Nanjing constructs over 800 km of green walkways

Nanjing in East China's Jiangsu province has since 2013 built 863 kilometers of green walkways, transforming abandoned paths and muddy "wild roads" in the city.

Xing Zhengjun, Nanjing vice-mayor, said that the city has undertaken the task to benefit locals and preserve the environment.

"We made specific plans for each of the walkways to ensure that each one has a unique view," he said.

Zhu Shan, a 70-year-old local, said that like many of his friends, he used to walk or jog on the "wild roads" of the city's famous Zijin Shan mountain.

"You could see better scenery walking those 'wild roads'," he said. "But now many of those 'wild roads' have been reconstructed into walkways. They provide the same beautiful view with a safer environment."

According to Nanjing Zhongshan Mausoleum Administration, more than 10 million people visit Zijin Shan mountain each year.

This level of traffic damaged walking paths and vegetation on the mountain, and resulted in a number of accidents.

Cheng Yuning, professor of architecture at Southeast University and one of the project's main planners, said that the move has been welcomed by locals.

"I have walked on those roads several times and found that they provide more convenient transportation and unique views," he said.