Officials attend the launch ceremony for the start of construction on the Xihu Park in Changchun, in Jilin province, on May 10. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The groundbreaking ceremony for the start of construction work of the multi-purpose Xihu Park was launched at the Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone in Changchun, capital of Northeast China’s Jilin province, on May 10, according to local reports.

Officials said the new park will integrate such diverse elements as automobile, species and habitat protection, ecological tourism, leisure, wetlands and education -- aiming to be a water ecology park in western Changchun.

They said that since the beginning of this year, the zone has on the one hand taken comprehensive measures to prevent and control the novel coronavirus epidemic, while on the other hand promoted the resumption of work and production.

With a planned area of 333 hectares, the park will cover land in two areas: namely Changchun’s Lyuyuan district and the Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone. The park is only 1.8 kilometers from Changchun West Station.

When completed, residents will be able to walk, jog, cycle and ride on boats at lakes in the park, officials said.

Officials cut the ribbon at the ceremony on May 10. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]