Ditan Temple Fair

Background

The Temple of Earth was built in 1530, the ninth year of the Ming Jiajing reign, as the site where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to the Earth on the summer solstice. Since 1985 it has hosted a temple fair every Spring Festival. The signature event is a re-enactment of the Qing-dynasty Earth sacrifice, staged every morning during the New Year period in past years, recreating the emperor praying for good weather and a plentiful harvest. Several stages take turns with national intangible-heritage acts such as the Cangzhou lion dance, Gaizhou stilt walking and Weifeng gong-and-drum troupes, along with Chinese opera, and the park is lined with traditional snack stalls. The 2026 theme was "Chinese New Year · Rites and Music".

Local customs

• Watch the re-enacted Qing Earth sacrifice
• see intangible-heritage performances such as the Cangzhou lion dance, Gaizhou stilt walking and Weifeng drumming, plus opera
• try traditional snacks

Travel tips

• The fair is held during the Lunar New Year, with the schedule announced each year
• in past years it has run from about the first to the seventh day of the first lunar month (February 17 to 23 in 2026). Temple of Earth Park is on Andingmen Outer Street in Dongcheng District, within walking distance of the Yonghegong and Andingmen metro area
• crowds are heavy during the holiday, so you may want to avoid peak times. Tickets and transport arrangements are subject to official announcements.

2027 schedule

• The 2027 Spring Festival falls on February 6
• the fair usually runs from about the first to the seventh day of the lunar year, with exact dates pending official announcement.