Qixi FestivalQixi Festival Guide

### Core Qixi Festival Dates

The Qixi Festival falls each year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, generally corresponding to mid- or late August in the Gregorian calendar. Activities usually begin over the weekend before the festival, reach their peak on Qixi Day itself, and in some places continue for one or two days afterward.

The core schedule is as follows:

### Traditional Qixi Festival Customs

Qixi customs are rich and varied. At their heart is qiqiao (乞巧) — women praying to the Weaver Girl for intelligence and dexterous hands.

### Major Recommended Activities by Region

National “Our Festival · Qixi” Themed Cultural Activities:

Every year during Qixi, a number of cities across China are selected as demonstration sites for the national “Our Festival · Qixi” cultural program, jointly presenting a wide variety of Qixi activities.

Previous demonstration sites have included Yixing, Jiangsu — the main venue and one of the birthplaces of the Butterfly Lovers legend; Yunxi, Shiyan, Hubei — known as the “Home of Chinese Qixi Culture” and a living center for the national intangible cultural heritage of Qixi; Xingtai, Hebei; Heyang, Weinan, Shaanxi — associated with the birth of *Guan Ju* (《关雎》); and Yantai, Shandong.

Yixing, Jiangsu — “Faithful Love · Butterflies in Love at Qixi” National Themed Cultural Event:

Yixing is one of the core birthplaces of the Butterfly Lovers legend. During Qixi, it hosts the main venue of the national “Our Festival · Qixi” themed cultural program, including:

* AI Digital Technology Opening Ceremony — ancient legends are brought vividly back to life through AI digital technology

* Collective Wedding Ceremony — couples from different professions enter marriage together in a ceremonial celebration

* Five Distinctive Civic-Practice Markets — more than one hundred stalls combining intangible cultural heritage products, rural specialties, and other offerings

* Cultural Salon — cultural scholars and industry experts discuss contemporary ways of expressing Chinese romance

The event is also livestreamed in coordination with locations around the country.

Yunxi, Shiyan, Hubei — “The Milky Way Shines Eternal · Love Reaches the Future” Qixi Cultural Event:

Yunxi is known as the “Home of Chinese Qixi Culture.” Yunxi Qixi was included in the fourth batch of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list in 2014. The county has held Qixi cultural activities for many consecutive years and serves as a living center for the transmission of Qixi as national intangible cultural heritage.

* Qixi Collective Wedding Ceremony: Couples are recruited nationwide and married through traditional Chinese wedding rituals

* Themed Cultural Activities: Dramatic reenactments, intangible cultural heritage performances, love-story sharing, river-lantern releases, and the making of traditional qiaoshi foods

* “Stroll Through the Intangible Heritage Market · Meet Beneath the Celestial River”: Dozens of intangible heritage booths featuring traditional craftsmanship, live demonstrations by artisans, and hands-on public experiences

* Traditional Craft Demonstrations: Embroidery, qiqiao weaving, decorative steamed buns, root carving, handmade tea processing, and other crafts presented by folk artisans

Xingtai, Hebei — “From the Heart of the Springs · Love in Xingtai” Qixi Cultural Event:

The program is divided into four major sections: the origins of Qixi, romance in the city of springs, new approaches to marriage and relationships, and the “sweet economy.” More than ten featured activities are offered, including Searching for Today’s Weaver Star, a marriage and relationship cultural industry expo, and a Qixi love-poetry recital.

Venues include Baiquan Yuanshui Park, Tianhe Mountain, Jingnan Houhai, Haonanguan Historical and Cultural District, Xingtai City Library, and other locations.

Heyang, Weinan, Shaanxi — “Elegance Conveys Affection · A Match Made by Heaven” Qixi Cultural Event:

Heyang is associated with the birthplace of *Guan Ju* (《关雎》) and is regarded as a homeland of the *Book of Songs* along the Yellow River, preserving authentic plateau-region qiqiao customs.

