Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_lanterns,_Spring_Festival,_Ditan_Park_Beijing_.JPG Author: Paul Louis
Di Tan Park or Park of the Temple of Earth is a park on the northern part of Beijing. Di Tan, or Temple of Earth, is one of the five venues in Beijing where the Ming emperors instituted imperial sacrifices.
The most famous venue for imperial sacrifices is the Temple of Heaven, on the south of Beijing. The other temples are located at the city's cardinal points: the Temple of Earth to the north, the Temple of the Sun (Ri Tan) to the east, the Temple of the Moon (Yue Tan) to the west, and the Temple of Land and Grain (Sheji Tan) at the centre.
Di Tan Park is a venue for temple fairs which take place during the Chinese New Year celebrations every year. The fair commemorates ancient rites performed at Di Tan Park to welcome in spring and appease the gods.