Yichang embraces romantic spirit with Qixi Festival celebrations
2025-08-29 20:08:56
By Liu Xinyu.
As Qixi Festival, the traditional Chinese Valentine's Day, approaches on August 29, Yichang is alive with activity, embracing both ancient traditions and modern expressions of love. This year, the city is seeing a boom in "romantic economy" events and unique celebrations.
As Qixi Festival, the traditional Chinese Valentine's Day, approaches on August 29, Yichang is alive with activity, embracing both ancient traditions and modern expressions of love. This year, the city is seeing a boom in "romantic economy" events and unique celebrations.
On August 27, a newlywed couple were taking their wedding photos. Photo by Wu Yanling
With a history of more than 2,000 years, Qixi Festival is rooted in the legendary love story of Niulang and Zhinü. While historically a day for women to pray for wisdom and marital bliss, Yichang's distinctive custom of lighting lotus lanterns continues to be a highlight. Locals craft lanterns from leaves, colored paper, and bamboo, filling them with oil and rush wicks before displaying them outside their homes on tall bamboo poles.
On the eve of the Qixi Festival, couples gathered at the Bailihuang Scenic Area to watch the sunrise. Photo by Wu Yanling
Modern romance is also on display. Marriage registration offices have also introduced special Qixi-themed counters to welcome newlyweds, while couples at Bailihuang Scenic Area symbolize their commitments by attaching “love locks” to a hawthorn tree. In Xingshan County, seven couples joined in a collective wedding ceremony, celebrating love in a shared, festive atmosphere.
On August 28, Yichang International Trade Mall set up rose decorations in the elevator areas for couples to take photos. Photo by Lin Xiao
Yichang's businesses are thriving on the seasonal demand. Flower shops have pre-sold over 2,000 roses this Qixi Festival, with high demand for classic red and specialty bouquets. A local riverside restaurant has significantly expanded its outdoor seating to 70 tables and introduced special Qixi-themed menus, catering to couples seeking a romantic dining experience. The demand for marriage registration and photography services is booming, indicating a busy period for businesses catering to weddings and engagements. Meanwhile, major shopping districts are drawing crowds with concerts, themed markets, performances, and significant discounts.
