Threads of love: Discovering Qixi Festival

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Qixi Festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2026, it will be observed on Aug. 19.

Traditionally, women celebrated the festival by praying to Zhinyu, the goddess of weaving, for skill and ingenuity. Qixi is also linked to the legend of Niulang and Zhinyu, lovers separated by the Milky Way who reunite once a year on a bridge formed by magpies. Today, it is widely known as Chinese Valentine's Day.

Join Yiming from China and Tudor from the U.K. as they quiz international friends in Beijing about Qixi. From "qiqiao" traditions and the legendary lovers' annual reunion to modern experiences of love across distance and cultures, discover how much they know about this ancient festival and its meaning today.

Click to watch and test your knowledge of Qixi Festival!