Money cannot buy you love on Valentine's Day, but Beijing people are spending millions of yuan on flowers, cards, chocolates and romantic outings, which are classic means to celebrate the western holiday.

Many department stores and restaurants launched Valentine's Day promotion campaigns weeks ago.

Beijing's flower markets also witness shopping binge around this special day for lovers. Daily sales have doubled in various flower markets across Beijing since February 10, according to market sources.

To attract more lovers, some hotels recently adopted the gimmick of offering discounts for the night of Valentine's Day.

"No lies need to be told about being married when couples check in at the hotel tonight -- Valentine's Day," said an employee of the hotel, who revealed many couples had already reserved rooms at the price of 488 yuan (US$59) per night for a double room.

Although some people considered those kind of hotel promotions as an encouragement to cohabitation out of wedlock, it is undeniable that social norms in China are so quickly changing that more space are allowed to lovers.

Western holidays such as Christmas and Valentine's Day have found their positions on Chinese people's calendars. Cupid 's annual tour to China has given people an opportunity to express their feelings, which are traditionally reserved in Chinese people's hearts.

(China Daily 02/14/2001)