China's traditional lovers' festival of Qixi on Wednesday spurred business for retailers and entertainment venues still reeling from the deadly July 5 riot in Xinjiang.

"We seldom hang out since the violence, but my wife and I hope to enjoy the day," said Jiang Yaowen, after buying two tickets to a movie at the People's Cinema in downtown Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

At the Oscar International Cinema, more than 50 young people registered for a singles party in the evening.

"We want to help them to find their life partners," said Chen Yong, the cinema manager.

"Business has remained sluggish since the riot. We used to receive audiences of almost 4,000 a day before the riot, but they've been down by two thirds since then," said Chen.

"The Qixi festival prompted movie viewers to flood back," he said.

Sales at shopping centers and promotions of lovers' meals and gifts also attracted young couples.

A young man, who only identified himself as Qin, bought a bunch of roses decorated with miniature dolls for his girlfriend.

"I hope this will delight her," Qin said.

The flower shop owner said she had been trying to make up losses and the Qixi festival was a good opportunity.

Jiang Lirong, manager of a wedding photo shop in Shengli Road, was satisfied with the business this week.

"I just took pictures for three new couples Tuesday at the Tianchi scenic spot. We had many clients this month, but last month, no one came at all," she said.

The violence, which left 197 people dead and more than 1,600 injured, cut sales revenues of the city's shopping centers in July by almost 22 percent as against that of June.

However, sales at the 24 key shopping malls and supermarkets in the city have recovered to about 80 percent of the level before the deadly riot, according to the commercial bureau of Urumqi.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2009)