August 19, 2026 · 星期三
Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day)
七夕· seven
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyQixi Festival celebrates love through the legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl, emphasizing themes of reunion and devotion.
立秋 marks the official start of autumn, though the lingering "autumn tiger" heat often hangs on for weeks. Subtle signs appear — a cooler breeze at dawn, the first yellowing leaves, ripening fruit.
People practice 贴秋膘 ("sticking on autumn fat"), eating hearty meats to recover weight lost in summer, and bite into melon (啃秋).
Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day)
七夕qī xī
Qixi Festival, celebrated today, is a cherished occasion in Chinese culture known as Chinese Valentine's Day. It falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which is why the number 七 (qī), meaning 'seven', plays a significant role in this festival[1]. The origin of Qixi is rooted in the ancient tale of Niulang, the cowherd, and Zhinu, the weaver girl, who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to reunite only once a year on this special day[2].
This legend has been passed down through generations and is a testament to enduring love and perseverance. On Qixi, people often celebrate by expressing their love and appreciation for their partners. Traditional activities include crafting and appreciating hand-made items, as Zhinu was known for her exceptional weaving skills. Additionally, young women might pray for wisdom and dexterity, wishing for a marriage as devoted as that of Niulang and Zhinu[3].
In modern times, Qixi has taken on new dimensions, with couples exchanging gifts and spending time together, much like Western Valentine's Day. However, it still retains its unique cultural essence, with many Chinese people engaging in traditional practices to honor the festival's origins. The day is not only a celebration of love but also a reminder of the cultural heritage and stories that bind people together across time and space.
Qixi Festival celebrates love through the legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl, emphasizing themes of reunion and devotion.
今天是七夕节。
Jīntiān shì Qīxì jié.
Today is Qixi Festival.
- [1] 《诗经》 The Book of Songs, which contains early references to the seventh day traditions
- [2] 《牛郎织女》 The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, a classic Chinese folktale
- [3] 《红楼梦》 Dream of the Red Chamber, which references Qixi customs
Jason & Amy on 七
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day) — and the word 七
Jason & Amy on Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day) and 七
New here?
August 19, 2026
Today in Chinese cultural history, we explore influential figures and their contributions.
Death of Duke Ling of Jin 晉靈公
Duke Ling of Jin was a monarch known for his controversial rule during the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China. His reign witnessed internal strife and cultural developments.
His rule provides insight into early political dynamics and cultural shifts in ancient China.
Read more
Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain) source Launch of Syncom 3
Syncom 3 became the first geostationary communication satellite, significantly advancing global communications. This technology allowed for live coverage of events like the Olympic Games, revolutionizing broadcasting capabilities.
The launch marked a new era in global communication, affecting media and international broadcasting.
Read more
我有七个苹果。
Wǒ yǒu qī gè píngguǒ.
I have seven apples.
This sentence uses '七' to indicate the number seven.
七月是夏天。
Qī yuè shì xiàtiān.
July is summer.
The month of '七月' (July) is linked to summer.
今天是七夕。
Jīntiān shì Qīxì.
Today is Qixi.
The sentence indicates today's date as Qixi, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
七彩的天空很美。
Qīcǎi de tiānkōng hěn měi.
The colorful sky is beautiful.
Here, '七' is part of the word '七彩', meaning 'seven colors' or 'colorful'.
Using '七' as a Number
七 + measure word + noun
In Chinese, numbers are combined with measure words to count nouns. The number '七' can be used in this way to specify quantities, such as '七个苹果' (seven apples).
Use this pattern when you need to specify a quantity of items.
七个学生在教室。
Qī gè xuéshēng zài jiàoshì.
Seven students are in the classroom.
他有七本书。
Tā yǒu qī běn shū.
He has seven books.
我们住在七楼。
Wǒmen zhù zài qī lóu.
We live on the seventh floor.
What does 七 mean?
How is 七 pronounced?
How do you write "seven" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
我有___个苹果。(I have ___ apples.)
今天是七夕节 — What does this sentence mean?
What is Qixi often compared to?
Arrange into a correct sentence
What was Syncom 3 known for?
Who was Daišan?
Frequently asked questions about the word 七
The pronunciation is 'qī', with a high, level tone. Make sure not to drop the tone or pronounce it with a rising or falling intonation.
Yes, 七 is commonly used in phrases like '七月' (qī yuè, July) and '七个' (qī ge, seven pieces).
It's beneficial to learn 一 (yī, one), 二 (èr, two), 三 (sān, three), and 十 (shí, ten) as they are all foundational numbers.
Chinese Learner’s Horoscope
Your sign’s reading for today, written for learners.
Find your sign
The Chinese zodiac assigns each birth year one of twelve animals, each paired with an element that colours its character. Yours shapes a reading written for learners.
- Your sign and its elementOne of twelve animals on a 12-year cycle
- A daily affirmationFresh every morning, never repeated
- A learning horoscopeWhat to study today, and when
- A lucky characterWith pinyin, meaning and a study tip
Your birth date
Saved on this device — used only to work out your zodiac sign.
Today's Mandarin word: 七 (qī) — seven.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