Eight places for a romantic date on Chinese Valentine’s Day

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Qixi, known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day is celebrating the annual meeting of the cowherd and weaver girl in mythology. It falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month on the Chinese calendar.

On this romantic day, some people love to spend their time in special places. Here is some travel advice for young couples to take a trip in China.

1. West Lake—Euphoric Encounter

A couple sits along West Lake. /VCG Photo

West Lake is a freshwater lake in the romantic city Hangzhou, China. It is famous for its beautiful landscape of lakes and mountains and numerous places of historical interest such as Dawn on the Su Causeway in spring, three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter.

It also has witnessed numerous love stories here, including butterfly lovers and the legend of white snake. The history builds up the Glamour and Romance of West Lake.

Beside West Lake, there is a Yuelao shrine where to pray for the marriage. Single youth goes there to make a wish about love all year round. Thus, West Lake is a good choice for couples both for its romantic background and attractive scenery.

Transportation

Take the airport bus. It's about 2 hours' drive, including the bus waiting time. First take the airport bus to Hangzhou Railway Station, and then take bus Y2 to Jingsi.

2. Shanghai Disneyland—fairy tale in the fancy land

The night scene of Shanghai Disneyland Park. /VCG Photo

Shanghai Disneyland, a never-before-seen world of wonder where visitors can ignite the magical dream within their heart as well as a fun experience filled with creativity, adventure and thrills for guests of all ages. This is the greater area, inside which you'll find Shanghai Disneyland Park, featuring the largest Disney castle in the world, as well as the hotel, and Disney town, the retail and commercial district located just outside the gates.

Couples will experience a fairy tale here with their partner. Walking along with Mickey mouse and Donald duck, it will not only recall your careless childhood, but also create a fantastic memory with the one you love together. Disneyland is the perfect place to enforce the love tie between each other with candies, smiles and castles. Come and create your unique memory!

Transportation

Take line 11, 10 mins walk from Disney Resort (Metro Station).

Opening hours

8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Get Your Ticket Ready

Get up-to-date information of Shanghai Disneyland Tickets by visiting Shanghai Disney Resort website or downloading Shanghai Disney Resort App.

3. Wuzhizhou Island—Paradise for Partners

Decoration on Wuzhizhou Island. /VCG Photo

Wuzhizhou Island, in Haitang Bay, is in a tropical marine zone, the climate is temperate and pleasant all year round. It is an ideal place for vacation, winter swimming as well as entertainment.

As well as beautiful beach, there are many places of interest to visit including the Lover's Bridge, Sunrise Rock, the Gold Turtle Stretching toward the Sea, Lover's Island and the Life Well. In addition, Wuzhizhou Island is famous for scuba diving as coral reefs and brightly colored tropical fish abound in the warm water.

Wuzhizhou Island has built a series of couples’ activities including couple’s street, bridge and beaches. It is paradise for couples to spend time there. Lying on the chair and enjoy the sunbathing and fresh juice with your partner, abandoning all the daily hassles out of mind and focusing on the blue sea as well as silver sand, can be enjoyed by many.

Transportation

Take the airport bus. It's about 2 hours' drive, including the bus waiting time. First take the airport bus to Hangzhou Railway Station, and then take bus Y2 to Jingsi.

Opening hours

8:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

4. Lugu Lake— Intertwined in love

Lugu Lake. /VCG Photo

Lugu Lake, at the border between Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, is an alpine lake renowned for its stunning idyllic scenery. Outlined by undulating mountains, Lugu Lake features poetic silhouette. Five islets and three peninsulas float among the vast stretch of crystal blue water which glistens under sunshine. Either hike or paddle, you will be bewitched by its striking charm.

On one of those islets, two pine trees are most remarkable. Their twigs interweave and form an archway, and this odd phenomenon lends them the fame as “Lover Tree”.

According to local tradition, if two lovers kiss beneath this tree, they will share an everlasting romance. Many couples who have shared an intimate moment beneath the branches still return on Chinese Valentine's Day to renew the romantic spell.

Ticket price

CNY 100

Visitors can also participate in some entertainment activities, such as boating, bonfire and visiting Mosuo family..

5. Mount Emei—Lock and Loyalty

Love locks on Mount Emei./VCG Photo

Mount Emei in Sichuan Province in Southwest China is one of the most well-known destinations in China thanks to its pleasant weather, congenial atmosphere, the inspiring natural scenery and the influence of the Buddhist culture.

The mountain is characterized by lofty ancient trees, impressive waterfalls, pristine brooks and numerous Buddhist temples.

One of the most popular tourist sites here is “Love Locks”, where couples can inscribe their names or initials on a padlock, attach it to a stair railing and throw the key away from a cliff nearby, symbolically locking their love forever.

Opening hours

6:00 - 18:30 in high season (Jan.15 – Dec.14)

7:00 - 17:50 in low season (Dec.15 – Jan.14)

6. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake –Sacred Love

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake./VCG Photo

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is praised as the most beautiful lake in the world. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the incarnation of a goddess. It is one of the 4 most sacred and greatest lakes in Tibet along with Namtso Lake, Lake Manasarovar and Lhamo Lhatso Lake.

In Tibetan, the word "Yamdrok Yumtso" means "the jade lake on the upper pastureland". Embraced by the snow-capped mountains and lying under the clear blue sky, the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake evokes an air of religious solemnity.

Attracted by the holy and intoxicating scenery, many couples choose Yamdrok Yumtso Lake as the backdrop for their wedding pictures.

Ticket price

CNY 35

7. 798 Art Zone — Art and L'amour

A couple has fun in 798 Art Zone. /CD Photo

For couples who both are art lovers, 798 Art Zone is the perfect place for a perfect date on Chinese Valentine's Day. It is located in the northeast part of Beijing and is named after a factory, which was built in the 1950s.

Attracted by the unique architectural style and vast spaces, more and more artists and designers began to trickle in and settle down here since 2001.

Now 798 Art Zone is one of the most famous landmarks of Beijing Urban Culture. There are loads of galleries and workshops for couples to stroll around. And if you get tired, there are also many great restaurants nearby, where lovers can relax and enjoy a romantic dinner.

Ticket price

798 Art District is open for free, but some galleries and exhibition halls sell admission tickets.

Opening hours

The art district is open all day long. Most shops and galleries inside are open from 10:00 to 18:00 and some may close on Monday.

8. Dongshan Island — Serene Seaside

The sunset on Dongshan Island. /VCG Photo

Dongshan Island, the second largest island in China's Fujian Province, is located in the southeast of Fujian and with Taiwan across the sea to the east. The major tourist attractions include Fengdongshi, Guandi Temple, ancient Tongshan Town, Hukongdiyu, Shisenbaita, Diaoaotai, Xianmianchuang, Baozhi Temple and so on.

Dongshan island is well protected and remains its purity and beauty. Couples can watch local fishers fishing and enjoy fresh seafood here. They can take some pictures in the nearby garden or on the beach. Walking on the quiet beach with your partner, say some sweet words to him or her and enjoy the peaceful moment. Beautiful scenery and lovely chat will put your heart closer.

Transportation

Xiamen, Fuzhou and Shantou have shuttle buses directly to Dongshan Island, including the Hubin South Road Bus Station, Xiamen, where shuttle buses leave for Dongshan at 8:00 and 13:00.

Opening hours

8:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.