The Altair star (in Chinese legend, the Cowherd) is the 11th brightest star in the sky and thus is a little harder to pinpoint at night. Altair is 4 times larger than the Sun and about 11 times brighter. Its surface temperature is about 8,000 degrees Centigrade. It is about 17 light years away from Earth.

There are another two stars, Alshain and Tarazed, next to Altair. In Chinese mythology, the two stars on Altair's each side are the Cowherd's two children in this famous legend. The distance between the Vega and the Altair is about 16 light years and therefore cannot be seen together. In this legend, there is a magpie's bridge to enable Weaving Maid and Cowherd to meet.

The QiQiao festival

What is the concept of Chinese love? How do Chinese spend their Valentine' s Day?

According to Chinese legend, the seventh of July is considered the Chinese Valentine's Day as it was on this day many years ago, the Chinese believe, a beautiful goddess and a lowly cowherd met.

In the spirit of the love of these two legendary characters, we invite you to spend an equally romantic time with us on a moonlit lake and enjoy a chilling retelling of this ancient story. Under the starry night, witness the "Cowherd" and "Weaving-Maid", "meeting."

QiQiao travel------JIN CLUB is organizing a trip to Cui Ping Lake JI County to introduce you to the concept of Chinese love.
Details: Aug 17£­Depart at 3pm and arrive at 6pm at Thistle County Cui Ping Lake, Boat ride (roughly an hour and a half) 7:30 Wine and dine and enjoy a retelling of the romantic legend.
9:00 Set up camp
Aug 18£­Set off at 8am back home.
Arrive at 11am in Tianjn

Participants will also receive a small gift.

Expenses: 180 RMB per person (includes transport, admission, dinner, equipment)
Contact at: 23120725
E-mail: flora@expatriate-jin.com
ATTN: Flora Wang