Standards drafted as greenways for public use get new emphasis

China has made significant strides in building public greenways for recreation and physical fitness over the last few years - including construction standards - an official from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said at a news conference on Thursday.

Zhao Jianrong, from the ministry's urban construction department, said that as of the end of last year, 56,000 kilometers of greenways had been built nationwide, following a plan launched in 2016. In 2018 alone, 14,000 kilometers of new greenways were built nationwide.

"Connecting greenways provides a green environment for cycling and walking. After people experience comfortable and healthy ways of getting around, it will be easier for them to maintain a greener lifestyle," Zhao said.