More than 2,000 fitness enthusiasts take part in a hiking event held at the Changyinsha area of Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu province on April 9 to promote a healthy lifestyle amidst beautiful countryside scenery. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

The Changyinsha area of Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu province was enlivened by thousands of fitness enthusiasts as a hiking event promoting a healthy lifestyle in beautiful countryside scenery kicked off on April 9.

The event gained full support from the Suzhou municipal government, the tourism bureau and the civilization office.

With the firing of the starting pistol at 9:30 am, some 2,000 hikers set off on their 10-kilometer journey, jogging or walking along the country roads, and appreciating the vistas of farmlands, picturesque rural scenery and colorful seas of lavender, violet and rape flowers.

In line with the theme of healthy living, the event hosted a variety of public benefit activities, such as free clinics, charity sales and benefit performances, raising donations of 5,249 yuan ($760) to help students further their education.

As a city boasting abundant rural resources, Zhangjiagang is stepping up to fully bring out its advantages by building up local brands with a distinctive Jiangnan-style (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River).

"We will perfectly integrate natural landscape, cultural relics and local customs to build our villages into the best destinations for visiting and relaxation," pledged Zhu Ming, vice secretary of the Zhangjiagang municipal Party committee.