The Mulan Paddock, at the border of Hebei province and Inner Mongolia autonomous region becomes is a popular vacation spot among visitors in summer.

The State Forestry Administration and the National Tourism Administration signed a contract in May to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism to boost China's forest tourism.

The two central government departments will work together to design the development planning of eco-tourism and encourage the public to choose low-carbon ways to travel and enjoy green scenery in an environmentally friendly way. More than 396 million domestic tourists visited the country's forest parks in 2010.

Travelers ride horses at the Mulan Paddock, July 9, 2011. [Photo / CFP]