While February 14th is the day for lovers in many countries, China also has its own version of Valentine's Day called Qi Xi. It is held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year.
The Qi Xi legend tells a love story of a cowherd named Niu Lang, and the seamstress fairy called Zhi Nv. The two fell in love, but were forbidden to see each other by the gods. However, their tale finally moved the powerful gods and the pair was allowed to be together once every year.
With the increased popularity of Valentine's Day, this old tradition of Qi Xi has recently gained recognition, and also adopted the conventions of flowers and chocolates.
Folk artist Bai Dacheng says as long as it doesn't threaten the preservation of the old folklore, the introduction of Valentine's Day to China is positive as it brings many happy feelings of love.
Folk artist Bai Dacheng said, "Now Valentine's Day will come and the marketers will provide a lot of flowers which shows how much we have adapted to foreign traditions. In Chinese tradition, we don't have a special expression of love in Qi Xi."
For most of the people, the language of love is universal.
Some say it doesn't matter how many gifts they receive this weekend. As long as two loved ones are happy together, every day is Valentine's Day.
