Smooth and well-maintained rural roads now wind through lush mountains and clear waters, punctuated by carefully designed scenic spots along the way in Xiangyang, Hubei Province. Vehicles loaded with agricultural products travel swiftly, while residents and visitors alike explore the countryside via popular “internet-famous roads.”

In recent years, Xiangcheng District has closely aligned with the rural revitalization strategy, taking the development of a “beautiful road network” as a key initiative. By treating roads as vital arteries, the district has advanced coordinated efforts to beautify villages, boost industries, and promote tourism. As a result, rural roads have evolved from providing “basic connectivity” to “driving local prosperity,” and from “offering smooth passage” to “delivering scenic travel experiences.” These roads have become not only convenient routes for daily travel, but also pathways to economic growth and picturesque corridors integrating agriculture, culture, and tourism.

Longqi Road stands as a vivid example of the construction of the “beautiful road network” in Xiangcheng District. Linking the Longzhong Scenic Area with the Qili Mountain, the Xiangcheng section stretches nearly 13 kilometers and passes through seven administrative villages in Wolong Town. The route is endowed with rich natural and agricultural resources, including expansive orchards, flower fields, and lotus ponds. Before renovation, however, the road was overgrown with weeds and lined with accumulated waste, posing safety risks and hindering industrial development. Villagers often endured dusty conditions in dry weather and muddy roads during the rainy season. High-quality agricultural products were difficult to transport to market, and the area’s scenic countryside remained largely undiscovered.

In 2025, Xiangcheng District incorporated Longqi Road and four routes, including Provincial Highway 303, into a high-quality road network improvement program, covering a total length of 43 kilometers. Guided by the “Seven Increases and Seven Reductions” and “Eliminating 10 Drawbacks and Achieving Two Goals” standards, the district carried out comprehensive environmental upgrades along the roads. More than 280 tons of waste were cleared, and over 100 illegal structures and billboards were dismantled, effectively addressing long-standing issues. At the same time, 15 distinctive scenic landscapes were developed in line with local conditions, and five new bus shelters were installed. These shelters incorporate elements of rural culture and public safety awareness, transforming each into a warm, welcoming roadside haven.

The upgraded road network has brought tangible benefits to local people’s daily lives and injected strong momentum into local industries. “The roads are smoother, the surroundings more beautiful, and buses now reach our doorstep—it’s incredibly convenient,” said a villager from Gangmiao Village in Wolong Town, echoing the sentiments of many residents. Improved connectivity has not only resolved travel difficulties for the seven villages along the route but also opened the “last mile” for agricultural products to reach urban markets. Fresh produce such as strawberries and blueberries can now be delivered more efficiently, reducing transportation costs and steadily increasing farmers’ incomes. Meanwhile, agritourism businesses and fruit-picking gardens have flourished, enabling villagers to benefit from tourism and proving that “one road open means all industries thrive.”

In 2026, Xiangcheng District will further advance the development of its “beautiful road network.” Plans are in place to develop seven additional high-quality routes totaling approximately 35.4 kilometers and to establish two model “beautiful rural roads.” Among these, key upgrades will be carried out on Paiyou Road, which spans 8.24 kilometers. The project will include further environmental improvements, the construction of distinctive roadside service stations, and the addition of public amenities such as electric vehicle charging facilities and public restrooms. Upon completion, the project will further improve travel conditions for residents and facilitate the transport of agricultural products. It will also help connect tourism resources along the route and integrate with the Longqi Road cultural tourism belt and characteristic villages in Yinji Township, forming a coordinated development pattern featuring standout highlights at “standout highlights at key nodes, scenic beauty along routes, and overall regional vitality.” This will ultimately promote the upgrading of rural tourism toward an all-area development model.