On Jan 5, 2011, the first national greenway network in the Pearl River Delta area of South China's Guangdong province, opened to traffic.

The 2,372-kilometer network of roads which link ecological sites, lush environments and green areas in the delta is the first of its kind to be established in China.

Comprised of six main roads, the network connects Guangzhou-Foshan-Zhaoqing, Shenzhen-Dongguan-Huizhou, and Zhuhai-Zhongshan-Jiangmen metropolitan areas.

Of the 2,372 km, 530.5 km were upgraded from original roads and 1,841.5 km were newly built. The new greenways reach 1,572 km, connecting and bringing together all provincial-level greenways among 18 cities in the province and providing convenience for more than 25 million people.

Equipped with parking lots, bicycle renting systems, restaurants, public conveniences and good security, the network also has 171 services and rest areas.

The network also connects 200 forest and parks, natural reserves, tourist attractions, water parks and cultural relics, providing around 300 jobs for local people and creating around 45 billion yuan ($6.78 billion) in annual revenue.

According to the provincial government's plan, the greenway is expected to be an ecological part in the Pearl River Delta, with complete facilities for sports, fitness, scientific education, cultural displays, recreation and tourism.

Guangdong's extensive greenway network