China held a state memorial ceremony for Nanjing Massacre Victims to mark the country’s fourth National Memorial Day on Wednesday. The ceremony took place at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, east China's Jiangsu Province. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the ceremony. /Xinhua Photo

2017 marks the 80th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, during which 300,000 people were killed, buried or drowned by Japanese troops. People attending the ceremony stood in silence for one minute after the commemorative bell rang. /Xinhua Photo

During the ceremony, soldiers laid wreaths for the victims. /Xinhua Photo

Pigeons were released as a symbol of peace during the ceremony. /Xinhua Photo

Memorial ceremonies were also held by people in Nanjing, with students from Southeast University lighting candles in commemoration of the victims. /Xinhua Photo