Performers of ‘beast stilts’ make their way to an outdoor stage during a Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing. The traditional folk art performance involves two stilt walkers dancing as they wear an outer decorative frame, resembling men riding a beast in myths. —Photo by Reuters

A boy performs during an acrobatic show at the Dongyue Temple fair. Thousands attended temple fairs across the city to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake. —Photo by AP

A Chinese girl hangs a blessing tablet with her wishes for the Lunar New Year at the Dongyue Temple fair. —Photo by AP

A Chinese girl uses a cylinder while performing an acrobatic show at the Dongyue Temple fair. —Photo by AP

A performer balances a pole on her head as she entertains visitors at the Dongyue Temple fair. —Photo by AP

A girl catches a container using bowls balanced on her head as she performs an acrobatic show during a Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing. —Photo by Reuters

Chinese dressed in traditional costumes participate in a performance at the Dongyue Temple fair. —Photo by AP

Visitors burn incense as they pray for good fortune in the new year during a Spring Festival Temple Fair. —Photo by Reuters

A boy looks at a pinwheel after buying it from a street vendor during a Spring Festival Temple Fair. —Photo by Reuters

A performer passes a snake through his nose and mouth during a show at a fair held in the Temple of Earth park in Beijing. —Photo by AFP

A statue of a snake rises above people attending a fair at the Temple of Earth park in Beijing. —Photo by AFP