In "Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory," author Peter Hessler shares interesting observations about daily life in China. He notes how inventive motorcyclists have started using computer discs as reflectors on their back mudflaps, showcasing their resourcefulness in adapting technology for practical use.

Additionally, Hessler describes the locals in Xingwuying who resort to climbing the Great Wall to gain access to cell phone signals, highlighting the lengths people will go to overcome infrastructure challenges. These anecdotes illustrate the unique blend of tradition and modernity in contemporary China.