The Just Bloom Guide to the Best Flowers for Chinese Valentine’s Day (Qixi Festival)
Chinese Valentine’s Day, or Qixi Festival, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month and celebrates the legendary love story of Niulang and Zhinü. Like Western Valentine’s Day, flowers are a beautiful way to express love, devotion, and admiration. Here’s a Just Bloom HK Florist guide to choosing the perfect blooms for this romantic occasion.
1. Roses – Classic and Timeless
Meaning: Love, passion, and devotion
Colors & Symbolism:
Red: Romantic love and passion
Pink: Affection and admiration
White: Pure love and sincerity
Yellow: Friendship and joy
Why they’re great:
Roses are universally recognized symbols of love, making them perfect for a holiday that celebrates a romantic legend.
2. Peonies – The Flower of Romance
Meaning: Prosperity, romance, and feminine beauty
Why they’re great:
Peonies are considered the “king of flowers” in Chinese culture and are symbols of love, honor, and wealth. Their lush blooms convey deep affection and admiration.
3. Lilies – Love and Long-lasting Bonds
Meaning: Devotion, purity, and unity
Popular Varieties:
Oriental Lilies: Fragrant and luxurious
Stargazer Lilies: Bold and passionate
Calla Lilies: Sleek and romantic
Why they’re great:
Lilies are associated with 100% devotion in Chinese symbolism and are often used in weddings and romantic gestures.
4. Orchids – Elegance and Strength
Meaning: Beauty, refinement, and enduring love
Why they’re great:
Orchids are sophisticated and symbolize noble character and long-lasting love, ideal for a Qixi Festival bouquet.
5. Carnations – Thoughtful and Enduring
Meaning: Fascination, admiration, and maternal or romantic love
Colors & Symbolism:
Red: Passionate love
Pink: Affection and gratitude
White: Pure, sincere emotions
Why they’re great:
Carnations are long-lasting, versatile, and easy to combine with other blooms, making them perfect for a meaningful bouquet.
6. Mixed Bouquets – Personal and Expressive
Composition Ideas:
Red roses + peonies for passionate and culturally meaningful love
Lilies + orchids for elegance and long-lasting devotion
Carnations + roses for a heartfelt, balanced bouquet
Why they’re great:
Mixed bouquets allow you to combine symbolism, colors, and scents to tailor your gift to your loved one.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Qixi Festival Flowers
Focus on symbolism. Peonies and red roses carry special meaning in Chinese culture.
Consider favorite colors. Red and pink dominate love-themed arrangements.
Include fragrance. Lilies and peonies add a romantic, sensory touch.
Add a cultural touch. Present flowers in a decorative box or basket with a note referencing Qixi or the Niulang-Zhinü story.
Order early. Qixi is increasingly popular, so planning ahead ensures freshness.
Top 5 Qixi Festival Bouquets by Personality
1. The Romantic Partner – Passionate and Classic
Best Flowers: Red roses, pink carnations, peonies
Why it works:
This bouquet conveys love, devotion, and admiration while honoring Chinese cultural symbolism.
Bouquet Tip: Mix red roses and lush pink peonies for a romantic, culturally rich arrangement.
2. The Elegant Partner – Sophisticated and Refined
Best Flowers: Orchids, calla lilies, stargazer lilies
Why it works:
For someone who appreciates grace and style, these exotic flowers create a luxurious and thoughtful gift.
Bouquet Tip: Keep a clean, minimalist style with 2–3 striking blooms.
3. The Cheerful Partner – Bright and Playful
Best Flowers: Tulips, daisies, sunflowers
Why it works:
Colorful blooms convey joy and cheerfulness, perfect for someone who enjoys lighthearted romance.
Bouquet Tip: Use bright reds, yellows, and pinks for an energetic, uplifting bouquet.
4. The Sentimental Partner – Thoughtful and Heartfelt
Best Flowers: Pink and white roses, carnations, hydrangeas
Why it works:
For someone who values emotional depth, soft hues and fragrant flowers communicate care and nostalgia.
Bouquet Tip: Layer blooms in soft pastels for a tender, meaningful arrangement.
5. The Unique Partner – Bold and Unconventional
Best Flowers: Exotic orchids, proteas, anthuriums
Why it works:
These striking, unusual blooms express uniqueness and admiration for a partner with a bold personality.
Bouquet Tip: Use unusual shapes and colors for a visually stunning and memorable bouquet.
Top Hong Kong Florist recommendations
Qixi Festival is the perfect opportunity to combine romance with cultural symbolism. Choosing flowers with meaning—whether it’s peonies for prosperity or red roses for love—makes your gift deeply thoughtful. Pair your bouquet with a heartfelt note referencing the legendary love of Niulang and Zhinü to make this Qixi truly unforgettable.
