A regulation that aims to promote fitness and popularize winter sports with the public will take effect on May 1 in Hebei province, co-host with Beijing of the 2022 Winter Olympics. It wants to take the opportunity to boost participation in ice and snow sports.

The regulation, which was approved on Friday by the Standing Committee of the 13th Hebei Provincial People's Congress, is the province's first supporting the cause of mass fitness.

Government should increase public access to facilities for various sports, it said — especially for winter sports such as skating, skiing and ice hockey — so the public can take part more conveniently.

Sports facilities should be open to the public for free or at low prices, it added. Members of the public are encouraged to nurture at least one sport as a hobby and participate in physical exercises at least three times a week.

Sports organizations are required to present various activities or competitions from time to time, such as running, brisk walking, cycling, ballgames and square dancing, as well as some traditional sports like tai chi and martial arts.

Primary schools and middle schools are encouraged to include winter sports, but also soccer, in physical education classes.

Newly built residential communities should construct fitness facilities for its residents, while old ones should add facilities during renovations, the regulation said.

Companies and other work units should organize their employees to get some exercise during work time to strengthen health.

Li Tianqi contributed to the story.