Most of the temple fairs are daily for at least the first week from about 8 or so to 5 pm or so. The famous one near Ditan Park (that's the one near Lama Temple) gets so packed out that it's nearly impossible to get in. I had to abandon that plan one year in favor of the one on Chaoyangwai at Dongyue Miao, very nice neighborhood-type fair if you are in the near east side.

Yuanmingyuan may or may not happen this year--check the schedule. There are two big ones in the southwest side (west of Temple of Heaven) at Taoranting Park and Grand View Park. So tootling down Line 4 subway to either of those might be a good plan. White Cloud Temple used to have one but some years they forego.

There are also some big fairs out in the suburbs, such as Hongluo Si (Red Snail Temple) near Mutianyu. Grab a hard copy or go online for TheBeijinger, City Weekend, That's Beijing, etc. and see what the latest is.

Nearly all charge entrance of RMB 10 per adult, I think little kids are free. There usually will be carnival type acts (acrobats, plate spinners, etc.), games to win little prizes (toss the rings, etc.), puppet shows, food stalls, vendors doing crafts that you can buy, just a fun atmosphere....and of course at intervals, lion dances. And this year maybe dragon dances.

BTW, hotpot last night was a nice outing. Let us wish a warm welcome to Beijing for lady1964 and Mr. lady1964! And thick earplugs for surviving the upcoming Festival of Noise.

Yes, that was nice, and Hotpot Master certainly lived up to my expectations... light on the wallet too.

Was a good evening & nice to meet some fellow FT'ers ^
Thanks for the welcome JeiJe
How's your hearing today Moondog? :D

Marginally improved, thanks. But, there is no longer stuff coming out of my ear, which pleases me more than the hearing thing.

Sorry that I missed the get-together again - I had to squeeze in a domestic trip at the end of last week after a delay in getting my new residence permit.

I am leaving on Jan 17th for a month (alas though not to warmer climes ...) so will miss any New Year celebration. Best wishes to all in any case for the coming Year of the Dragon!

Can't go wrong with hotpot and beer ;). I might have gotten moondog's bug though, felt achy when I got on my red-eye from PEK last night and arrived in SIN with a scratchy throat. Keeping my fingers crossed for the onward journey to GOI tmr early AM. Bleah.

And yes, welcome to Beijing, lady1964 and mr. Lady1964!

Thanks jiejie, super helpful. The schedules weren't online for 2012 yet when I last looked a couple of days ago, but I will keep my eyes peeled. Yuanmingyuan would be great if it's on, since we can easily walk there! Otherwise, we will venture out a bit more...

tb

What is the Chinese name for Hotpot Master and where is it? Was in Beijing a couple of weeks ago, will try to join the Meet Up next time if in town.

烹大师火锅达人

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17646968-post2.html

We will be in Beijing 8 - 11 March staying at Peninsula. Would love the opportunity to meet up and try some really local dining spot on one evening. Any place that is not frequented by tourists. Seems that the best way for Chinese food is with a group!. Respond by PM or just a post. Thanks

I suppose it is time for another get together, but I find myself at a loss for venue suggestions because I'm not exactly Anthony Bourdain.

You forget that most visitors will be coming to BJ for the first time...so anywhere is new, and anywhere half-way decent is great. And for this west-sider, we've hardly been anywhere (east-sideish) so we're also up for pretty much anything (not too exhorbitant).

So it really comes to what you east-siders would consider a tolerable night out!

tb

I had some foodies visit here around a month ago, and they picked a famous dumpling place just west of Chaoyang Park. While I didn't venture into their purple dumplings, I was pleased by their Kung Pao chicken (I really am that lame, guys), and the total bill was really cheap.

On another note, I'm going to Ciro's Tuesday night (Feb 28). Ciro, himself, is in town, and everything is free between 8 and 10. In theory, tickets are required, but I'm confident that I can get at least 4 of you guys past the velvet rope.

Haven't tried Ciro's yet. I'm interested and available. ;) Let me know if you have a spare ticket. SMS if possible.