Business heats up for Qixi

Qixi, or Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on August 13 this year and is becoming more and more popular.

Store promotions in Zhangjiagang of Jiangsu province are getting more competitive as the festival approaches. Anything romantic is being promoted to lovers, including flowers, dinners, movies, jewels and cosmetics.

A flower shopkeeper surnamed Tang said the number of orders began to rise three or four days ago in different ways, such as orders via the telephone and the Internet. "There are dozens of orders everyday, and no discount is provided during the festival."

Tang said the customers were mainly young people in the past, but more middle-aged couples bought flowers this year. Most young lovers choose roses, while middle-aged couples prefer lilies. The Chinese word for lily translates to "love will last for 100 years".

Blue roses and toy bouquets are no longer popular this year. Tang said his shop is promoting imported roses from Ecuador, which are bigger and will last longer. The price is about 80 yuan ($13.08) each.