With the Chinese New Year approaching, fish is an essential part of the New Year's Eve dinner table. The Chinese character for fish “鱼” is the homophone with the Chinese character “余”, which means "surplus". In fact, old Beijingers not only like to eat fish but also love to raise fish. The canopy with fish tank and pomegranate tree is a standard feature in the courtyard. Here's a list of places to go during the Spring Festival in Beijing that have something to do with fish. Wish you all a happy Year of the Tiger in advance.

1.Goldfish Hutong

In the bustling city center, there is a hutong named after the goldfish - Goldfish Hutong. The hutong is 567 meters long, starting from Dongdan North Street in the east and ending at Wangfujing Street in the west, connected to Xiaowei Hutong in the south and adjacent to Xitangzi Hutong in the north. In fact, there are no goldfish in Goldfish Hutong. It is said that there were many gold and silver jewelry stores here during the Ming Dynasty, so it was named "Gold and Silver Hutong" and later called "Goldfish Hutong".

During the Spring Festival holiday, those who plan to go shopping in Wangfujing can choose to take the newly opened Metro Line 8 and get off at Goldfish Hutong Station. The colorful mural of the station with gold fish moving is vivid and has a good meaning of good luck and prosperity.

Address: Goldfish Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

2. Tanzhe Temple's Stone Fish

Tanzhe Temple is located at the foot of Tanzhe Mountain in the Mentougou District, and is a good place for people to pray for good fortune during the Spring Festival. There is a popular proverb that "first there is Tanzhe Temple, then there is Beijing City". There is a stone fish hanging on the porch in front of the Hall of Dragon King in the temple, which is one of the four treasures of Tanzhe Temple. People like to touch it to pray for peace and health. In addition, if you come to Tanzhe Temple to pray for good fortune and worship the God of Wealth, we recommend the West Guanyin Cave and the Hall of the God of Wealth.

Address: Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou District, Beijing

Where to buy goldfish in Spring Festival?

During the Qing Dynasty, emperors and dignitaries used to enjoy fish as a pleasure. Every summer and autumn, many parks and scenic spots in Beijing launch special exhibitions of the palace goldfish. People can view fish in “the wooden sea” and learn about goldfish culture.

Although it is not yet the best season to enjoy goldfish, there are some good places to buy goldfish, such as the Xin Guangyuan Pet Market, Guangyuan Craft Market and Shilihe Pet Market. You can use the goldfish to decorate your home in advance to welcome the arrival of the Year of the Tiger.

Where to eat fish during Chinese New Year?

It' s a must to try the authentic palace style dishes in Beijing for Chinese New Year. Located in Beihai Park, the Weishan Restaurant was founded in 1925 by the former imperial chef of the Qing Dynasty Imperial Kitchen. Here you can try the crispy sea bass with a charred exterior and tender interior, as well as palace snacks such as Eight Treasures Tofu, Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions, Steamed Corn Bread, and Kidney Bean Rolls.

For those who plan to drive to the suburbs of Beijing, you can also go to the fishing street in Xiwengzhuang Town on the south bank of Miyun Reservoir, where a whole street is filled with the fresh smell of fish.