Classic Hong Kong Romance Movies to Enjoy This Qixi Festival

Qixi Festival, also known as the Double Seventh Festival or Qiqiao Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival associated with love and reunion. It is based on the well-known legend of Niulang, the Cowherd, and Zhinü, the Weaver Girl, who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet once a year. According to the story, magpies form a bridge across the sky so the two can reunite on this special night.

The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which is why it is also called the Double Seventh Festival. In 2026, Qixi Festival falls on Wednesday, 19 August. It is not a public holiday in Hong Kong, but many couples still take the opportunity to spend time together and celebrate their relationship.

Today, Qixi is often described as Chinese Valentine’s Day. Couples may exchange flowers, chocolates, gift hampers or other thoughtful presents, while others choose to enjoy a meal or a movie together. For those planning a relaxed date night, watching a romantic Hong Kong film can be a simple and enjoyable way to celebrate.

In this article, we introduce a selection of Hong Kong romantic movies that are suitable for a Qixi movie night, from familiar love stories to light-hearted films that couples can enjoy together.

Traditions of the Qixi Festival

Qixi has a history of more than 2,600 years, and different regions have developed their own ways of celebrating it. Traditional customs include worshipping the Weaver Girl, threading needles to demonstrate skill, creating decorative crafts and eating qiaoguo pastries. These traditions reflect wishes for happiness, dexterity and a fulfilling relationship.

Today, Qixi celebrations are often much simpler. Couples may exchange flowers, chocolates or gift hampers, enjoy a meal together or watch a movie. For many people, a relaxed movie night is an easy and enjoyable way to celebrate the occasion.

Six Classic Hong Kong Movies Perfect For Couples To Watch During The Qixi Festival

Hong Kong cinema has given audiences many memorable love stories, from light-hearted romantic comedies to films that explore grief, companionship and second chances. With Qixi approaching, these six Hong Kong movies offer plenty of humour, emotion and familiar city scenes for a relaxed movie night together.

Love in a Puff

Directed by Pang Ho-cheung, Love in a Puff is a 2010 romantic comedy starring Miriam Yeung and Shawn Yue. The story is set after Hong Kong introduced a ban on smoking in indoor public spaces, which led office workers to gather outside during cigarette breaks. Cherie and Jimmy meet in one of these informal smoking groups, and their casual conversations gradually develop into a relationship.

The film stands out for its natural dialogue, dry humour and honest portrayal of modern dating in Hong Kong. Rather than relying on dramatic romantic gestures, it follows the small conversations and uncertain moments that bring two people closer together. It is a suitable Qixi choice for couples who enjoy contemporary stories with a realistic and slightly unconventional view of romance.

Love for All Seasons

Released in 2003, Love for All Seasons was directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai and stars Sammi Cheng and Louis Koo. Sammi Cheng plays May, a martial artist and Chinese medicine practitioner from an all-female sect on Mount Emei. To master a powerful sword technique, she must first experience heartbreak, leading her to seek help from the well-known playboy Tiger Hung.

The film combines romance, martial arts and comedy in a playful story about two people who approach love in very different ways. Its exaggerated situations and lively performances make it an entertaining option for couples who prefer something cheerful and easy to watch during Qixi.

My Left Eye Sees Ghosts

My Left Eye Sees Ghosts is a 2002 romantic comedy with supernatural elements, directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai. Sammi Cheng plays May, a young widow who gains the ability to see ghosts through her left eye after a car accident. She soon meets the spirit of a former schoolmate, played by Lau Ching-wan, who helps her deal with the loss of her husband.

Although the film begins with an unusual and humorous idea, it gradually becomes a moving story about grief, emotional support and learning to move forward. The balance of comedy and heartfelt moments makes it a good choice for couples looking for a film with more emotional depth. It is best enjoyed without reading too much about the ending beforehand.

Love on a Diet

Released in 2001, Love on a Diet stars Sammi Cheng as Mini and Andy Lau as Fatso, two Hong Kong people living in Japan. Mini hopes to reunite with a former boyfriend and asks Fatso to help her change her lifestyle. As they spend more time together, their friendship gradually develops into something deeper.

Some aspects of the film’s portrayal of body image reflect the attitudes and comedy style of its time. However, at the centre of the story is a relationship built on support, loyalty and seeing someone beyond their appearance. Sammi Cheng and Andy Lau’s chemistry gives the film warmth, making it a nostalgic choice for viewers who enjoy early-2000s Hong Kong romantic comedies.

Love Me, Love My Money

Directed by Wong Jing, Love Me, Love My Money is a 2001 romantic comedy starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Shu Qi. Tony Leung plays Richard, a wealthy but extremely careful businessman who temporarily finds himself without access to his money. During this period, he meets Ah Choi, played by Shu Qi, and the two become involved in a series of misunderstandings about wealth, identity and romantic intentions.

The film uses comedy to explore whether a relationship can remain genuine when money and social status become part of the equation. Tony Leung’s comic performance and his contrasting personality with Shu Qi’s character keep the story light and energetic. It is an enjoyable Qixi pick for couples who like fast-paced comedies with plenty of misunderstandings.

And I Hate You So

Released in 2000, And I Hate You So stars Kelly Chen as newspaper columnist Luna Ng and Aaron Kwok as radio DJ Cheung Yung. Their conflict begins over a second-hand vinyl record and soon turns into a public argument carried out through newspaper columns and radio programmes. As their rivalry continues, their feelings for each other begin to change.

The film follows a familiar rivals-to-lovers story, supported by the easy chemistry between its leads and its stylish portrayal of urban Hong Kong. Teresa Mo and Eric Tsang also appear in a warm supporting storyline that adds another perspective on love and companionship. With its humour, music and familiar Hong Kong locations, the film is a fitting way to end a Qixi movie marathon.

Conclusion

Watching a romantic movie together can be enjoyable for couples at any stage of a relationship. For new couples, it offers a relaxed way to spend time together and create shared memories. For long-term partners, a movie night can provide a welcome break from daily routines and an opportunity to reconnect.

This Qixi Festival, choose one of the six Hong Kong romantic films above and enjoy a simple movie night together. Whether you prefer a light-hearted comedy or a more emotional love story, sharing the experience can make the celebration feel more meaningful.