The 10 Best Cultural Events in Beijing, China

This ice festival takes place a two-hour car ride northwest of Beijing and is smaller than the more-famous Harbin Ice Festival. Hundreds of ice scupltures from local and foreign artists are on display from mid-January until the end of February every year. These illuminated sculptures reflect an annual theme, and the festival is set against the backdrop of a frozen waterfall. Festival goers can also watch fireworks and folk performances on the central stage, or enjoy slides and ice skating. The area is closed off during most of the season, so the ice festival is the only time to take in winter views of the Longqing Gorge.

The lively Badachu Temple Fair balances a fun New Year celebration with more somber religious and prayer areas, in a nod to the original purpose of temple fairs. This fair is more traditional than others in Beijing, with an abundance of performers in traditional dress and a focus on activities showcasing China’s culture. Visitors can also take in the scenery at Badachu Park, which features multiple temples and monasteries throughout the grounds.

In a bid to put this architectural icon left over from the 2008 Olympic Games to good use, the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing has been transformed into a winter theme park from December to February in recent years. The Ice and Snow festival features winter sports such as skiing on a man-made slope and ice skating, as well as other activities for the whole family. Other attractions are ice bumper cars, sledding, snowball fights, ice castles and stage shows.

The largest park in Beijing, Chaoyang Park, is the site of the yearly Beijing Chaoyang International Spring Carnival, which has been taking place since 2002. Multiple countries from around the world are represented on stage with performances and in merchandise booths. Known for being a family-friendly celebration, children will love the activities and carnival rides just for them. Adults can enjoy the food booths and carnival-style games. Though this is billed an international celebration, visitors who want more Chinese culture will be able to find it in the decorations, souvenir booths and traditional food offerings available.

Many of Beijing’s larger temples hold a Spring Festival celebration, but the Changdian Temple Fair is one of the country’s oldest, dating to the Ming Dynasty. Residents and visitors enjoy entertainment on multiple stages, and performances can be anything from comedy shows to musical events. Held in Taoranting Park since 2011, this temple fair features an abundance of food, from small snacks to larger, more traditional rice dishes. Visitors will delight in the traditional decorations and vendors who sell everything from paintings to calligraphy.