As drummers signal the start of the walk, participants line up to start the ramble around Kunming Lake on Oct. 26. (Photo: China.org.cn)

Tourists at the Summer Palace, a major tourist destination in Beijing, must have been surprised to see such a large and international group of people marching though the palace gate last Saturday.

Around 1,000 people of all ages, including international students, professionals, and members of the diplomatic community from almost 100 different countries strolled through the palace on Oct. 26, for the 2013 "Walk Around Kunming Lake For International Friends," a thirteen-year old Beijing tradition.

They toted specially designed white bags and "walker" stickers, covering an eight-kilometer course, encircling the beautifully-landscaped Kunming Lake, which was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty in 1291, and was incorporated into the palace gardens from 1750 to 1764 during the Qing Dynasty.

The event aimed to help foreigners working in China enjoy nature and the harmony between mankind and the environment, and integrate into the local community, according to the event organizers, which included the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Beijing NGO Association for International Exchanges, the Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, the Information Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs.

An international student from India, who attended the walk, said that he relished the chance to be outdoors, "it's great to be outside in this beautiful setting, and people here are enjoying some leisure time."

The event's theme, "A Healthy Long Walk and Beautiful Beijing," promoted an easy and interesting way of keeping fit and advocated a day when people can relax with a leisurely walk and enjoy the beauty of the landscape at a slow pace.