Of 24 provincial-level governments that released this year's economic blueprint, 15 have lowered their growth targets.

The cut has left room for de-stocking and structural adjustments, Lian Ping, chief economist of the Bank of Communications, told Shanghai Securities News, adding that the country will likely aim a growth range of 6.5 to 7 percent this year.

There are also 11 provincial-level regions with their ambitious targets for 2016, including the Shandong province with a targeted GDP growth of 7.5 to 8 percent.

Some of the tens of thousands of whooper swans from Siberia paddle through the water at Yandunjiao in Rongchen city, Shandong province, Jan 9,2016. [Photo/IC]