The lights dim, and a few notes of traditional music introduce one of China’s most famous horror legends: The Painted Face. This legend, dating back to the 17th century, tells the story of Wang, a cultured man, who brings a young woman, who claims to be a poor victim, into his home. He inevitably falls under her spell. This marks the beginning of a tragedy, for Wang failed to heed the warning signs and will learn the hard way not to judge people by their appearances.

Next comes one of the country’s four most popular love stories: the legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day. In the West, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. In China, this celebration, known as the Qixi Festival, takes place on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. Like the Chinese New Year, the date varies, but it generally falls in August. It has its roots in a legend that is as poetic as it is romantic: the story of an impossible love between a farmer and a goddess. This couple is separated by a family member who disapproves of their love. But once a year, on the seventh night of the seventh month, something happens.