Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)
The 7th day of the 7th lunar month — the night the Cowherd and Weaver Girl are reunited across the Milky Way. Also celebrated as Chinese Valentine's Day.
Days until the next Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)
Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day) — Dates by Year
Origins
Qixi is rooted in the legend of the Cowherd (Niulang) and Weaver Girl (Zhinü): a mortal farmer fell in love with a heavenly weaving goddess, breaking heavenly law. The Jade Emperor separated them across the Milky Way, allowing them to meet just once a year when magpies form a bridge on the 7th night of the 7th month. Originally a festival for women to pray for needlework skill, Qixi has evolved into China's Valentine's Day.
Traditional Customs
Ancient Qixi centered on women's qǐqiǎo — threading needles by moonlight to pray to the Weaver Star for skill in handiwork. In Taiwan, worshipping the Seven Fairy Maidens (Qī Niáng Mā), guardians of children, is a unique local custom. Families with teenagers turning sixteen hold a coming-of-age ceremony on Qixi to thank these goddesses for years of protection. Gazing at Altair and Vega — the Cowherd and Weaver stars — is a romantic Qixi tradition.
Tainan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony
Taiwan's most distinctive Qixi tradition is the "Doing Sixteen" (zuò shíliù suì) ceremony, most famously celebrated in Tainan at the Kailongong Temple. Children registered as wards of the Seven Fairy Maidens return at age sixteen to fulfill their vow, presenting elaborate ritual offerings and a paper-craft pavilion. Tainan City has designated this as an important cultural heritage event, with thousands of participants annually.
Modern Qixi
Modern Taiwan's Qixi blends tradition with Western Valentine's Day culture — couples exchange flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. On the traditional side, temples hosting matchmaking ceremonies draw thousands of single visitors seeking a red thread from Yue Lao, the God of Marriage. Famous matchmaking temples like Taipei's Xiahaishan City God Temple are especially busy on this day.