Qi Xi in Singapore
One night.One reunion.
The date, the lovers behind the legend and a florist’s practical guide to marking Chinese Valentine’s Day in Singapore.
Qi Xi is Chinese Valentine’s Day, held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. In 2026, it falls on Wednesday, 19 August. The festival remembers the once-a-year reunion of Niulang, the cowherd, and Zhinü, the weaver girl, and gives couples in Singapore another meaningful date to celebrate love.
The legend
The story of Niulang and Zhinü
Qi Xi begins with Niulang, a mortal cowherd, and Zhinü, a skilled weaver girl associated with the heavens. They fall in love, marry and build a family. Their union angers the Queen Mother of Heaven, who separates them by drawing the Milky Way between them. The lovers are placed on opposite sides of the river of stars.
Moved by their devotion, magpies form a bridge across the sky so the couple can meet once each year. That reunion takes place on the seventh night of the seventh lunar month, which gives Qi Xi its name: “seventh night”. The story is bittersweet rather than simply romantic. It is about devotion maintained across distance, the ache of separation and one precious reunion.
In Singapore, that meaning makes Qi Xi relevant to couples who want to acknowledge their relationship beyond 14 February, whether through dinner, a private note or a carefully chosen gift.
Save the date
When is Qi Xi in 2026?
| Year | Gregorian date | Lunar date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 August | Seventh day of the seventh lunar month | Wednesday |
Qi Xi moves each year because it follows the lunar calendar. For delivery planning, the date to keep is Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Three romantic dates
Qi Xi vs Valentine’s Day vs 520
| Occasion | When | What it means | How it fits Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine’s Day | 14 February | The widely recognised international day for romantic partners. | A mainstream date celebrated across communities. |
| 520 | 20 May | “520” is used online as a way to say “I love you” in Mandarin. | Often marked by Mandarin-speaking couples and those familiar with the number’s meaning. |
| Qi Xi | Seventh day of the seventh lunar month | The annual reunion of Niulang and Zhinü. | Meaningful for couples connected to Chinese culture or the lunar festival story. |
Local and low-pressure
How couples celebrate Qi Xi in Singapore
Dinner after work
Because Qi Xi 2026 falls on a Wednesday, a quiet dinner near home or the office is often more practical than an elaborate full-day plan.
A thoughtful gift
Flowers, a handwritten message or a small keepsake let the date feel intentional without turning it into a second Western Valentine’s Day.
A surprise delivery
For an office, hotel or home surprise, give the florist the recipient’s full name, contact number and unit or room details.
A message in every stem
Flowers to give for Qi Xi — and what they mean
| Flower choice | Meaning | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| Red roses | Romantic love | The clearest choice for a girlfriend, wife or long-term partner. The 20-red-rose “Blissful” bouquet is S$128.90. |
| Pink roses | Affection and gentle romance | A softer message for a newer relationship or someone who prefers a lighter palette. |
| 99 roses | Eternal love — “I will love you forever” | A milestone or proposal-level gesture. The number 9 is associated with longevity in Chinese culture; 99 roses start from about S$388. |
| Preserved roses | Love that keeps | A lasting display for long-distance relationships or partners who prefer a keepsake. |
Ready to choose? Browse the Qi Xi collection, or compare options in our Qi Xi flowers and gift guide.
Quick answers
Qi Xi Festival FAQ
When is Qi Xi 2026?
Qi Xi falls on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. It is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
What does Qi Xi mean?
Qi Xi means “seventh night”, referring to the seventh night of the seventh lunar month when Niulang and Zhinü are reunited.
Is Qi Xi the same as Valentine’s Day?
No. Valentine’s Day is fixed on 14 February in the Gregorian calendar. Qi Xi follows the lunar calendar and comes from the Chinese story of Niulang and Zhinü.
What flowers are suitable for Qi Xi?
Red roses are the classic romantic choice. Pink roses feel softer, 99 roses symbolise eternal love, and preserved roses suit someone who would value a lasting keepsake.
Can I get same-day Qi Xi delivery in Singapore?
Yes, subject to available flowers and delivery slots. Same-day orders close at 12:30pm. Free islandwide delivery runs from 12–6pm, while a specific one-hour slot costs S$25.
How is Qi Xi celebrated in Singapore?
There is no single required celebration. Couples may have dinner, exchange a thoughtful gift, send flowers or simply use the date to acknowledge their relationship and the festival’s story.
Qi Xi hub
Plan, learn and choose your flowers
Keep exploring
Flowers and keepsakes for the occasion
Qi Xi is Wednesday, 19 August
Popular red-rose designs and delivery slots can tighten near romantic peaks. Order ahead for the widest choice, or check same-day availability before 12:30pm.
Shop the Qi Xi collection