Summer marks graduation season in China. In late June, universities across Guangdong celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026.

Sun Yat-sen University hosts its graduation ceremony on June 27.

A doctoral graduate proposes to his girlfriend, also a graduate of South China Agricultural University, at the university's graduation ceremony on June 23.

Across Guangdong, graduation ceremonies have become more than speeches and degree presentations. Universities have turned them into showcase of campus culture, featuring signature traditions, wonderful performances and warm surprises that give graduates final chance to make memories before starting a new chapter.

Graduates wave rice panicles during the graduation ceremony at South China Agricultural University on June 23. The tradition reflects the university's agricultural heritage and commemorates the growth of each graduate.

Graduates light up the stadium with phone flashlights during the graduation ceremony at South China Agricultural University on June 23.

Students perform a dance during the graduation ceremony at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies on June 26.

The mascot of China's 15th National Games makes a surprise appearance during the graduation ceremony at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies on June 27.

Performers present the Chaoshan Solar Terms Drum, a traditional folk performance from eastern Guangdong, during the graduation ceremony at Shantou University on June 26.

Members of Shantou University's Class of 2026 receive letters from Li Ka-shing, the university's founding patron, on June 26.

Letters and graduation souvenirs await graduates before Shantou University's graduation ceremony begins on June 26.

The celebrations concluded with traditional degree-conferring rituals as graduates bid farewell to their campus life.

Graduates at Shantou University help one another turn their tassels, symbolizing the completion of their degree studies, on June 26.

A graduate wearing a hand-decorated graduation cap takes a selfie with a friend at Shantou University on June 26.

A graduate in a wheelchair receives his diploma during the graduation ceremony at Guangzhou University on June 23.

Reporter | Chen Siyuan

Photo | South China Agricultural University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Shantou University, Guangzhou University