In contemporary China, the construction of roads has been frequently utilized as a method to address poverty and economic challenges. This approach reflects the government's efforts to enhance infrastructure in order to stimulate growth and provide better connections between rural and urban areas. Road development not only facilitates transportation but is also seen as a means to improve the livelihoods of those living in less developed regions.

Peter Hessler's work, "Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory," explores how these infrastructure projects are indicative of broader economic strategies. By focusing on road building, the narrative highlights how improving access can lead to economic opportunities and help alleviate the issues stemming from poverty, illustrating the complex relationship between transportation and societal progress in China.