China launched the first nationwide urban public transport week on Sunday in an attempt to raise residents' awareness on energy saving and environmental protection.

The Chinese government introduces the campaign as many of its cities are being plagued by worsening traffic congestion as well as pollution caused by increasing car driving.

The campaign, with the theme of "Green Transport and Health", covers 108 cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin and will last through Sept. 22, according to the Ministry of Construction.

It encourages people to walk, ride bicycles and take public transport facilities like buses, subways and taxies rather than drive private cars, the ministry said.

During the campaign, the 108 cities will set one or more zones which open only to pedestrians, bicycle riders, taxi and bus passengers between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Sept. 22, or the "No Car Day".

China will launch the week-long campaign in the same period of each year, an official with the ministry said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2007)