What is this “520 day” that so many Chinese are crazy about? 520 is a short form of the day of May 20; and, this date is another Valentine’s Day holiday in China. But why is this date Valentine’s Day? It may sound funny but “520” sounds phonetically very close to “I Love You”, or “Wo Ai Ni” in Chinese.

520 or 521 “holiday” is not official but many couples celebrate this Chinese Valentine’s Day; and, 520 has this specific meaning for “I Love You” in China.
So, it’s a holiday for expressing romantic love in China for both couples and the single
Later, “521” was gradually given the meaning of “I am willing” and “I love you” by lovers in China. “Online Valentine’s Day” is also known as “Marriage Day”, “Love Expression Day”, “Love Festival”, etc.

In fact, both May 20 & 21 days are China’s Internet Valentine’s Days every year, which are both phonetically the same as “I (5) love (2) you (0/1)” in Chinese. It has nothing to do with China’s thousands of years’ history; and, it is more of a product from commercial promotions in China in the 21st century.

It’s not a holiday in China, at least not an official public holiday. But, the restaurants and cinemas in the evening are much more crowded and pricey during this Chinese Valentine’s day.

Nowadays, 20 May is more important as a day of opportunity for men to express their romantic love for girls in China. That means ladies expect to receive gifts or hongbao on this day. This date is also often selected by some Chinese for the wedding ceremony.

Men can choose to express “520” (I love you) to their wife, girlfriend or favorite goddess on May 20th. The day of May 21st is the day to get the answer. The moved lady replies to her husband or boyfriend with “521” to indicate “I am willing” and “I love you”.

The “Internet Valentine’s Day” on May 20th and May 21st of each year has become a lucky day for couples to get married and hold wedding ceremonies.
“The ‘520’ homophonic is very good, young people are fashionable, some choose this day to get the marriage certificate. “520” is also being discussed by some young people in WeChat Moments, QQ group, as a hot topic. Many send WeChat red envelope (mostly male) to their lovers who will show off in the social media with a screen capture.

Many middle-aged people in their 40s and 50s have joined 520 festivals, sending flowers, chocolates, and delivering cakes.

Younger
The age of the people who pursue 520 day – online Valentine’s Day is mostly under 30 years old. They are easy to accept new things. Most of their free time is on the Internet. And the followers of the 2.14 Valentine’s Day are combined with the three generations of the old and the young, and those over the age of 30 who are more influenced by the tradition are more inclined to Valentine’s Day with a strong Western flavor.