China: Happy Valentines' Day, as 77 Couples set to Marry

Many households in the area will place fruit outside their windows this evening to pay homage to the star Vega (the weaving maid) and a competition that involves young girls threading a needle will be held under moonlight. These activities originate from the Han Dynasty (206BC–220AD) and are widely spread in Xiaoshan.

Shanghai is also celebrating the occasion with the Lover's Wall area on The Bund undergoing a complete renovation to give a new look to the festival. The surrounding area has been covered with marble and the fence around the wall now sports an ancient, more romantic style.

Fresh colors have added to the wall's attractiveness with many couples choosing the location over more modern-day options to spend time with each other.

...77 couples will participate in a collective wedding ceremony, Tang Dynasty style.

Unlike St. Valentine's Day in Western countries there is not so much emphasis on giving chocolates, flowers and kisses. Instead, Chinese girls prepare fruits, melons and incense as offerings to Zhi Nu, the weaving maiden, praying to acquire high skills in needlecraft, as well as hoping to find satisfactory husbands.

Being one of the Top Ten Shanghai Attractions, Shanghai Bund is a must-visit place

...In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bund became the financial and political center of the international community in China. It was China's Wall Street, as Shanghai's financial market became the third largest in the world (behind London and New York). 

...Many years ago, a "Lover's Wall" made the Bund more romantic. The 500-metre section between Beijing Road East and Yan'an Road East was packed with lovers kissing and hugging, regardless of the reproachful glances cast by passer-bys!