Photo:CFP

Qixi, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, is a celebration of love. Observed on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, this year it falls on August 13. Qixi is based on a romantic Chinese folktale about a pair of star-crossed lovers, a cow herder and a fairy weaver girl, who were separated by the Goddess of Heaven when she discovered that a fairy wanted to marry a mortal. They could only meet once a year on a bridge formed by magpies, who took pity on the couple. The day they meet is the day that Qixi is celebrated.

Photo:CFP

If this year you are single and looking for a company, head to one of these Qixi parties and join other eligible Shanghai bachelors and bachelorettes.

Shanghai Studio (1950 Huaihai Road Middle, 6283-1043) will be celebrating Qixi and love for Shanghai's LGBT community. On Friday night, August 9, you can either bring your valentine or find a new one there. There will be heart-shaped prizes at the door. The party will start at 9:30 pm and will go on until the early morning hours.

The next day, Saturday, August 10, OK Deal Club will be throwing a pre-Chinese Valentine's Day Singles Party at the Geisha (390 Shaanxi Road South, 6403-0244). The dress code is Chinese-style dress or costume, like a Tang suit or qipao, but simple accessories will do. To break the ice, the organizers have planned a lock and key game - every woman will get a padlock and every man gets a key. Every time you match the right key with the right padlock, you win a prize and get a new lock or key to get back and mingle with other singles. The entrance fee is 120 yuan ($19.62) with RSVP or 150 yuan at the door, and 100 yuan for ladies who bring a male friend to join the event. The ticket includes one complimentary drink, snacks and game prizes. To register and to get more details, call 150-0179-1355. The party will run from 7:30 pm to 10 pm.

Photo:CFP

On Monday, August 12, Shanghai Rose (76 Nansuzhou Road) will be hosting a Traffic Light Party for Shanghai singles. Anyone attending the party who is single should wear green to represent their single status. Those in a "complicated" state should wear yellow and anyone who is already in a committed relationship should wear red. The party will start at 6:30 pm and go on until 10:30 pm. Tickets are 100 yuan including one drink. To register and to get more information email info@d8te.asia.