* “Building a Bridge with Boats · Its Light Unseen” Collective Wedding: Newlyweds take part in an ancient-style group ceremony featuring the fan-removal rite, hand-washing rite, hejin (合卺) wedding-cup rite, and the hair-binding rite symbolizing lifelong union

* “Delicate Hands · Qiaoniang Workshop” Traditional Craft Experience: Intangible cultural heritage creative products, calligraphy, painting, and other hands-on activities

* “A Graceful Maiden · A Fine Gentleman Seeks Her” Youth Social Event: Bronze-plate marriage certificate experiences, gourd carving, and other activities

* “Growing Old Together · Golden Wedding Portraits” Community Photography Collection: Selected images capturing sweet moments of couples celebrating golden and silver wedding anniversaries

* “Green, Green Your Collar · Long, Long My Heart” Poetry and Calligraphy Program: Collection of original love poetry

Rongchang, Chongqing — Qixi River Lantern Tourism and Cultural Festival:

Held over several days in Wanling Ancient Town, the festival includes:

* Starlight Concerts featuring classical-style dance and contemporary singing

* Major intangible cultural heritage performance “Lanterns Reflect the Phoenix Dance”, with dazzling molten-iron fireworks bursting overhead alongside dragon-and-phoenix performances and Chinese-style dance on the water

* Traditional Chinese-style parades

* Interactive pop-up performances

* Themed NPC experiences

* “Qiao-Fun Garden Fair” and “Poetry Meets Qixi” poetry gatherings

* Riverside specialty markets featuring local foods and intangible cultural heritage creative products

Guangdong — Qixi Qiqiao Activities:

* Guangzhou: “Lychee Bay · New Xiguan” Seventh-Day Qiqiao Gathering

* Wangniudun, Dongguan: Wangxi Qixi Qiqiao Intangible Cultural Heritage Feast — Chinese-style evening performances, intangible heritage offering displays, and food markets

* Across China: Communities and New Era Civic Practice Centers organize experiences including needle-threading qiqiao, lacquer-fan making, and brocade-fan making

### Visas and Entry

Qixi Festival destinations across China are subject to the country’s unified visa policies:

* 240-hour visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries: Travelers may enjoy visa-free transit for up to 240 hours, with permitted stay areas covering most administrative regions of China.

* Tour groups from ASEAN countries: Organized tour groups may enter visa-free through designated ports.

* Other nationalities: Apply in advance for a tourist visa, or L visa, through the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, and ensure that your passport remains valid for more than six months.

* Latest Policies: Before departure, consult the official website of China’s National Immigration Administration or the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate.

### Adapting to the Climate

The Qixi Festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, corresponding to mid- or late August in the Gregorian calendar. By this time, China is in the height of summer:

General Advice: August is a period of high temperatures across most of China, so sun protection and hydration are daily essentials. Many Qixi activities take place outdoors at night. Temperatures often remain high after dark, though carrying a light jacket is useful for air-conditioned environments.

Quick-dry clothing is recommended, together with a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

### Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance covering:

* Accidental injury and medical treatment for acute illness, including outpatient care

* Loss of or damage to personal belongings

* Travel delays or cancellations, as summer typhoons and thunderstorms may disrupt flights

### Currency and Payment

* Currency: Renminbi (CNY).

* Cash: Cash can be more reliable at night markets, intangible cultural heritage markets, and stalls in ancient towns. Carrying RMB 200–400 is recommended.

* Cards: Visa and MasterCard are accepted at major hotels and shopping centers.

* Mobile Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used throughout China.

### Communications and Internet

* Important: Popular scenic areas and event venues can become crowded during Qixi, and 4G/5G networks may become congested. It is strongly recommended to download offline maps in advance. Baidu Maps and AutoNavi are recommended; download your destination city map to your phone while connected to Wi-Fi.

### Major Event Destinations

Qixi is celebrated nationwide, with qiqiao activities, lantern events, collective weddings, and other traditions taking different forms around the country. Key recommended destinations include:

### Special Transportation Reminders

In most years, Qixi falls on a working day and is not a statutory public holiday.

Flights / High-Speed Rail:

* If Qixi falls on a weekday, travel demand is concentrated mainly over the preceding weekend and on the day itself.

* Tickets to popular destinations such as Yixing, Yunxi, and Xingtai may sell quickly. Purchasing in advance through the Railway 12306 App is recommended.

Driving:

* Important: Expressways are not toll-free during Qixi. Toll-free travel applies only during the four national statutory holidays of the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day.

Urban Transportation Tips:

* Traffic controls may be introduced around major event venues. Public transportation is recommended.

* Popular event sites can become crowded, so arrive early.

### Etiquette for Qiqiao Folk Experiences

At the heart of Qixi is qiqiao (乞巧) — women praying to the Weaver Girl for intelligence and dexterity. When taking part in folk activities:

* Needle-Threading Qiqiao: Needle-threading competitions and similar activities are held in many places; visitors are welcome to participate.

