beijingers for years. The fair is famed for its authentic “Treading the Street.” Follow the southern path of Xizhaosi and atmosphere of old Beijing’s traditional customs; some may even enter the north gate of the park, you will be showered by the view say the sight of the fair is a modern depiction of “Along the River of people dancing along the lake, folk performing arts, flower During the Qingming Festival” and Chinese carnival. From New Year exhibition, automobile exhibition, book market and a snack street of shopping fair, playing diabolo, the of tricks and vocal Beijing. The composition of the fair is meticulously designed for your mimicry to the Ditan Temple Fair’s exclusive performance from the pleasure, and you can even practice your chess skills with Beijing , portraying the king praying for peace for the nation. locals at this lively fair.

Address: Ditan Park Address: Phone: +86-10-64214657 Phone: +86-10-67144336 Website: http://www.dtpark.com/

Changdian Temple Fair Lotus Pond Temple Fair

Changdian Temple Fair is one of the eight major temple fairs in The Lotus Pond Temple Fair is a grand traditional folk event of Beijing history, and it is also one of the largest and most authentic and the ethnic Han people that integrates commerce, tourism, beliefs, prestigious. In the eyes of the old Beijingers, the Changdian Temple entertainment, folk culture, and arts. The folk arts and crafts Fair embodies one thing - “strolling.” The Beijing traditional flower exhibitions and sales area have been a prominent highlight of the festival, the old Beijing photo exhibition and the “Xunzi” exhibition, fair for years. In here, you will find all sorts of crafts and intangible the old Tianqiao performance, Beijing opera, and other traditional heritage practiced by the Han people, including facial makeup in repertoire performances, and last but not least, a reputable discount Peking operas, Beijing clay figurine, sugar-figure blowing, and book market, etc. The fair allows visitors to stroll through the side copperplates. Also, you will discover distinctive folk custom features of Beijing that is bathed in culture, unique art forms and traditions. here, exemplifying the old Beijing custom with snacks, performances, the unique atmosphere, and flower exhibition.

Address: Phone: +86-10-63511596 Address: Lotus Pond Park Website: http://www.trtpark.com/ Phone: +86-10-63982357

10 11 The Trips to Temple Fairs The Trips to Temple Fairs

Hongluo Temple Fair Tongzhou Yunhe Fair

The Hongluo Temple Fair is the perfect hybrid of folk culture, Tongzhou Yunhe Fair congregates all the delicacies of the Canal traditional festival, temple culture, and wellness, therefore launches from the six provinces of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, the New Year celebration event consists of “Five Fu”. Here, you can and Zhejiang, showcasing the Canal’s intangible cultural heritage participate in a wide range of authentic Buddhist activities, praying with on-site demonstrations and productions. A trip to Tongzhou and ringing in the New Year. Yunhe Fair will make you feel as though you have experienced the modernity of Beijing and Tianjin, the customs of Hebei, the culture and scenery of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Address: Huairou Hongluo Temple Phone: +86-10-60681175 Address: Tongzhou Yunhe Park

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Sports Culture Yanqing City Yongning: and Tourism Temple Fair Spring Lantern Festival

Beijing International Sculpture Park is the largest sculpture theme Yongning Town shines like a dazzling pearl in Beijing. Its unique park in Beijing. It is like a vivid picture that conveys the concept cultural resources have turned new year festival fascinating in this of ‘Humanistic Olympics.’ The temple fair mainly displays the ancient town. You can experience the best Beijing’s new year festival intangible cultural heritage and works from the Beijing-Tianjin- here with an excellent showcase of colored lanterns, farm market Hebei region. of Yanqing and interesting activities, which include lanterns making and lantern riddle guessing.

Address: No. 2, Shijingshan Road, Shijingshan , Beijing Address: Yongning Ancient City, Yanqing District, Beijing

12 13 The Fun of Winter Sports The Fun of Winter Sports

Apart from experiencing the traditional customs of Beijing by visiting temple fairs, one of the The Fun of Winter Sports biggest highlights of exploring Beijing in winter is winter sports. As Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is gradually approaching, numerous indoor and outdoor winter sports venues and carnivals are launched to promise visitors an exciting winter in Beijing, in order to experience the charm of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in advance.

14 15 The Fun of Winter Sports The Fun of Winter Sports

Wukesong’s Ice World Sports Land Vanke Shijinglong Ski Resort (the biggest ice park in Asia)

Designed by Japanese experts with advanced technology, the services Wukesong’s Ice World Sports Land occupies an area of 15,000 square and the range of facilities are unrivaled in the region of North meters, including a 1,800 square meters ice rinks built according . Its unique ice sauna and hot spring facilities, are perfect to the international ice hockey project standards, a 600 square for the skiers and visitors to eliminate any sore and muscle pain meters of ice bumping yards, a 150 meters slide, and a 10 meters after intensive exercises. With its state-of-the-art resort artificial high ice slide. It is currently the largest outdoor ice rink in Asia. In snowfall equipment, layout, and construction of the facility, Vanke addition to skating events, there are various cultural performances, Shijinglong Ski Resort is definitely out of the world. ice carnivals, ice ballet performances, artistic creativity sections, specialty goods, and Dutch local cultural events. Address: North of Zhongyangfang Village, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District, Beijing Address: Wukesong Sports Culture Plaza, , Beijing Phone: +86-01-69191614 Phone: +86-10-80440967

