In many ways, national highways are the arteries of a nation, as they form a network of interconnected routes that facilitate the flow of resources and people that keep the country moving.

Being one of the longest highways in China, the G318, which stretches over 5,476 kilometers from Shanghai in the east to the Tibet autonomous region in the west, is arguably one of the most important in the country.

Along the route there are diverse landforms, spectacular natural wonders, as well as myriad customs, cultures and traditions, each one revealing another layer of the country's deep foundations.

A recently released documentary, Navigating to the Future, zooms in on the map to delve into the detailed stories of city dwellers and villagers that are connected by G318, offering viewers a glimpse into China's economic growth, social changes, cultural diversity and technological advancements.

"Traveling across the country on the route, one can not only be treated to a stunning array of landscapes, but can trace the evolution of modern Chinese civilization, which presents a panoramic, multidimensional portrayal of China's dynamic progress," says Sun Lu, the documentary's executive chief director, who explains why the team chose G318 as a geographical starting point from which to explore such stories.

Following the steps of a virtual host, named Hua Xiaoxia, the five-episode documentary takes a multifaceted approach to explore progress that China has made in market regulation, rural development, urban management, social governance and ethnic affairs governance.