A memorial ceremony was held in Nanjing on Friday in honour of the victims of the Nanjing Massacre in 1937.

Mourners gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to remember those killed by invading Japanese forces.

Soldiers placed numerous large floral wreaths on stage, before the national anthem was played and a moment of silence held to a lowered national flag.

An estimated 300,000 civilians and unarmed soldiers were killed during the six-week massacre.

In 2014, China's top legislature designated December 13 as National Memorial Day, to ensure the massacre is not forgotten.

Today, there are only 32 living registered survivors of the massacre.

In 1945, the war against Japan came to an end as Tokyo announced its unconditional surrender in the Second World War. (Agencies)