The Qixi Festival (七夕节, Qīxī Jié) is often called Chinese Valentine’s Day. It falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which is at August 29 in 2025. Rooted in the legendary love story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, the Qixi Festival has inspired generations with themes of loyalty, romance, and hope. For kids, Qixi is not only about love but also about discovering Chinese culture, myths, and traditions in a fun and meaningful way. At Wukong Education, we believe cultural stories like Qixi open doors to learning the Chinese language, building vocabulary, and sparking curiosity about the world. This article will guide you to explore Qixi Festival 2025 through stories, traditions, vocabulary, poetry & quotes.
What Is the Chinese Valentine’s Day Qixi Festival?
The Qixi Festival (七夕节), also known as the Double Seventh Festival or Chinese Valentine’s Day, is one of China’s oldest romantic traditions. Its origins trace back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, when people celebrated the magical meeting of two star-crossed lovers—Niulang (the Cowherd) and Zhinu (the Weaver Girl).
While Western Valentine’s Day (February 14) focuses on chocolates, flowers, and romantic dates, Qixi carries a deeper layer of cultural heritage, blending astronomy, mythology, and folk traditions.
According to Wikipedia, Qixi is celebrated as a symbol of devotion and eternal love, making it both a cultural treasure and a perfect festival for kids to learn about Chinese stories and values.
Chinese Valentine’s Day Qixi Festival Dates (2025–2026)
Qixi falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month every year. In 2025, Qixi falls on August 29th. In 2026, Qixi falls on August 19th.
The Qixi Festival Story: The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl
At the heart of Qixi Festival is the timeless legend of Niulang (牛郎, Niú Láng) and Zhinv (织女, Zhī Nǚ).
Long ago, Zhinv, a fairy and skilled weaver in the heavens, grew tired of weaving clouds. She descended to earth, where she met Niulang, a kindhearted cowherd. They fell in love, married, and had two children. However, the Queen Mother of Heaven discovered their union and, angered by a mortal marrying a fairy, separated them.
She drew a vast river of stars, the Milky Way, between the lovers, making it impossible for them to reunite. Heartbroken, Niulang and Zhinv cried until magpies took pity on them. Each year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the magpies form a bridge of wings, the famous “Magpie Bridge” (鹊桥, Què Qiáo)—allowing the lovers to meet for one night.
This story represents devotion, resilience, and the hope of reunion despite hardship. For children, the tale is like a magical bedtime story filled with love, family bonds, and starry skies.
Traditions and Modern Celebrations of Qixi Festival
Traditional Customs Celebrating Chinese Valentine’s Day
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Eating Qiao Pastries (巧果, qiǎo guǒ): Special fried pastries symbolizing skill and happiness.
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Stargazing: Families look for Altair and Vega, telling the story of Niulang and Zhinv.
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Qiqiao Activities (乞巧): Girls once prayed for wisdom, sewing skills, or a happy marriage under the stars.
Modern Celebrations Celebrating Chinese Valentine’s Day
Today, Qixi is often called China’s Valentine’s Day, where couples exchange flowers and gifts. Cities host themed events, and families may share stories, cook special dishes, or make crafts together.
As Time Out explains, the festival bridges tradition and modern romance, similar to Valentine’s Day in the U.S., but with deeper cultural meaning. Families can use the day to bond, blending storytelling, stargazing, and hands-on fun.
Qixi Festival Vocabulary for Kids
Chinese Valentine’s Day Vocabulary Lists with Pinyin
| 中文 | Pinyin | English | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 牛郎 | Niú Láng | Cowherd | The mortal husband in the story |
| 织女 | Zhī Nǚ | Weaver Girl | The fairy wife in the story |
| 鹊桥 | Què Qiáo | Magpie Bridge | The bridge formed by magpies |
| 七夕节 | Qīxī Jié | Qixi Festival | The Double Seventh Festival |
| 爱情 | ài qíng | Love | Theme of the festival |
| 星星 | xīng xing | Star | Represents Niulang and Zhinu meeting in the sky |
Learning vocabulary through stories makes the language memorable and fun. Looking for a fun way to learn Chinese? Try WuKong Chinese classes, made just for kids, taught by real native teachers.
