Young women in traditional Hanfu (the ancient attire of the Han ethnic people) take part in a coming-of-age ceremony at the Songcheng Scenic Area in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, March 7, 2016. [Photo/CFP]

Thousands of women at colleges nationwide dressed in Hanfu and experienced a traditional coming-of-age ceremony Monday at the Songcheng Scenic Area in Hangzhou. The ceremony aims to celebrate International Women's Day in a unique way.

The young women, clad in red Hanfu, worship Heaven and Earth, express appreciation to their parents and teachers, read the classic Admonitions for Women, worn peony flowers and set adrift river lanterns carrying their wishes.

The ancient coming-of-age ceremony for young women among the Han people started as early as the Zhou Dynasty.