Ⅰ.Introduction: Qixi Beyond Romance
Every year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, China celebrates Qixi Festival, one of its most culturally layered traditional holidays. Known by various names such as Qiqiao Festival, Qijie Festival, Daughters’ Festival, and Qiniang Festival, it has been celebrated for over two thousand years. Today, many recognize it as the so-called “Chinese Valentine’s Day,” a moment for couples to express their love. Yet this modern romantic interpretation captures only part of the story.
Historically, Qixi was as much about craftsmanship, ritual, and social expression as it was about love. From “praying for skill” in embroidery and weaving, to the symbolic patterns woven into traditional Hanfu garments, to modern Qixi gatherings in cities featuring Hanfu performances and themed fairs, the festival has constantly evolved. It has retained its unique balance of skill and sentiment , continuing to reflect how the Chinese imagination links beauty, craftsmanship, and affection.
Ⅱ.From Star Worship to Romantic Symbol
Origins and Early Customs (Han to Northern and Southern Dynasties)
Qixi originated from ancient astronomy and folk worship of the Cowherd (Altair) and the Weaver Girl (Vega). Literature such as the Nineteen Ancient Poems already lamented the lovers’ separation across the Milky Way. At the folk level, customs like threading needles under moonlight and making decorative structures with colored silk became central.
Needles with seven or nine holes symbolized constellations; threading silk through them mirrored connecting stars. Handmade towers of silk or paper imitated celestial palaces, reinforcing the link between the heavens and human artistry. Archaeological finds, from the cloud-patterned embroidery in Mawangdui tombs to the “Five Stars Rise in the East” brocade armguard from Niya, further demonstrate the integration of astronomy, textiles, and festival ritual.
Tang Dynasty: The Birth of Romance
During the Tang Dynasty, the festival absorbed poetic and courtly sensibilities. Women prayed not only for skill but also for beauty and marriage prospects. Poets like Bai Juyi and Du Fu enriched Qixi with imagery of spider webs, magpies, and the Milky Way. Fashion reflected this shift: embroidered star patterns, motifs of magpies forming bridges, and luxurious materials like gold and jade threads transformed garments into symbolic carriers of love and status.
Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties: From Skill to Love
By the Song Dynasty, Qixi entered the bustling urban life. Markets for embroidered items, love tokens, and festival accessories flourished. Symbols like mandarin ducks, paired lotus blossoms, and love knots dominated fashion and handicrafts. Couples exchanged gifts such as belts, sachets, or embroidered handkerchiefs, embedding romance into everyday objects. Wearing new clothes on Qixi became customary, with women displaying intricate Hanfu outfits in public gatherings, turning the streets into lively stages of color, textile, and sentiment.
Thus, Qixi evolved from prayers for skillful hands into public celebrations of love and companionship—a transformation that foreshadowed its modern “Valentine’s Day” identity.
Ⅲ. The Modern “Chinese Valentine’s Day”: Decline and Revival
By the mid-20th century, many traditional festivals declined amid social and political change. Yet from the 1990s onward, Qixi was revitalized, partly due to globalization and the import of Western Valentine’s Day rituals—roses, chocolates, candlelit dinners. Businesses quickly adapted, branding Qixi as a local counterpart to February 14.
At the same time, Qixi’s revival has drawn strength from cultural self-awareness and heritage preservation. Since 2006, it has been listed in China’s national intangible cultural heritage program. Cities have re-introduced immersive activities—Hanfu fashion shows on bridges, traditional games like pitch-pot, and DIY craft workshops. Institutions such as the China National Arts & Crafts Museum host “Qixi Night” events, encouraging participants to wear Hanfu, engage in embroidery, and rediscover the festival’s original essence of craftsmanship, beauty, and ritual.
Ⅳ. Modern Qixi Outfit Guide: Wearing Romance in Hanfu
While Qixi today is often celebrated with dinners and flowers, an increasing number of young people are reclaiming tradition through fashion, especially Hanfu. Wearing Hanfu on Qixi is not only aesthetic but also symbolic: it reconnects with the festival’s historical roots while allowing modern expressions of romance and style. Below is a detailed outfit guide that bridges cultural meaning and contemporary wearability.