Chinese Valentine’s Day Qixi Festival Poems
Chinese poets have long celebrated Qixi Festival with verses of love and longing. These poems capture the beauty of the stars and the sadness of separation. Sharing them with kids brings language, culture, and emotion together.
1. 《鹊桥仙》· 秦观 (Qín Guān)
“纤云弄巧，飞星传恨，银汉迢迢暗度。”
(Xiān yún nòng qiǎo, fēi xīng chuán hèn, yín hàn tiáo tiáo àn dù.)
Translation: “Delicate clouds weave artistry, shooting stars convey sorrow, silently they cross the vast Milky Way.”
“金风玉露一相逢，便胜却人间无数。”
(Jīn fēng yù lù yī xiāng féng, biàn shèng què rén jiān wú shù.)
Translation: “Their meeting in golden autumn dew surpasses countless earthly reunions.”
“两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。”
(Liǎng qíng ruò shì jiǔ cháng shí, yòu qǐ zài zhāo zhāo mù mù.)
Translation: “If love endures beyond time, need they cling to day and night?”
2. 《七夕》· 杜牧 (Dù Mù)
“银烛秋光冷画屏，轻罗小扇扑流萤。”
(Yín zhú qiū guāng lěng huà píng, qīng luó xiǎo shàn pū liú yíng.)
Translation: “Autumn moonlight chills the painted screen, a silken fan catches fluttering fireflies.”
“天阶夜色凉如水，卧看牵牛织女星。”
(Tiān jiē yè sè liáng rú shuǐ, wò kàn Qiān Niú Zhī Nǚ xīng.)
Translation: “Night on the palace steps cold as water, she lies watching the Cowherd and Weaver Maid stars.”
3. 《长恨歌》节选· 白居易 (Bái Jū Yì)
“七月七日长生殿，夜半无人私语时。”
(Qī yuè qī rì cháng shēng diàn, yè bàn wú rén sī yǔ shí.)
Translation: “On the seventh night of the seventh moon, in the Hall of Eternal Life, whispers unheard by others passed at midnight.”
“在天愿作比翼鸟，在地愿为连理枝。”
(Zài tiān yuàn zuò bǐ yì niǎo, zài dì yuàn zuò lián lǐ zhī.)
Translation: “In heaven, we’d be two lovebirds flying wing-to-wing; on earth, twin branches on a tree.”
4. 《七夕》· 李商隐 (Lǐ Shāng Yǐn)
“鸾扇斜分凤幄开，星桥横过鹊飞回。”
(Luán shàn xié fēn fèng wò kāi, xīng qiáo héng guò què fēi huí.)
Translation: “The phoenix tent opens as the feathered fan tilts, the Magpie Bridge spans the sky as birds return.”
“争将世上无期别，换得年年一度来。”
(Zhēng jiāng shì shàng wú qī bié, huàn dé nián nián yī dù lái.)
Translation: “Would that endless partings in this world be traded for their yearly reunion!”
5. 民间谚语 (Qixi Folk Saying)
“愿天上人间，占得欢娱，年年今夜。”
(Yuàn tiān shàng rén jiān, zhàn dé huān yú, nián nián jīn yè.)
Translation: “May heaven and earth share this joy, tonight and every year.”
Conclusion
The Qixi Festival is more than just Chinese Valentine’s Day. It is a celebration of love, family, and hope, wrapped in a beautiful story that children can enjoy and learn from. Parents and teachers can use Qixi to inspire curiosity, teach Chinese words, and build meaningful cultural connections. At Wukong Chinese, we bring Chinese culture alive through stories, vocabulary, and activities that make learning fun.
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I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.