Mixed-use path by Yangtze River opens in Chongqing

A shared-use path for cycling and walking along the Yangtze River, the first of its kind in Southwest China's Chongqing, opened to public on Sunday, attracting hundreds of cyclists and walkers in spite of winter cold.

The cycle lane and footpath was revamped from a section of Babin Road, which runs along the Yangtze River, in Banan district of the city.

Paved with eco-friendly rubber, the track extends 10.4 kilometers in total. It is four meters in width and includes three parallel lanes, in which the two-way bikeway accounts for three meters and the one footway takes up the rest.

Each lane was also painted in a different color to indicate its function. The dual bike path is green and red and the footpath is gray.

"Lots of members of our cycling association came today. We have been waiting for a long time for the river bikeway to come into use," said Wei Xiaoqing, head of the cycling association of Banan district.

"Needless to say, the scenery along the river is absolutely beautiful. What's more, it's much safer to ride on the bicycle-only lane than on roads," Wei added.

"You can appreciate the river view all year round while riding and jogging here. More than that, there are signature flowers and plants by the path for every season. You can see cherry blossom in spring, Camphor tree in summer, osmanthus in fall and wintersweet in winter," said an official from the urban management department of the district.

"We will further improve the surrounding environment and supporting facilities and make it a scenery line by the river," the official said. More virescence will be seen and public seats, trash bins, decorative lighting and even music players will be installed on the sides in the near future, he said.