Temple fairs are a major festive event at the Chinese New Year's time, and the one at the Temple of Earth may be with the longest tradition in Beijing. The last time I was there, as far as I can remember, is when I could still ride on my father's shoulders. This is an opportunity where one can challenge his nerves to understand the Chinese concept of "热闹" (literally "heat and noise", roughly meaning excitement and liveliness) in its extreme.