A bird's eye view of Guanzhang mountains. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Construction of the Dongban Mountain forest footpath in Mashan subdistrict, Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, is about to be completed, local media outlets reported on Aug 7.

The seven-kilometer footpath is a winding hiking trail on the crest of the Guanzhang mountains and has a history of about 800 years.

Lake view along the hiking route. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

The section that has finished renovation starts from Shengzi Mountain, passes through Er Guanzhang Mountain and Tou Guanzhang Mountain and ends at the Qunfeng Yuewan Reservoir.

"Local residents used to walk on the footpath to go farming on the mountain," said a staff member from Wuxi (Mashan) Taihu National Resort. "Most of the footpath is unsurfaced and accidents tend to occur on rainy days."

With increasingly more hikers, the footpath requires overall upgrading and renovation, added the staff member.

Renowned rainbow footpath on Guanzhang mountains. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Along the footpath, there will be more warning signs and supporting facilities such as benches, restrooms, and rubbish cans. Viewing platforms will also be established to help hikers better admire the natural landscape.

Three recommended hiking routes:

First route:

Length: 17 km, including seven km of forest footpath

Starting and ending point: Yunliangwan temporary parking lot

Second route:

Length: 7.47 km, including 3.87 km of forest footpath

Starting and ending point: Guzhu parking lot

Third route

Length: 6.3 km, including 2.5 km of forest footpath

Starting and ending point: Shengzi Mountain gateway