As a well-known Chinese saying goes, "If you want to get rich, build roads first." Simple and concise, it reflects the down-to-earth wisdom that China has learned and proven through decades of practical experience. The saying also explains why transport infrastructure has been regarded as a cornerstone of the country's rural revitalization efforts.

In Fangxian County of Shiyan City, Hubei Province, a well-connected transportation network has enabled the county's high-quality agricultural products – such as tea and medicinal herbs – to reach a broader national market. In recent years, Fangxian has adopted a "rural roads plus" model, transforming and upgrading its local roads to make them wider, smoother and more interconnected. This improved infrastructure has invigorated rural tourism, supported local industries, and fueled sustainable economic growth and revitalization.

What has taken place in Fangxian County is just a microcosm of China's broader efforts to enhance integrated connectivity. Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China has been developing a more integrated, comprehensive and multidimensional transport network, making remarkable progress that has enhanced connectivity and underpinned economic growth. By the end of 2024, the country's total rural road length reached 4.64 million km and more than 500,000 administrative villages across the country had access to paved roads. Nationwide, 94.8 percent of them were rated as being in good or medium condition.

According to a recent plan jointly released in August by the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, China is gearing up for a new round of rural road upgrades. By 2027, the country aims to construct or upgrade 300,000 kilometers of rural roads, while also carrying out restorative maintenance on another 300,000 kilometers of existing roads. The plan also stipulates that over 70 percent of rural roads should be kept in "good condition."