Pathways bring nature to big cities

The warm weather and significant rainfall have contributed to beautiful greening along the pathways, which link more than 500 major scenic spots in the city, according to the city government.

Guangzhou has now constructed more than 3,500 kilometers of urban pathways, covering more than 7,000 square kilometers, which serve 10 million people, said Ma Yan, director of the afforesting section with the Guangzhou Bureau of Forestry and Landscaping.

"It's a major step to realize the city's goal of constructing a modern green and ecological southern metropolis," she said.

The network has the support of residents. A recent survey by Ma's bureau indicated that more than 91 percent of more than 1,000 people interviewed recognized the positive role the path network has played in improving the environment, and they applauded the positive image it has brought to the city.

Huang Zhaoming, an office worker living in Guangzhou's Tianhe district, said the network offers an ideal place for leisure, recreation and outdoor events and has attracted many families and people like him for weekend relaxation.