E China residents exercising more frequently: officials

NANJING - East China's Jiangsu province sees 37.1 percent of its population take physical exercise frequently, with per capita space for sports up to 2.79 square meters, according to local authorities.

Jiangsu's health literacy rate has reached 25.33 percent, with the aim of rising to 26 percent and 28 percent in 2022 and 2025 respectively, which will mean 41 percent and 43 percent of its population will take part in physical exercise frequently in 2022 and 2025 respectively.

The province expects 93.3 percent and 93.8 percent of its urban and rural residents to reach national physical fitness criteria, with average life expectancy expected to be raised to 80 by 2025.

Jiangsu authorities say they will integrate national physical exercise with health management programs, and support for fitness programs with Chinese characteristics, including Tai Chi and Qigong.