China wants everyone to do physical exercises three times a week within five years, according to a new national fitness program issued by the State Council, the China News Service reported on Thursday.

Related readings:  Customers worried after fitness clubs closed  Physical fitness promoted for China's masses  Should China stop focusing on gold medals? Call for a physically fit nation

According to the plan, a system of national fitness will take shape by the year 2015, aiming to enhance people's physical condition and raise the awareness of exercise.

More than 1.2 million sports fields will be opened, making the average exercising ground of 1.5 square meters per person. At least 50 percent of cities and counties should be equipped with fitness facilities, covering more than 50 percent of sub-districts and communities.

In the meantime, the network of fitness organizations will be further strengthened. At least 80 percent of sub-districts and 60 percent of towns should have sports organizations. Also, sports sites should cover general urban communities and at least 50 percent of rural communities.

Students at school will also take physical exercises no less than one hour a day, according to the plan. And the number of elderly and the disabled taking part in exercise should increase.