West Lake, Hangzhou. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The Qixi festival, or the Chinese Valentine's Day, is gaining increasing popularity among young lovers.

The week in which Qixi festival falls this year, August 26, has seen a dramatic boost in bookings for tourist attractions and romantic getaways, especially cool coastal areas infused with romance, according to Ctrip.com, a leading travel service company in China.

The popular destinations include the cradle of love stories and dreamy recreational spots, such as Hangzhou, Guilin, Lijiang and Lugu lake, Tang Yibo, a senior officer with Ctrip.com says. The orders to Xiamen, Sanya and Guilin have risen 50 percent, 80 percent and 40 percent respectively, revealed the influential travel agent.

Many scenic spots and businessse have set their eyes on the Chinese Valentine's Day, launching a series special package for lovers, like "honeymoon house" and "honeymoon packages".

(CRI August 10, 2009)