August 19 marks the Qixi Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh month on the traditional Chinese calendar. Often referred to as Chinese Valentine’s Day, the festival originates from the romantic legend of the cowherd Niulang and the weaver girl Zhinü, who are separated by the Milky Way and reunited once a year across a bridge of magpies. While young women traditionally prayed for dexterity and a good marriage on this day, modern celebrations have evolved to include flowers, gifts and romantic dinners, giving a boost to the hospitality, catering and tourism sectors.
