To embrace the upcoming Qiqiao Festival, which this year falls on Aug 10, Tianhe district of Guangzhou – the capital of South China's Guangdong province – has launched a series of celebrations that will run from Aug 4-15.

The Qiqiao Festival (Begging for Skills Festival), also known as Qixi Festival, is China's version of Valentine's Day. It originated in the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), and a whole host of related customs have gradually taken shape since then.

Girls perform traditional rites of the Qiqiao Festival in Tianhe. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

At 7 pm on Aug 4, a village gala will be held at the Qixi Cultural Square in Tianhe's Zhucun village, marking the beginning of the series of celebrations.

At the same place, a launch ceremony will feature the traditional rites of the Qiqiao Festival, some wonderful songs and dances, and an aerial drone show – taking place at 8 pm on Aug 10.

Three travel routes – themed on romance, parent-child active fun, and river views, respectively – will be launched on Aug 4-10 to enable visitors to understand the local Qiqiao culture better and experience the natural and cultural charms of Tianhe.

A Han-style group wedding will be carried out on Aug 10 for 14 couples, who will hand out wedding candies to tourists on their romance tour held after the ceremony.

A woman helps prepare for the Qiqiao Festival. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

Themed on Queqiao, or the famed Magpie Bridge, a bazaar blending tradition and modernity will take place at Zhucun village, Zhujiang Park, Lingzhan Plaza, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on Aug 4-10.

Magpie Bridge is where two lovers, who are banished to opposite sides of the Milky Way, are reunited one day per year during the Qixi Festival, in the Chinese legend of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

In addition, seven parent-child games will be set up on several floors of the Grandview Plaza on Aug 8-10. People who finish all the games will receive a shopping coupon.