Editor's note: China's national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre falls on December 13. CGTN presents a photo series that offers a comprehensive look at the crimes against humanity committed by the Japanese military during its war of aggression against China and the Pacific War in World War II. The series urges reflection on history, appreciation of the hard-won peace, and vigilance against any return of Japanese militarism.

On December 13, 1937, after capturing Nanjing, the Japanese army blatantly violated international law by carrying out mass killings, rape, looting and arson, known as the Nanjing Massacre, an atrocity of unmatched brutality that shocked the world. One-third of Nanjing's buildings were destroyed, large amounts of property were looted, and tens of thousands of women and children endured abuse and violence.

Over six weeks, Japanese troops killed more than 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most brutal episodes of World War II. The Nanjing Massacre is a prime example of the countless atrocities committed by the Japanese military during its war of aggression against China.

Below is the first part of the photo series that has documented the Nanjing Massacre.