Visitors to the Confucius Temple in Qianwei county, Sichuan province, had a pleasant surprise on Monday morning when they happened to witness an historic adulthood ceremony for a youth who had just turned 18.

At 10 am, ancient music started to permeate the temple, China's fourth largest of its kind, before Xiao Quan and 12 people accompanying him entered the Hall of Great Achievements. All were dressed in ancient Chinese costume.

Xiao knelt down in front of a statue of Confucius in a display of respect to his parents and teachers and as an acknowledgement to the teachings of Confucius.

Representing his family, Xiao's grandfather told him about the significance of being an adult. Then Xiao vowed to act responsibly for himself, his parents and for the good of society.

According to Xie Rong, organizer of the ceremony, it was the first coming-of-age ceremony, for an individual, in the county. It cost 9,880 yuan ($1,620).

"Ceremonies had been held for students collectively. The cost is about 100 yuan for a student," he told Chengdu Economic Daily.

While appreciating traditional culture as demonstrated in the ceremony, Xiao Juan, a schoolgirl invited to the ceremony, said it was too extravagant as it cost the equivalent of what her parents earned in a year.