1.Tang-Style Qiqiao Attire – Photogenic Elegance
Outfit Composition
- Qixiong Ruqun (chest-high skirt) or a cross-collar top paired with a long flowing skirt
- Accessories: double-sided embroidered round fan, delicate tassel hairpins
Styling Notes
- Color Palette: Choose complementary or monochromatic tones. Soft pastels like blush pink, mint green, or pale lavender enhance an ethereal look
- Patterns: Incorporate motifs of clouds, stars, and the Milky Way, echoing Qixi’s celestial origins
- Posture & Props: The round fan (“tuan shan”) is not merely decorative—it shapes graceful poses for photography, enhancing the Tang-style silhouette.
Why It Works for Qixi
The Tang Dynasty was when Qixi became infused with poetic romance. By wearing Tang-style attire, modern participants channel that history while creating stunning visuals for cultural festivals, photo shoots, or social media sharing.
2. Song-Style Outfit for Evening Strolls – Comfortable and Versatile
Outfit Composition
- Beizi (long outer jacket with side slits) paired with a pleated skirt (baidiequn)
- Accessories: slender hairpins, simple waist chain
Styling Notes
- Layering: The Song aesthetic emphasizes light layers and relaxed silhouettes. It is breathable and perfect for summer evenings.
- Patterns: Subtle florals or plain fabrics give a timeless elegance.
- Practically: The outfits allows ease of moment, making it suitable for lantern fairs, riverside walks, or night markets during Qixi.
Why It Works for Qixi
Song-style attire conveys understated refinement and comfort. Its simplicity suits modern urban Qixi activities—whether strolling with friends or enjoying a casual evening date. It reflects the Song Dynasty’s elegant urban culture while staying highly wearable today.
3. Ming-Qing Inspired Date Look – Symbolic and Romantic
Outfit Composition
- Mamianqun (horse-face pleated skirt) with a coordinated top
- Accessories: symbolic motifs like pomegranates (fertility) or mandarin ducks (love) embroidered on skirts or paired in jewelry
- Props: folding fan or a bouquet of seasonal flowers
Styling Notes
- Silhouette: The structured skirt highlights proportions, making it flattering for photos
- Symbolism: Choose embroidered patterns rich in romantic meaning—paired birds
- Occasions: Beyond Qixi, this ensemble doubles as formal attire for family banquets or other festivals
Why It Works for Qixi
The Ming-Qing period saw Qixi become more overtly romantic and tied to gift exchange. By wearing symbolic patterns in this period’s style, couples can express love in a way that is both culturally rooted and visually striking.
4. Practical Tips for Styling Hanfu on Qixi
Hair and Makeup:
- Tang looks benefit from high buns adorned with tassels or flowers.
- Song styles pair well with loose, flowing hair or half-up styles.
- Ming-Qing outfits can be completed with floral hairpieces or pearl ornaments.
Footwear:
- Embroidered shoes or cloth slippers match traditional ensembles.
- For comfort during city walks, modernized embroidered flats are practical alternatives.
Occasions & Photography:
- Daytime: Opt for brighter palettes for outdoor festivals or temple fairs.
- Evening: Darker tones with subtle embroidery shine under lantern light.
- Photography: Incorporate props such as fans, parasols, or even traditional instruments for authentic atmosphere.
Modern Adaptations:
Hanfu-inspired dresses with simplified cuts are available for those new to traditional wear.
Pairing traditional skirts with modern tops, or vice versa, can create approachable “fusion looks” while retaining festive symbolism.
Ⅴ. Conclusion: Hanfu as a Living Vessel of Qixi Tradition
From ancient needle threading rituals under the stars, to poetic courtly gatherings, to today’s commercially branded “Chinese Valentine’s Day”, Qixi has constantly shifted yet retained its central spirit. It embodies both skill and love, craftsmanship and affection.
In modern celebrations, Hanfu provides a tangible link between past and present. By wearing embroidered skirts, carrying round fans, or layering Song-style jackets, individuals do more than dress up—they inhabit a cultural memory, turning a dinner date or city stroll into an enactment of history.
Qixi need not be limited to roses and chocolates. It can also be a day to wear history, embody romance, and share tradition. This year, whether with a partner or among friends, let Hanfu become your medium of celebration. Put on the threads of skill and affection, and step into the living romance of Qixi.