Beijing visitors ring in Spring Festival at Ditan Park Temple Fair

At the park's west gate, a red archway bearing auspicious greetings welcomed visitors into a lantern-lined avenue. Cartoon sculptures of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals stood along the walkway, creating a lively backdrop for photos.

This year's fair included seven grand gateway displays, six themed pathways and more than a dozen festive installations drawing on traditional auspicious symbols and classic Chinese cultural elements such as phoenixes, horses and Chinese knots.

Several photo spots featured wordplay blessings drawn from popular expressions, like "Become Lucky Immediately" — a phrase that works in Chinese because "immediately" sounds like "on horseback" — proving a hit with visitors.

Two children pose for photos with festive decorations at the 38th Ditan Park Temple Fair in Beijing, Feb. 17, 2026. [Photo by Li Congrong/China.org.cn]