The Lizhou district of Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province held a brisk walking activity in a local forest park, aiming to improve the public awareness of forest protection and low-carbon lifestyle.

Guangyuan residents have an outing at Heishipo Forest Park in Lizhou district, Guangyuan, Sichuan provicne. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Heishipo Forest Park, with a planned area of 18.9 sq km, is designed to be a large-scale ecotourism destination with hot spring health care, traditional Chinese medicine nursing, and mountain sports as its featured products.

The park's tranquil and green environment makes it popular among participants, according to resident Mao Xiaofang. She was pleased with the activity, for participants could not only move their bodies and stretch their muscles, but also learn some forest fire prevention knowledge.

"The park is almost 'zero distance' from the downtown area -- that's why we chose Heishipo," said an organizer. "Coupled with its high-quality brand for vocation, it is expected to play a leading role to help boost forest recreation.