Qixi fun and romance across Guangdong

The Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The date comes from a Chinese legend in which the Weaver Girl Zhinyu and the Cowherd Niulang, separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to reunite only one night a year, when magpies form a bridge across the Milky Way.

This year, Qixi falls on August 19, and cities across Guangdong are marking the festival with traditional customs, night markets, cultural performances and romantic experiences. Here are some festive picks to add to your summer itinerary.

Wuxian Temple, Guangzhou (五仙观)

In some Cantonese-speaking parts of Guangdong, Qixi is also known as the Qiqiao Festival, literally "begging for skills," or celebrated as the birthday of Zhinyu. At Wuxian Temple, visitors can enjoy folk performances, try traditional Qiqiao games and browse a Qixi-themed market.

(Photo: Southern Metropolis Daily)

The main celebration on August 19 features guzheng music, Qiqiao-themed dance and a traditional-style garden parade, along with a showcase of six styles of Lingnan wedding attire from the Han Dynasty to the present day. Visitors can also watch Cantonese opera, try traditional games such as throwing arrows into pots, solve riddles and browse a five-day market featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts, Hanfu accessories, desserts and Qixi-themed souvenirs.

Time: Main event August 19, 3:30–6 p.m.; market August 19–23, 4–9 p.m.

Admission: Free

Address: No. 233 Huifu West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区惠福西路233号)

Canton Tower & Canton Tower Plaza, Guangzhou (广州塔&广州塔广场)

From August 13 to 19, a Qixi-themed intangible cultural heritage corridor at Canton Tower Plaza is showcasing traditional Lingnan crafts such as floral filigree and wood carving, offering visitors opportunities to make their own festive souvenirs.

(Photo: Canton Tower)

The highlight comes on Qixi night, when the "Seven Fairies" will set off from the tower and make their way across the plaza and onto Haixin Bridge, with dance performances and photo opportunities along the route.

At Haixin Bridge, the procession will recreate the legendary meeting of Zhinyu and Niulang. Couples can also head up the tower for panoramic city views and a ride on the 460-meter horizontal Ferris wheel. There is even an open-air wedding venue near the top.

Time: August 13–19; Qixi procession: August 19, 3:30–8 p.m.

Admission: Canton Tower Plaza is free; tickets are required to enter Canton Tower.

Addresses:

Canton Tower Plaza: No. 8 Guangzhouta Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区广州塔路8号)

Canton Tower: No. 222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区阅江西路222号)

Shenzhen Splendid China Folk Culture Village Tourist Area (锦绣中华民俗文化村)

For a more festive night out, head to Shenzhen Splendid China Folk Culture Village Tourist Area, where a lantern event runs as part of the park's summer ethnic carnival. From 6 p.m., visitors can pick up a handheld Kongming lantern (a traditional paper lantern) and make a wish while iron-flower and fire-pot performances light up the lakeside.

(Photo: Shenzhen Splendid China Folk Culture Village Tourist Area)

Couples can also team up for folk-themed games and challenges, or join in the traditional dancing. Later on, the recreated Song-style streets will host live performances and a water-splashing carnival.

(Photo: Shenzhen Splendid China Folk Culture Village Tourist Area)

Opening hours: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Qixi night session starts at 5:30 p.m.)

Admission: Night-session tickets start from 60 yuan.

Address: No. 9005 Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区深南大道9005号)

CCTV Nanhai Movie and TV Town, Foshan (南海影视城)

From August 15 to 23, CCTV Nanhai Movie and TV Town turns into an ancient-style romantic playground, with costumed matchmaking performers, team challenges, flash-mob performances in traditional dress, and eight live shows.

(Photo: CCTV Nanhai Movie and TV Town)

Animal lovers can also feed capybaras, deer and alpacas, while those looking to meet a special someone can join a singles event on August 19, with games, icebreakers and matchmaking activities.

Time: August 15–23

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Admission: 90 yuan (tickets valid July 10–Aug 31, 2026)

Address: No. 1 Songgang Movie City Avenue, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan (佛山市南海区狮山镇松岗影城大道1号)

Wangniudun Cultural Square, Dongguan (望牛墩文化广场)

Wangniudun Town brings together traditional Qixi customs and contemporary festivities from August 18 to 22. Visitors can admire handmade tribute displays created by 21 local villages, watch a traditional blessing ceremony and follow an evening parade of Qixi-themed floats, mythological characters, Yingge dance, lion dance and pop-up performances.

(Photo: Wangniudun Town Cultural Service Center)

A food and cultural market runs throughout, and evenings bring the "Fairy Scattering Flowers" aerial performances, magic acts, live music and classic Cantonese songs.

Time: August 18–22

Admission: Free

Address: 30 meters southeast of the intersection of Jufu Road and Zhenzhong Road, Wangniudun Town, Dongguan (东莞市望牛墩镇聚福路与镇中路交叉口东南方向30米)

Tianxia Liangcang Square, Jiangmen (天下粮仓广场)

Looking for something more laid-back? The TK Summer Country Fair in Kaiping, Jiangmen, brings together local culture, food, music and creative crafts in a Qixi-themed market.

(Photo: Kaiping Fabu)

Visitors can browse handmade pottery, cultural and creative products and crafts inspired by Kaiping's overseas Chinese heritage, or grab street food ranging from Chaoshan flavors and Southeast Asian dishes to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan-style specialties. There are also coffee shops, dessert stalls and food trucks to keep the evening going.