September 22 was “World Walking Day,” with nearly 8,000 people taking part in walking and other activities around Phoenix Lake in Qingbaijiang, Chengdu.
Early in the morning on September 22, fitness enthusiasts gathered by Phoenix Lake to enjoy the 2012 “World Walking Day” event. Among the walkers were elderly people with silver hair, energetic college students, government officials in sportswear, and office workers relieved of daily stress — forming groups known as “walking commuters” and “low-carbon advocates.” Dressed in matching white T-shirts, they marched in formation along a 5-kilometer “wellness route.”
Zhao, a 55-year-old woman who participated in a wheelchair, said she felt very happy to take part, and that completing the whole course with everyone gave her a unique sense of fulfillment. Ms. Chen traveled specifically from Dujiangyan with her child to attend the event. Although her child was pushed along the route, Ms. Chen said, “Bringing my child here lets her see from an early age how many people value exercise. Exposing her to this atmosphere regularly will have a positive impact on her growth.”
The “World Walking Day” event was launched in 1992 and now covers more than 70 countries and regions worldwide, with millions of participants each year. This year marks the third year the event has been held in China, with the activity expanding to 20 cities nationwide. The total walking distance is expected to exceed 1.2 million kilometers, and Chengdu is the 15th stop of the event.