More than 400 running enthusiasts take part in a night fun run along the Haohe River on Oct 17. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The second Haohe River night fun run was staged on Oct 17 at the tourist center in the Haohe River scenic area – located in the Chongchuan district of Nantong city, in East China's Jiangsu province.

The event, which was one of a series of activities held for the 2021 China Nantong Jianghai International Culture and Tourism Festival, stretched five kilometers.

The activity attracted the participation of more than 400 enthusiasts. The route passed by such scenic spots as Yiyuan Garden, the Huanxi cultural square and the Haoxi Shuyuan city reading space – evoking the historical and cultural atmosphere of the city and the beauty of the Haohe River among the participants.

"Running is a sport that makes people physically and mentally happy. It not only exercises the body, but also makes you happy," said one participant.

"Sometimes I go out for a night run with my friends and that's the time I have access to the beautiful night views of the Haohe River."

In recent years, there have been great changes in the Haohe River scenic area, with a public lighting system installed, among other things.

"Following the improvements, we organized a waterside route for walks, to guide citizens and tourists so they can experience the changes in the scenic area," said Zhang Juanjuan, a manager of Nantong Haohe Tourism Construction Co Ltd.

"In addition, we also launched some activities like night bazaars, to get people to walk at night, to appreciate the night sceneries of the Haohe River," Zhang added.