Beijing's first spring's first sun rays attracted hundreds of people in Ritan Park, where the Temple of the Sun is located, to attend a folk culture festival that allowed people to experience how the imperial family celebrated the spring equinox several centuries ago. /CGTN Photo

The spring equinox, better known as the solar term "Chunfen" in China, has been celebrated across the country since ancient times. /CGTN Photo

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1369-1912), emperors and courtiers held ceremonial rituals at the Temple of the Sun every spring equinox to offer sacrifices to the sun god. /CGTN Photo

On Thursday morning, onlookers were invited to time travel to the past and witness the entire imperial ritual that was once lost after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. /CGTN Photo

The ritual opened with a grand parade, with court musicians playing traditional Chinese musical instruments. /CGTN Photo

The emperor, dressed in red garments in honor of the sun, then entered accompanied by his courtiers, offering prayers, animal sacrifices and wine to the sun god to pray for stability and prosperity of his sovereignty. /CGTN Photo

As the court music drew to a close, the imperial ritual concluded with a ceremonial dance. /CGTN Photo