Valentine’s Day in China: Love Across Cultures

In China, Valentine’s Day (2月14日) is widely celebrated in urban areas, but it coexists with traditional Chinese love festivals. The day has become a mix of Western customs, modern trends, and cultural adaptations, reflecting China’s unique approach to romance.

1. Western-Style Valentine’s Day

Since the 1990s, Western Valentine’s Day has gained popularity, especially in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Gift Giving:
- Couples exchange roses, chocolates, teddy bears, and jewelry.
- Red is a particularly popular color, as it symbolizes luck and happiness in Chinese culture.
Romantic Dates:
- Young couples often go to restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls for dinners or special outings.
- Some prefer weekend getaways to scenic areas or resorts.
Social Media & Online Influence:
- Social platforms like WeChat and Weibo are flooded with posts, e-cards, and love messages.
- Online shopping promotions spike, with companies offering Valentine’s Day gifts and limited edition items.

Fun Fact: Flower shops in China often sell roses in odd numbers, as odd numbers symbolize individuality and uniqueness in a romantic context.

2. Chinese Valentine’s Day – Qixi Festival (七夕节)

In addition to Western Valentine’s Day, China has its own traditional festival of love, called the Qixi Festival (the 7th day of the 7th lunar month).

Origin:
- Qixi celebrates the legendary love story of Zhinü (the weaver girl) and Niulang (the cowherd), who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year.
Modern Celebration:
- Similar to Western Valentine’s Day, couples exchange gifts and flowers.
- Young people often write love letters, send online messages, or post on social media.
Cultural Activities:
- In some regions, there are temple fairs, storytelling events, and craft workshops, especially for young women, recalling the legend of Zhinü.

Interesting Note: While Western Valentine’s Day is tied to commercial promotion, Qixi has deeper cultural roots and is often seen as a romantic day grounded in tradition and folklore.

3. Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts in China

Roses: The most popular flowers, often given in odd numbers, especially 11, 33, or 99, which convey love and eternity.
Chocolates & Sweets: Imported or premium chocolates are highly sought after in urban areas.
Jewelry & Luxury Items: Increasingly, couples are gifting bracelets, watches, or necklaces.
Cute Plush Toys: Particularly among younger generations.
Experiences: Romantic dinners, spa packages, or travel experiences are highly popular, reflecting the growing emphasis on experience-based gifting.

4. Valentine’s Day Trends Among Chinese Youth

Singles Day Influence: Young people in China are highly attuned to online shopping trends, making Valentine’s Day a major e-commerce event.
Public Displays: In urban areas, shopping malls and public spaces are decorated with hearts, roses, and romantic themes, encouraging couples to take photos and celebrate.
Dating Apps: Apps like Tantan (China’s Tinder equivalent) and Baihe see increased activity around February 14, with users arranging dates or exchanging messages.

5. Differences from Western Celebrations

Focus on Couples: While Western Valentine’s Day can include friends and family, in China, it is primarily romantic and couple-focused.
Commercial Influence: Large cities emphasize shopping and luxury gifts, sometimes overshadowing personal or handmade expressions of love.
Integration with Tradition: Some couples celebrate both Valentine’s Day and Qixi Festival, merging Western and traditional Chinese romantic customs.

6. Regional Variations

Big Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou): Extravagant celebrations, luxury gifts, and public events.
Smaller Cities & Rural Areas: Valentine’s Day is less commercial, often celebrated privately with flowers, home-cooked dinners, or simple gifts.
Tourist Spots: Famous romantic sites like West Lake in Hangzhou or the Bund in Shanghai often host themed events for couples.

7. Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day in China

February 14 is often referred to as “情人节 (Qíngrén Jié)”, literally meaning Lover’s Day.
Odd-numbered roses symbolize love, while even-numbered flowers are avoided, as even numbers can represent separation or bad luck.
Some companies hold corporate Valentine’s events, encouraging employees to participate in gift exchanges or team-building activities with a romantic twist.

Florist tips

In China, Valentine’s Day is a blend of Western commercialization, traditional folklore, and modern dating culture. While urban youth embrace luxury gifts and public celebrations, traditional customs like Qixi Festival continue to honor love stories rooted in Chinese culture. Ultimately, Valentine’s Day in China is about expressing affection, celebrating romance, and increasingly, merging modern trends with timeless cultural values.