* Making Qiaoguo: Qiaoguo is a traditional Qixi food. When joining an intangible cultural heritage workshop, follow the guidance of the heritage bearer.

* Floating Needles to Test Dexterity: Queue in order and avoid pushing or competing for turns.

* Worshipping the Weaver Girl / Qiqiao Rites: If a ritual is taking place, remain quiet and solemn and do not make unnecessary noise.

### Etiquette for Collective Weddings and Relationship Events

Collective weddings and youth social activities are held in many places during Qixi:

* Ceremony Etiquette: Watch collective weddings from designated viewing areas and do not enter the ceremonial space.

* Remain Quiet: Keep quiet during the ceremony and respect the couples and the ritual.

* Photography Etiquette: Obtain permission before photographing couples or ceremonies.

### Etiquette for Lantern Festivals, River Lanterns, and Garden Fairs

* River Lantern Safety: Release river lanterns only in designated areas. Watch your footing and stay away from the water’s edge.

* Do Not Touch Lanterns: Lanterns may be flammable; do not touch or pull them.

* Maintain Order: Lantern festivals and garden fairs can become crowded. Follow the instructions of on-site staff.

* Child Safety: Lantern festivals are places where children can easily become separated from their families. Keep accompanying children under close supervision.

* Environmental Awareness: Do not throw plastic packaging or other river-lantern waste into the water.

### Photography Etiquette

* Ask Permission: Before photographing local people in traditional clothing, intangible cultural heritage bearers, elderly people, or children, smile and ask first.

* Respect Portrait Rights: Do not use photographs of others for commercial purposes without consent.

* Night Photography: Turn off the flash to avoid disturbing others.

* Drone Regulations: Flying drones over lantern festivals, ancient towns, or crowded areas requires advance notification to local public security authorities.

### General Responsible Participation

* Protect the Environment: Do not litter; keep scenic areas and natural environments clean.

* Maintain Order: Queue patiently, do not cut in line, and avoid crowding.

* Waste Sorting: Major Chinese cities have implemented waste sorting. Dispose of rubbish according to local regulations.

* Not a Statutory Holiday: In most years, Qixi falls on a working day. It is not a statutory public holiday and does not involve adjusted days off.

* Expressways Are Not Free: Expressways are not toll-free during Qixi. Toll-free travel applies only during the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day.

* Five-City Coordination: During Qixi, Yixing, Jiangsu — the main venue — together with Yunxi, Hubei; Xingtai, Hebei; Heyang, Shaanxi; and Yantai, Shandong, jointly host the national “Our Festival · Qixi” themed cultural activities. Each city has its own character: Yixing is associated with the Butterfly Lovers legend, Yunxi is known as the “Home of Chinese Qixi Culture,” and Heyang is deeply connected with the culture of the *Book of Songs*. Visitors can choose according to their interests.

* Yunxi Is Especially Recommended: Yunxi is a living center for the national intangible cultural heritage of Qixi, and Yunxi Qixi has been included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. For those seeking one of the most authentic experiences of Qixi intangible heritage culture, Yunxi is a foremost choice.

* Summer Heat Protection: August is hot across most of China. Outdoor activities require sun protection, frequent hydration, and precautions against heatstroke. Avoid extended outdoor activity around midday where possible.

* Waterfront Safety: River-lantern releases and nighttime viewing often take place near water. Stay well away from the water’s edge and supervise children closely.

* Weather Awareness: August is a period of frequent typhoons and thunderstorms. Check weather forecasts before departure and carry rain gear.

*May you experience the distinctive charm of Chinese traditional culture beneath a brilliant summer Milky Way, and receive amid the romance of qiqiao traditions and lantern light the beautiful blessings of “a clever heart and skillful hands, and a life of happiness and fulfillment.”*

—–

# HERO

Versos de apertura:

金风玉露一相逢，便胜却人间无数。

Introducción:

El Festival de Qixi encarna, desde la Antigüedad hasta nuestros días, el sincero anhelo de las personas por un amor hermoso y duradero. Cada año, el séptimo día del séptimo mes lunar, se celebran en toda China numerosas actividades culturales dedicadas a Qixi. Los visitantes pueden participar en costumbres tradicionales como enhebrar agujas para pedir destreza, dejar flotar agujas para comprobar la habilidad, asistir a bodas colectivas, soltar faroles sobre el agua para pedir deseos y recorrer mercados de patrimonio cultural inmaterial, descubriendo en una tradición milenaria el singular encanto del romanticismo chino.