Dec 13 is China’s National Memorial Day for the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. A series of activities are taking place in the eastern Chinese city to remember the victims of the wartime atrocity.

A memorial ceremony has been held at the Memorial Hall for the victims of the massacre. The national flag has been lowered to half-mast. Thousands of people stand in silent tribute for one minute. An air-raid siron — which resonates across the city — stops the traffic and brings everyone to a halt.

The Declaration of Peace is read out and the Bell of Peace is sounded. Dozens of doves are also released to mark the anniversary. Around 300-thousand people were killed by Japanese soldiers during their occupation of the former Chinese capital. The six-week slaughter — which started on this day in 1937 — included mass rape and indiscriminate killings.