Qixi Festival: China’s Celebration of Women — and Love

Qixi Festival: China’s Celebration of Women — and Love

We previously told you about 520, the Chinese "modern" Valentine's Day, but did you know about the Qixi Festival (七夕节), the traditional Chinese Valentine's Day?

It is one of China’s most romantic traditional holidays. Celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, which usually corresponds to August on the Gregorian calendar, it originates from a beautiful legend of love between a cowherd and a weaver girl.

For professionals working or doing an internship in China or those simply interested in Chinese culture, understanding Qixi Festival can provide deeper insights into local traditions and social customs. In this article, we explore the history, significance, and modern celebrations of Qixi!

The Legend Behind Qixi Festival

The festival is based on the legend of Niulang (牛郎, the Cowherd) and Zhinü (织女, the Weaver Girl). According to the tale:

Zhinü, the goddess of weaving, fell in love with Niulang, a mortal cowherd.
They married and lived happily until the Jade Emperor (or Zhinü’s mother, the Queen Mother of the West) separated them, placing them on opposite sides of the Milky Way (Silver River, 银河).
Once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, magpies form a bridge (鹊桥, Magpie Bridge) allowing the lovers to reunite for a single night.

This touching story symbolizes eternal love, devotion, and the overcoming of obstacles—a theme that resonates deeply in Chinese culture.

Traditional Customs & Celebrations

Historically, Qixi was a day for young women to pray for wisdom and skill in needlework, as Zhinü was the goddess of weaving. Some traditional activities included:

Praying for Skills (乞巧, Qǐqiǎo) – Women would showcase their embroidery and crafting skills.
Making Wishes – Young girls prayed for a good husband, while couples wished for lasting love.
Offering Fruits & Flowers – People left offerings to Zhinü and Niulang.
Stargazing – Couples would look for Vega (Zhinü) and Altair (Niulang) in the night sky.

Modern Qixi Celebrations in China

Today, Qixi Festival has evolved into China’s equivalent of Valentine’s Day, with romantic gestures and commercial promotions. Common modern practices include:

Exchanging Gifts – Chocolates, flowers (especially roses), and jewelry are popular.
Romantic Dinners – Restaurants offer special couple menus.
Shopping & Discounts – E-commerce platforms (like Taobao, JD.com) run Qixi sales.
Couple Activities – Many visit temples, watch love-themed movies, or take short trips.

Why Qixi Matters for Expats & Professionals in China

For foreigners working in China, recognizing Qixi Festival can help:

Build relationships – Sending small gifts or greetings to Chinese colleagues or partners can foster goodwill.
Understand local culture – Knowing the legend behind Qixi makes conversations more meaningful.
Navigate promotions – Many businesses run Qixi discounts, useful for shopping or marketing strategies.

Conclusion

The Qixi Festival is a beautiful blend of myth, tradition, and modern romance. Whether you’re in China for work, study, or travel, embracing this holiday can deepen your appreciation of Chinese culture.

At SinaCareers, we help professionals navigate life and work in China—stay tuned for more insights on Chinese holidays, business etiquette, and career opportunities!

七夕节快乐! Happy Qixi Festival!

Would you like us to cover more Chinese festivals or workplace customs? Let us know in the comments!

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Qixi Festival: China’s Celebration of Women — and Love

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