Novel ways to celebrate Valentine's Day

Are you tired of the usual movie, dinner and midnight stroll for your Valentine's Day celebration?

Amidst the proliferation of heart motifs, red roses and chocolate, there are many novel ways to celebrate this special occasion.

Instead of the regular bouquet of red roses, wealthy Chinese men have the option of winning their girlfriends' hearts with bouquets of gold roses that will never wilt.

A few men also popped the question to their girlfriends after an exhilarating climb up to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, against strains of romantic music from a harpist.

In Bangkok, three adventurous Thai couples took part in outdoor wedding ceremonies aimed at strengthening their relationships through fun activities.

Meanwhile, 100 couples created a breathtaking spectacle by releasing numerous heart-shaped balloons into the sky as they hold a mass wedding ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Many visitors to the California Academy of Sciences also proclaimed their affections to the adorable penguins via heart-shaped red valentines with handwritten messages.

Take a look at how others around the world celebrate this special day.