Moving to Beijing just before the Chinese New Year was like hitting the cultural jackpot! 🎊 We had heard about the festival's importance and how lively it gets—especially since it's on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. The streets were buzzing with dazzling decorations and the aroma of delicious street food filled the air. But honestly, nothing prepared us for the thrilling experience of diving into the celebrations firsthand. By that, I mean attending Beijing's famous Spring Festival temple fairs!
This Saturday, we decided to make the most of our day by mixing our regular shopping routine with visits to two extraordinary temple fairs. The second one was the popular, traditional fair on the well-known Liulichang Cultural Street—a place steeped in history and culture. But what really blew our minds was the first stop: an AI and robotics-themed temple fair in Wukesong! 🤖
Yes, you read that right—a temple fair featuring cutting-edge technology! As we stepped in, we were greeted by robots of all shapes and sizes, interactive AI exhibits, and futuristic performances. It was like stepping into a scene from a sci-fi movie. Think traditional festival vibes meet high-tech innovation. The fusion of age-old customs with modern tech was absolutely mind-bending!
Then, we headed over to Liulichang Cultural Street. The contrast was striking yet equally captivating. Lanterns hung overhead, traditional music played in the background, and artisans showcased their crafts. We tried our hand at calligraphy, tasted some authentic snacks, and soaked in the rich heritage. It felt like we had traveled back in time. ⏳
Experiencing both the futuristic and the traditional sides of Beijing in one day was surreal. It showed us how the city embraces its past while sprinting into the future. If you're ever in Beijing during the Spring Festival, do yourself a favor and check out these temple fairs. It's an adventure you won't forget! 🎉
From robots to ancient art, our first temple fair experience was a rollercoaster of culture and innovation. Can't wait to see what else Beijing has in store! 🚀
Reference(s):
Culture and robots: An expat's first Beijing temple fair experience
cgtn.com
