On Tuesday, I went with three other students and one of the fourth year teachers to Yonghe (Lama) Temple, which is a very important temple to a specific sect of Buddhism. The road to the temple was lined with small shops selling incense (to be used in the temple). We bought a box. The temple consists of five halls and five courtyards each with different shrines. There are large fires burning outside to light the incense, then you pray and then throw the incense into the fire. The place was quite fragrant and smoky, but very interesting. there were a few real monks, but most everyone were tourists. After progressing through the five halls and courtyards, we had used up the box of incense. ( There is a rule that if you use five sticks of incense in the first courtyard, you must use the smae amount is each successive courtyard, or else bad luck.)
After visiting the temple three of us went to Ditan Park (地坛公-temple of earth) for the Spring festival festivities. Honestly, I think it was the most people I've ever seen in one smallish space. there was hardly room to walk and if you were seperated from your family/friends, there was no hope. We didn't stay long because it was so cold and crowded, but it was fun to look at the over the top decorations, all red of course. they had many of the games one would find at a circus, with large stuffed animal prizes and cotton candy. Also the river nearby was completely frozen, so people were walking on it.
As a side note, I heard (from Chinese person) that it hasn't percepitated here in three months!
And: the fireworks are still going. still. during the daytime and night time; it almost sounds like the city is under attack.