Festival · 节日

Qixi · Chinese Valentine's (七夕)

Lovers reunite across the Milky Way.

Qixi (七夕, "evening of sevens") is the Chinese Valentine's Day. The legend tells of a weaver girl (织女) and a cowherd (牛郎), separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this night, when magpies form a bridge across the stars.

When does Qixi · Chinese Valentine's fall?

• 2026 — Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (2026年8月19日)
• 2027 — Sunday, August 8, 2027 (2027年8月8日)
• 2028 — Saturday, August 26, 2028 (2028年8月26日)

Traditions

Praying for skill (乞巧)

Young women historically prayed to Zhinü for needlework skill and a good marriage; thread a needle by moonlight and your wish takes flight.

Modern dates

Today couples exchange flowers, chocolate, and dinner reservations — a Chinese-flavored Valentine's Day.

Common questions

What date is Qixi 2026?

Qixi 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (lunar 7/7).

Is Qixi the only Chinese Valentine's Day?

It's the most well-known, but Lantern Festival (lunar 1/15) was historically also a romantic occasion when young people could mingle freely under the lanterns.