If you are in Beijing between January and March a visit to Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival in Beijing (the must-see for your China tour deals) is a treat. A magical winter wonderland provides a fun day out for locals and tourists alike at the ice spectacle held annually north of Beijing. Try your hand at ice-fishing, tobogganing, ice-slides, skating or one of numerous other ice or snow sports. There is also a human-sized ice maze to get lost in. Looming spectacularly above all the attractions and activities there is a 230 feet (70m) high frozen waterfall. You can finish off the day by simply marveling at the intricately carved ice sculptures and ice lanterns on display, while fireworks turn the icy gorge into a colourful light show. There is something on offer for all age groups and if you are travelling with kids this makes for a thrilling excursion for the whole family. Longqing is under two hours drive from central Beijing so it is possible to visit just for a day, but, as the ice sculptures are at their most beautiful and magical at night, it is recommended that you overnight in the area to enjoy the full experience.
Admission costs about RMB 100 per person.
Venue: Longqing Gorge in Yanqing County, 56 miles (80km) north of Beijing
2. Great Wall Marathon
The longest man-made structure in the world lends just a small portion of itself for one of the most gorgeous races in the world. Apart from the full marathon, which is approximately 26.2 miles (42km), and half marathon which is about 13.1 miles (21km), there is a Fun Run in which anybody over the age of 12 can participate. Up until 2013 there were two additional races of 3 miles (5km) and 6 miles (10km) each but they have been cancelled in favour of the Fun Run which will go the same route. The race has two basic sections, one on the wall itself (in which you famously climb 5,164 steps!) and one which sees contestants running on reasonably flat terrain through picturesque villages and rice fields. Although much of the Great Wall (don't miss for your China best tours) is very uneven and treacherous in parts, the marathon route is steep but even and well-maintained so that no special shoes are required and injuries should be minimal. There are refreshment stations every few miles giving away water, energy drinks and bananas. Although the section of the wall run is amongst the hilliest of this hilly wall the breathtaking scenery of the Tianjin Province will make it worthwhile. From a scenic point of view it is without a doubt one of the most spectacular marathons in the world.
Venue: Tianjin Province
Date: 18 May 2013
3. Meet in Beijing Arts Festival
Since 2002 the 'Meet in Beijing' Arts Festival has been held annually in and around Beijing city, starting in April/May. 'Meet in Beijing' is a month long arts festival with a programme of theatre, music, dance and art exhibitions which includes artists from all over the world. In 2011 performers came from Cuba, Scotland, Latvia, Poland, Japan and many other countries travelled the Chinese capital to display their talents along with famous Chinese performers. 2012 saw more than 60 art troupes from around the world performing in Beijing. It is touted to be the largest spring cultural event in Asia and, because the festival aims to promote support for the arts, tickets are reasonably inexpensive. Shows are performed in both indoor and outdoor venues including famous scenic spots and buildings like the National Theatre and the Forbidden City. There are also numerous public activities and events to enjoy and arts and crafts markets spring up all over Beijing. The programme is extensive and varied and should provide for all tastes. 'Meet in Beijing' creates a festive and artsy atmosphere making April and May good months to visit Beijing for your travel to China.
Venue: Various venues around Beijing
Date: 28 April to 29 May 2013.
4. Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a famously festive period. In Beijing it is a noisy, colourful (and that's not just the fireworks) and busy occasion. Boys and girls on stilts, life-sized puppets and costumed carousers sing and dance in the streets. Not a whole lot of sleep is possible during this week of celebration. The Eastern Mountain Taoist Temple on the east side of the city hosts the New Year Temple Fair where one can find some respite from the reveling in the main hall, which features a Taoist orchestra playing traditional flutes and pipes.
New Year also starts with a bang in Shanghai, where exuberant and exceedingly loud fireworks displays rock the city all night long on this, China's most merry of celebrations. Not everyone appreciates the scale of the fireworks, but traditionally the noise is necessary to frighten off evil spirits for the coming year. During the national holiday the Bund and clubs throughout the city are thronged with revelers, making for a city-wide party.
All over China there are raucous celebrations over this period and the celebrations make it a truly thrilling time to visit any of the big cities.
Date: 10 - 16 February 2013
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