A couple, who dated four years, have decided to part ways upon graduating from Wuhan University of Science and Technology in China.

They split in view of the fact that they will be some 1,200km apart after completing their studies.

Xu Minyu, an architecture student, will join the civil service in Hangzhou, while girlfriend Xiao Ying - a management student - has signed a contract with a Beijing-based company.

To commemorate their love, the couple held a break-up ceremony in their campus on Thursday night, Wuhan Evening News reported.

Surrounded by heart-shaped candles and holding a bouquet of 99 roses, Xu knelt down in front of Xiao Ying to ask for a break-up.

Those who were watching the lovebirds shouted: "Say yes, say yes."

After a two-minute silence, Xiao Ying eventually accepted Xu's flowers and request.

She used to tell him how much she liked a romantic proposal, so he decided to make their break-up just as memorable.