Festivals and Events
-
Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival
A fair way out from the city centre, but worth a visit. Try your hand at ice-fishing or one of numerous other ice or snow sports, and finish off the day marvelling at the intricately carved ice sculptures and ice lanterns on display.
-
Spring Festival (Chun Jie)
Otherwise known as the Chinese New Year. If you’re thinking of visiting at this time, one traveller advises: “Book your room well in advance, don’t expect to get much business done and sit tight until the chaos is over!”
-
Classic car rally
From Hong Kong to Beijing over a two-week period.
http://www.hongkong-beijing.com -
Qingming Festival
Originally a day to celebrate the renewal of life in springtime. Later it became a day to remember the dead. In Tiananmen Square, children lay wreaths and flowers in memory of those who gave their lives for the revolution.
-
Dragon Boat Festival
Commemorating the death of a 3rd Century BC poet-statesman who drowned himself to protest against the corrupt government. Boat races at several venues.
-
Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese Communist Party
A holiday which also celebrates China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong.
-
Moon Festival
Also known as the mid-autumn festival, it’s one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese.
-
Christmas in Beijing
Not a religious holiday observed by many Chinese. It is, however, becoming a phenomenally popular commercial holiday and there’ll be all manner of decorations and events.
Theatre, Cinema and Opera
Acrobatics are a traditional form of street theatre in China, with special performances at Spring Festival (New Year) fairs. It’s also an important element in Beijing Opera and in many Chinese martial arts. Most regular acrobatics shows in Beijing are performed by young students, including children. Venues include the Chaoyang Theatre, the Universe Theatre and the Wansheng Theatre. Beijing Opera has existed for more than 200 years and is widely recognised as the highest expression of Chinese culture. Some of the best-known opera venues are: Chang’an Theatre, Huguang Guildhall and Liyuan Theatre. Short performances are also held at the Palace of Prince Gong (Gong Wang Fu), but generally for tour groups only. Beijing has close to a dozen orchestras, several of which maintain regular concert seasons. Despite the number of pirated DVDs on the streets, Beijing still has many cinemas. Most have morning, matinee and evening shows. Foreign films are usually dubbed into Chinese.
Museums and Galleries
There are museums and galleries of all sizes and interests across the city. Some are tiny with few items exhibited and others are so large it’s somewhat overwhelming. Many treasures have been looted or destroyed over the turbulent years of Chinese history, but many discoveries in the past 25 or so years have added greatly to the government's treasures. The museums are tucked away in nearly every historical venue in Beijing. They cover all aspects of China’s history and revolution as well as its architecture and geology. In recent years art galleries have sprung up all over the city as the population becomes more and more affluent, giving young Chinese artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. For an overview of the best of Chinese art, visit the newly renovated China National Art Gallery.
For Children
Beijing can be tough for kids – lots of long meals, long taxi rides and long walks through ancient sites full of staring crowds. And, as friendly as Beijingers are towards children, the city itself is by no means child-friendly – the grassy areas in parks are generally off limits and playgrounds are difficult to come by. But children in need of a break can let off steam year-round at Fundazzle, a former Olympic-size indoor swimming pool that has been converted into a large playland. The Blue Zoo Aquarium has a moving platform that takes viewers through tunnels that bisect the fish tanks. Outdoors, there’s the Beijing Zoo and boating on one of Beijing’s lakes (particularly pleasant in Beihai Park). Puppet shows can be seen at the China Puppet Theatre, while those with a scientific bent might enjoy the Science and Technology Museum or the Sona Explora Science Centre.
