The temple fair is a social gathering in China. Legend has it that it originated in ancient times when people offered sacrifices to village deities, and the ritual's location gradually evolved into a marketplace for people to exchange products as well as stage cultural performances.

At a temple fair, people worship the gods and pray for blessings while enjoying the festivities. Traditional shows such as xiangsheng (cross talk), banner shows, kung fu shows and lion dances all are staple features of the fair.

Beijing's temple fairs, which originated during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125 AD), are a part of celebrating the arrival of spring, and so, have evolved into part of the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities.

The following is the guide to the temple fairs in Beijing during the upcoming Spring Festival this year.

Temple of the Earth Fair.