A couple shows their marriage certificates at a civil affairs bureau in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, Aug 20, 2015. Many people choose to get married on the seventh day of the seventh month of Chinese's lunar calendar, known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

Young lovers of Zhangjiagang rushed to tie the knot on Aug 20, the seventh day of the seventh month of Chinese lunar calendar, known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. Long queues of couples were seen at the civil affairs bureau in Zhangjiagang, with each couple eagerly waiting to get their marriage certificates.

"Today is special. We choose Qixi Festival to get married because we believe it will bring us good luck and a happy life," said bride Hong Dandan and bridegroom Ye Linhao.

Office staff issued marriage certificates to over 70 couples in about one hour in the morning, informed Gao Meiyu, director of the marriage registration office. The total number would have exceeded 200.

According to Chinese legend, Niulang, a cowherd and Zhinu, a goddess, once a happy couple, were separated by the Milky Way, but could meet only once a year when magpies fly together to form a bridge on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

Edited by Shahnawaz Akhtar