Celebrating Qixi Festival in SW China’s Chengdu

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The 7th day of the seventh month on the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on August 17 this year, is considered a day of love and romance by Chinese people. It's about a love story between the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd Boy, which has been told for more than 2,000 years.

Traditionally, the day is called the Double Seventh Festival or Qixi Festival, representing the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day, and has gained popularity in China, especially among the younger generations.

In Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, people came out onto Jinli Ancient Street to mark this romantic occasion. They had a whole range of events, both old and new, in which to partake.

Modern girls dress up in old fashion for a contest on the romantic occasion. /VCG Photo

During the "Begging for Skills Festival," girls asked Zhi Nyu the Weaver Girl for wisdom, skills and how to find a good husband.

They also threaded needles under low light to showcase dexterity in sewing, which symbolizes the traditional talents of a good spouse. It was quite a test for some because each participant had to finish threading seven needles fixed into a potato within one minute. Do you want to have a try next time?

Friday’s celebrations also featured a performance of traditional Chinese musical instruments, and making bracelets by threading red beans, a symbol of love, happiness and faithfulness in Chinese culture.

On this day, people look to the sky for a glimpse of Vega and Altair shining in the Milky Way, while a third star forms a symbolic bridge between the two stars, bringing together the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd Boy, who, based on the legend, can only meet once a year on this particular day.