During the Two Sessions, Professor Hu Yang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and director of the Scientific Research Center at Beijing Sport University, submitted a joint proposal with over 30 other members including Bai Yansong, Hai Xia, and Wang Hui, suggesting the establishment of a 'Walking Day' to encourage people to 'balance eating and exercise for better health.'
Hu Yang noted that walking, as a common human activity, has gained increasing attention for its simplicity, safety, and effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases, becoming one of the most widely participated sports in China. Local governments across the country have also included walking and hiking activities as regular components of national fitness programs. In 2010, the Ministry of Health initiated the advocacy of designating the 11th of each month as a public 'Walking Day,' which received an enthusiastic response from the public.
At the Fifth Session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee, Hu Yang had previously suggested that the government officially establish May 11th as 'Walking Day.' A year later, he formally submitted this suggestion as a proposal, which has so far garnered the joint support of over 30 CPPCC members.
Hu Yang explained that the number '11' symbolizes two legs, the chopsticks on a dining table, and balance (as in a wooden beam), implying a balance between 'eating' and 'exercising.' The date 5-11 is meant to suggest 'I want to balance eating and exercising,' making it easy for the public to understand and practice. This suggestion received positive feedback from the Ministry of Health and strong resonance among the public. Hu Yang hopes that the government can take advantage of this momentum to officially launch a nationally recognized 'Walking Day,' enabling collaboration among departments such as sports, health, and education to promote and expand the impact of 'Walking Day.'
In addition to proposing the establishment of 'Walking Day,' Hu Yang also put forward four other suggestions. First, through the establishment of Walking Day, actively advocate for walking at least 10,000 steps a day and promoting low-carbon, environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as walking and cycling. Second, strengthen the development of greenways, set up distance markers and health awareness signs along the routes, create environments suitable for mass green travel, and promote the healthy concept that every day can be a Walking Day. Third, open more parks for free to facilitate citizens’ walking and fitness activities. Fourth, establish cross-departmental cooperation mechanisms among medical, sports, and education sectors to jointly advocate for healthy lifestyles.
Hu Yang believes that under China’s current national conditions, it is necessary to first encourage the public to engage in low-barrier, highly accessible activities, gradually shifting their lifestyle concepts. Mass participation in walking is the most feasible, simplest, most effective, and zero-cost ideal way, suitable for people of all ages. With proper guidance and the creation of necessary conditions, he believes this can play an important role in improving people’s physical fitness, raising health standards, alleviating air pollution, and addressing persistent urban congestion.
According to Hu Yang, data jointly released by the Ministry of Health and other departments shows that with the acceleration of industrialization, urbanization, and aging, the number of people suffering from chronic diseases in China is rising rapidly, with 260 million confirmed patients currently. Chronic diseases are long-lasting, widespread, and costly, accounting for 85% of total deaths in China and 70% of the total disease burden, making them a major cause of poverty and relapse into poverty due to illness.
In his research, Hu Yang found that while there has been little change in Chinese people’s calorie intake over the past 20 years, the rates of overweight and obesity have continued to rise. Meanwhile, less than 12% of adults aged 18 and above in China regularly participate in physical exercise. He said, 'Lack of physical exercise, overeating, and insufficient activity—these unhealthy lifestyles—are key factors contributing to the onset of chronic diseases in China. Advocating for a healthy lifestyle that balances eating and exercise can help prevent and control chronic diseases.'