While traditionally the Spring Festival is about staying home for a family reunion and a sumptuous dinner, taking a trip with family members can also be a nice choice. Here are a few alternative routes for those who would like to try something different this holiday season.

Weixian county, Cheer up for Sparkles

If you don't want to go too far from Beijing, Weixian county at Zhangjiakou in Heibei province can be a gratifying choice.

The old small town has assembled countless well-preserved ancient temples and monasteries, as well as old folk customs

The old small town has assembled countless well-preserved ancient temples and monasteries, as well as old folk customs. But the most famous custom is striking the iron flower. In some ways, it has an equal importance as the fireworks on Tiananmen Square in local people's hearts. After tempering the scrap iron collected by the whole village into iron water, the performer pours hot water onto ramparts with a willow wood spoon. Today, people with such ancient skills are rare.

Traffic: There is no train or bus to take you directly to Weixian from Beijing. You can follow a professional driver to go since the road is slippery in the icy winter.