Qixi is the Chinese Valentine's Day.

But it is more than romance.

It is an old tradition.

It comes from legends, prayer, and culture.

The festival is on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

In 2026, that day was Aug. 19.

People also celebrate it in Singapore, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.

Beijing's Folk Custom Museum held activities on Wednesday.

The program is called "Asking for Skills."

This tradition is old.

Women prayed for skillfulness.

They showed their abilities with crafts.

Jia Juan works in the museum's Public Education Department.

She said they hope young people understand old festivals through fun activities.

The museum has held Qixi events for 14 years.

About 500 people come each time.

The program had classical music and hands-on activities.

One activity was dyeing fingernails with garden balsam.

That is a natural color.

It means beauty and blessings.

Another activity was Song brocade bead painting.

It uses silk and pearls.

Pearls mean good fortune.

People made sachet-shaped paintings.

These paintings show "qiqiao."

That is an idea about skill and dexterity.

Wang Xuejie came with her 7-year-old daughter.

They made "qiaoguo."

That is a shaped pastry.

Jia said the festival started with old star worship.

The love story is about Zhinü, a weaver girl.

And Niulang, a cowherd.

They meet once a year on a magpie bridge.

In Singapore, researcher Lynn Wong started Qixi Fest in 2023.

She wanted to bring the festival back.

Hor Xin Hao is of Cantonese descent.

He keeps old traditions.

He prays to the Seven Maidens.

He gives incense and cosmetics.

Hor said the Valentine's Day name is too small.

The festival's real meaning is about old values and family history.