Headwear is placed on students during a traditional coming-of-age ceremony held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on June 30. [Photo/saibeinews]

A traditional coming-of-age ceremony was held in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on June 30.

More than 1,200 high school students attended the ceremony to celebrate turning 18 and the beginning of their adulthood.

In ancient China, males participated in coming-of-age ceremonies at 20, females at 15, after which they were considered grown and could share adult responsibilities. The tradition dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC).

At the event, students celebrated their entry into adulthood by ceremonially tying their hair in buns and attaching hairpins.

Niu Jie, deputy director of the No 1 Secondary School in Hohhot, expressed his hope that the event would help students appreciate the charm of traditional rituals, and would reaffirm their understanding of social responsibility.

Students' parents were also invited to participate in the event.