As Beijing residents welcome the Year of the Horse this February 2026, the capital's streets and historic sites come alive with time-honored Lunar New Year celebrations blending ancient customs with modern vitality. From frosty outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural showcases, here are three authentic experiences defining this year's festivities.
Glide Through History at Shichahai Ice Rink
Locals continue their decades-old tradition of ice skating at the iconic Shichahai lakes, where temporary rinks now accommodate both seasoned skaters and first-timers. Families cluster around vintage ice chairs and bicycles, their laughter echoing across the frozen expanse where emperors once held winter ceremonies.
Temple Fairs: Sensory Feasts of Tradition
The Ditan Park Temple Fair currently draws crowds with sugar painting artisans crafting edible zodiac animals over bubbling bronze pots. Nearby, games like touhu (pitch pot) challenge participants to throw arrows into narrow-necked vessels – a 2,000-year-old pastime revived for modern revelers.
Coins and Community at Longtan Park
At Longtan Lake Park's annual fair, the metallic clang of da qian yan (hitting copper coins) mixes with the aroma of sizzling jianbing crepes. Elderly Beijingers teach children how to strike suspended coins for good fortune, preserving folk customs through intergenerational exchange.
These living traditions, currently unfolding across Beijing until the Lantern Festival on March 3, offer visitors unique insights into China's cultural heritage while supporting local artisans and community bonds.
