A Hainan Qixi, Beyond Romance

By Wang Dingbin/ HICN / Updated:22:54,21-August-2026


Today is Qixi, China's Valentine's Day. In Hainan, it's more than love, it's a day for women's wishes. People splash hot spring water for good luck. Girls thread needles by moonlight for skill. They drink dew-collected porridge for bright eyes. And dye nails with balsam flowers — an old island custom. By the sea, make a wish. For wisdom. For skill. For peace.

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