Changdian Cultural Temple Fair

Date: From the 1stto 16th day of the lunar January every year

Introduction:

Changdian is situated in the northeast corner of the intersection between the east and west glaze factory (Liulichang), the location of China bookstore, namely the former site of Haiwangcun Park that officially opened in 1917. Thus, Changdian generally refers to Liulichang area.

The first Changdian Temple Fair was held during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, during the Qing dynasty. According to old customs, the period from the first to the fifteenth day (Lantern Festival) of the lunar January was the trading time which was called “open Changdian” and very bustling. During the temple fair, an endless stream of travelers was attracted to Lvzu Shrine in the east side of Haiwangcun where devotees to the Buddha and Taoist priests all gathered together, not to mention the cheerfulness in Haiwangcun. Fire God Temple is a gathering place for jewelry traders, while Wenchang Pavilion and Land Temple are the gathering places for booksellers. Both sides of the road are also filled with stall keepers. In 2001, after disappearing for many years, Changdian Temple Fair became a good place to stroll about during the Spring Festival again, as well as the only temple fair open to the public without the need to buy tickets.

Activity arrangements in 2015

Enjoy the cultural ambience: In Wenshi District, people still have an opportunity to enjoy the high-quality performances of intangible cultural heritage, such as the flower-show performance and the shouts of street vendors in old Peking. The flower-show performance has thirteen different items with dynamic sound of drums and dancing banners. In addition, the traditional craftsmanship and skills deeply beloved by the people will also come in time annually. People can participate in the trade fairs of Chinese paintings and calligraphy in the courtyard of China Bookstore, New Year pictures from various regions and products of the float representing intangible cultural heritage. Exhibitions include the Huzhou writing brush produced by Daiyuexuan, Ruguzhai one-brushstroke sheep, paper cuts from paper cutting workshop as well as the special activities held by many merchants of the glaze factory.

Treasure evaluation: On the third day of the lunar January, visitors can carry their collections to receive free identification and valuation by famous heritage experts. By then, the time-honored brand shops of the glaze factory will showcase traditional craftsmanship and skills. People can participate in the trade fairs of Chinese paintings and calligraphy in the patio of China Bookstore, New Year pictures from various regions and products of the float representing intangible cultural heritage. Also the exhibition of Huzhou writing brush produced by Daiyuexuan, Ruguzhai one-brushstroke sheep, Jiguzhai rubbings, Rongbaozhai wood-block printing, purple clay teapots from the art gallery, “clay figurine Zhang” making, paper cuts from paper cutting workshop as well as the special activities held by many merchants of the glaze factory.

Interactive Game: Games include “Step on sesame” implies “shooting up higher and higher like sesame flowers” and “everlasting peace year after year”; write good wishes and blessings on the “Dream of China” blessing wall; touch the surface of the doornail studded with brass in the hope ofdispelling all kinds of diseases and asking for good luck. Many blessing activities with profound meaning in Changdian Temple Fair attract the public to participate continually.

Practical information

Holdingdate: February 19-February 23 in 2015

(Lunar New Year’s Day to the fifth day of the lunar January)

Opening hours of the 2015 Beijing Changdian Temple Fair:

Daily opening time: 8:30; closing time: 16: 30

Stop selling tickets at 16: 00.

Ticket price: The glaze factory in Wenshi District is open for free. Taoranting Park in folk customs area charges for ticket at the price of 10yuan (according to usual practice, the annual and monthly ticket is invalid).

Bus route:

South Gate of Taoranting Park: Bus No122; 458; 53; 692; 741; 800; 927; 997; Te3; Y 102 (Te means special)

North Gate of Taoranting Park: Bus No40

Taoran Bridge North: Bus No102; 106; 14; 343; 603; 613; 66; 70; (special) 5

Subway line for 2015 Beijing Changdian Temple Fair: TaorantingStation on Beijing Subway line 4

Consulting Tel: 0086-01063159837