China celebrates their New Year a bit later than the rest of the world. This year, it was from January 23 through January 30, 2001. Yes, the whole country shuts down.

My Ayi (Chinese for maid), gave me tickets to the Templefest. What the hay! Let's go. It was mainly a food and trinket fest but Longtan Park looks like it might be a great summer hangout. Here, the lake is frozen solid.

The huddling masses. The booths lined the sidewalk from one end of the lake to the other. Each sold food or trinkets...the ones they give as prizes at your local carnival.

There were a few kiddie rides which are commonplace in Beijing's parks. If you look through the trees, you can see a human powered monorail...heavy technology!