Spring Festival in China is a must-do on anyone’s list. I was a little miffed before about not having any real plans (a week off from work is an excellent time to go somewhere!), but now I’m really glad I stayed put in China.

This has been one of my favorite weeks in China so far, and I’m not sure if there’s another occasion that could top it. I don’t think it’s entirely because I got off work and there are fewer people, either. I mentioned the holiday spirit earlier, which makes the city more enjoyable. I’m back in Beijing now, and we’ve been hitting up the miao huis, or temple fairs, which are traditional Spring Festival events that are like local/state fairs and carnivals back in the U.S. They’re incredibly like them, in fact — the usual games, food, rides and random stuff to buy. Lots of people, but lots of fun, too.

Head on over to the photo gallery for snapshots.