Beijing Nanshan Ski Village

Beijing Olympic Forest Park JF Dry Ski Slope It is currently the largest ski resort in the vicinity of Beijing, with the most advanced facilities and the broadest range of snow Beijing Olympic Forest Park JF Dry Ski Slope occupies an area of trails. It has 10 snow trails in advanced, standard and beginner 20,000 square meters; it is divided into five areas: a public ski area, level, as well as China’s first international standard U veneer a professional ski area, cross-country skiing area, a circular ski trail, trail, veneer platform, and rainbow pole. Moreover, the domestic and a comprehensive leisure service area. It is the largest and most only “cat jump” trail, the first six system snow football field and professional all-season ski resort providing most varieties of ice children’s snow motor are also located in this resort. For more routes for skiers in Asia. entertaining activities, facilities including the German dryland sled, the Canadian snow flying saucer, the South Korean sledge,

Address: South Park, Olympic Forest Park, and the American snow mountain hang gliding sport, and last but Chaoyang District, Beijing not least, paragliding facilities for children are served. Phone: +86-10-64529216 Address: Shengshuitou Village, Miyun County, Beijing Phone: +86-01-64450990

16 17 The Taste of Winter Delicacies The Taste of Winter Delicacies

The Taste of Winter Delicacies

The quicker it gets cold, the richer the food cravings. This, is the winter of Beijing.

18 19 The Taste of Winter Delicacies The Taste of Winter Delicacies

Traditional Snacks

Beijing Mutton Hot Pot The sugar-coated haws are the most common traditional snacks in Beijing during winter. Bunched up with bamboo sticks, the hawthorn fruits are covered with a thick layer of sugar icing, making a perfect The best winter feast this season is to sit around and have a sizzling contrast between the sweetness and sourness. instant-boiled mutton hotpot with juicy, tender meats accompanied

by wine. That’s the essence of old Beijing. Baked sweet potatoes have long been a local snack. On a cold winter day, eating a hot potato can bring local Beijingers warmth and Recommended restaurants: happiness. The aroma of baked sweet potatoes on the street is also Donglaishun, Nanmen Hotpot, Jubaoyuan irresistible even when you are miles away from it.

Recommended food: sugar-coated haws, baked sweet potatoes, sugar-fried chestnuts, sesame candies

Zhizi Barbecue

As you grill marinated beef and mutton on a zhizi (Qing-style charcoal brazier), the house will instantly be filled with the aroma of roast meats. It is hard to resist the appetizing taste of freshly cooked roast meats complemented by a bite of sesame bread soaked up in the meaty juices.

Recommended restaurants: Kaorouji, Kao Rou Wan Restaurant, Xijucheng

20 21 The Experience of Winter Entertainment The Experience of Winter Entertainment

The Experience of Following the introduction of winter sports and hearty winter food, it’s time to experience some exclusive winter entertainments in Beijing. From colorful ice lanterns, iron flowers, warm and Winter Entertainment luxurious hot spring to a variety of entertainments, Beijing remains lively and vibrant in winter.

22 23 The Experience of Winter Entertainment The Experience of Winter Entertainment

Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival Beijing Lafayette Castle Hotel

The annual Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival is an ideal event Situated in a 3000-acre theme park, Beijing Lafayette Castle Hotel when you visit Beijing in winter. Like an ice paradise with a 70 is a resort featuring a variety of facilities which include hot springs, meter-high ice waterfall and various ice sculptures, visitors can gardens, banquets and golf courses, complemented by high-end food enjoy excitement and astonishment brought by the wintry scenery. and beverages. Over 90% of its garden is covered by woods, pastures, and waters. As one of the world’s top 50 privately owned castles, it is

Address: Guchengcun, Jiuxianzhen, Yanqing, Beijing like a picturesque dreamland hidden in the capital. Phone: +86-01-69191034 Address: Beijing Lafayette Castle Hotel, Beiqijia Town, , Beijing

Yanqing ‘Changcheng Da Tie Hua Longxi Hot Spring Resort (Strike Iron Flowers)

A five-star resort hotel based around the concept of fashion, health, ‘Changcheng Da Tie Hua’ is a national-level intangible cultural and elegance – Located in an area full of luxury villas, Longxi heritage. It is hailed as the ‘best of folk fireworks,’ as such performers Hotspring Resort overlooks beautiful mountains and waters and throw hot melted iron on walls to make sparks like metal fireworks, owns scenic golf courses that cover thousands of acres. There are creating an impressive feast for the eyes. in total 41 hot spring pools in which different pools have distinctive purposes, such as pools with functions that accelerate whitening and Address: Performance Area of ‘Changcheng Da Tie Hua’, skincare, detoxification and beautification. Yanqing, Beijing Phone: +86-01-69181568 Address: Pangezhuang, , Beijing

24 25 The Winter-themed Route of Beijing The Winter-themed Route of Beijing

72 hours in Beijing – 48 hours in Beijing – Chinese New Year in Beijing Hutong Maze

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 1 DAY 2

’anmen Square ・ Badaling Great Wall ・ Chinese Ancient Culture Museum ・ Tian’anmen Square ・ ・ Badaling Great Wall ・ Palace Museum ・ Ice and Snow Carnival ・ Temple of Heaven ・ Forbidden City ・ Street ・ Summer Palace ・ Prince Gong’s Mansion ・ New Year Temple Fair ・ Summer Palace ・ Prince Gong’s Mansion ・ Hand-painted Rabbit Clay ・ Exterior of Sculptures Experience ・ Shichahai Historical and ・ Olympic Park ・ Tsinghua University / ・ National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), Cultural Scenic Area (Exterior) National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) ・ National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube)

26 27 The Winter-themed Route of Beijing The Winter-themed Route of Beijing

What is your impression of winter in Beijing? Whether it is the pristine and solemn Forbidden City covered with white snow, fascinating winter sports, the excitement of countdown to the New Year’s Eve or a soothing hot spring under a beautiful starry night, we sincerely invite you to experience a different Beijing and share some wonderful moments together this winter!

28 29 Contact us Contact us

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30 31 胡同四合院酒店

32 Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development