A New Year Temple Fair

So this is where all the people are during Chun Jie.

After those first few days during a long holiday, most people get stir-crazy and we hit that moment after three days. So on Sunday, we decided to do as the locals do and visit a temple fair, which is something many Chinese do during the spring festival.

Scott entering Ditan Park's temple fair.

The tradition apparently began back in the day when Buddhists and Taoists made treks to temples during important holidays, and local business vendors would come sell snacks and goods to those making the pilgrimage. Now these celebrations, which still take place near temples, have evolved into full-blown carnivals.

Look similar? Stuffed animals ready for the lucky winners.

As we were walking along, we spotted these three giant bears, won by some happy festival goers. You literally couldn't see the people behind the stuffed animals until they started walking. 

Life-size teddy bears.

Getting a bit bear hug.

Instead of a roller coaster, there was a dragon ride, if it could be called that, where actors in colorful costumes carry people around in a makeshift dragon train to pumping beats.

Carried around in a dragon.

Food, of course, played a big role and we ate bao zi (steamed buns), chuanr (kebobs) and churros, which were served with ice cream and chocolate.

Chuanr is one of Scott's favorite new foods.

The crowds made the festival a bit crazy, but we were happy to spend an afternoon as the locals do, during the spring festival.

Throngs of people, lots of stuff to buy.