Visit the lantern show and experience the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Yongning ancient city, Beijing

Caption: The lighting ceremony [Photo by Wang Ran]

On the evening of Jan 30, 'Visit Yongning Ancient City at the Suburb of Beijing and Experience the Strongest Atmosphere of the Chinese New Year' 2019 Beijing Yanqing Yongning Chinese New Year Temple Fair & Lantern Show Lighting Ceremony was launched in Yongning ancient city, Yanqing, Beijing.

On the evening of that day, with the launch of the lighting ceremony, starting from the center Yuhuang Pavilion, lantern bans and light sets were lit in series. Stilts, dragon dance, bamboo hobbyhorse, land boat, and other traditional folklore activities were on display in the sound of gongs and drums. Yongning ancient city showed a festive atmosphere due to this "feast".

Caption: Yuhuang Pavilion decorated by lanterns and lights [Photo by Wang Ran]

With the theme of Expo 2019 Beijing, Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the Spring Festival culture, the lantern show this year has improvement compared with previous shows. Walking along Yanliu Road from west to east and entering Fuqian Street in Yongning, one can see light curtains that heighten the festive atmosphere. The light 'Golden Pig Celebrating New Year' being 6 m high is very adorable, and the arch-shape light '2019 Yongning Chinese New Year Temple Fair' is terrifically shining. In the ancient city, the four streets illuminated by 6700 m light ban, 1200 red lanterns, over 200 festive lanterns, 135 strings of neon lights, and 479 light strings converge into one at imposing Yuhuang Pavilion. On four sides of the pavilion were large-scale light sets themed on Expo 2019 Beijing, Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Spring Festival and traditional culture.

Caption: Yongning ancient city [Photo by Wang Ran]

Apart from the lantern show, Yongning 36 Traditional Handicrafts rally was held near Yuhuang Pavilion. Various traditional handicrafts are on display and have attracted tourists' attention.

As the saying goes, Yongning was built before the Ming Tombs. Yongning City was built in the Ming Dynasty, and it has a history of over 600 years. In 2019, in order to build the Chinese New Year culture brand, Yongning Town is now promoting the civilization practical work. As 'Yongning 36 Traditional Handicrafts Base', Yongning Yueyou Workshop introduced 36 traditional handicrafts to tourists. From Feb 6 to 10, tourists can visit the base from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm. In addition, the workshop has organized hands-on activities from Jan 28 to Feb 20.

It is known that the temple fair will be held till Feb 20. Based on its Chinese New Year custom culture and intangible cultural heritage advantages, the temple fair has featured festive lantern show on display. Moreover, tourists can also participate in the Yongning 36 Traditional Handicrafts Rally, food carnival, and flower fair. Now Yongning is building the brand of cultural activities, and it will provide a special tourism destination for visitors during the Chinese New Year.