National strategy

Huanjiang is among the choices for new transportation projects aimed at bringing vitality to the nation's less-affluent areas.

In 2019, central authorities unveiled a blueprint for vitalizing China through better transportation links from this year to the middle of the century.

One stated goal is to make the country's major cities within three hours travel time of one another before 2035. Another is to create one-hour commuter zones for all cities during this period.

The blueprint also promises favorable policies for railway networks and airports that benefit rural tourism and agricultural production.

Qin, the road quality inspector, is working on a new road linking Huanjiang with nearby Luocheng Mulam autonomous county.

Expected to open by the end of this month, the link will shorten travel time between the two counties and benefit a number of communities dotting the karst mountains in between.

"I now see more farmers going to their fields on electric scooters," Qin said. "The road will make it easier to transport organic farm produce to a larger consumer market."