Eighty-nine couples participated in a group wedding ceremony aimed at celebrating love and promoting the principles of community and civilized living in Qingdao's Shinan district on Nov 12.

During the event, each groom went down on bended knee before placing a wedding band on their partner's finger as a promise of devotion.

Held in the Qingdao music hall overlooking the region's scenic coastal landscapes and century-old landmarks, the wedding was witnessed by Liu Jiuhong, head of the civil affairs bureau of Shinan district. The newlyweds then solemnly recited marriage vows before family members, friends, and citizens.

The ceremony continued with musical selections that reflect the journey of relationships. The event concluded with the participants singing Me and My Country to express their gratitude to their homeland.

Authorities said they will continue to foster community tradition and youth development through occasional group wedding ceremonies that feature local cultural heritage and the values of hope, fellowship and cultivated living.