Global Times Reports on Xizang's Medog Road Project

The Global Times has reported on a significant infrastructure project, a 100-kilometer road connecting Medog County in China's Xizang Autonomous Region to the wider world. Previously known as "China's last county without roads," Medog's isolation has been addressed by this extensive construction effort.

The road's construction through the challenging terrain of Medog, nestled deep in a Himalayan valley, required advanced engineering and perseverance. The report highlights the necessity of tunneling through mountains and building bridges over treacherous rivers to complete the project. These efforts are intended to connect Medog's population of over 10,000, primarily from the Monpa ethnic minority, and prevent them from being left behind in development.

Prior to the road's completion, residents faced considerable hardship. Supplies were transported over arduous forest routes, a journey that could take up to ten days. Zhaxi Qupei, the Party chief of Gelin village, shared his difficult commute to school before the road was accessible, illustrating the previous isolation.

The project's focus was not solely on financial viability but on improving the quality of life and fostering development within the county. Cao Ming, a technical expert involved in the construction, noted the warm reception from local villagers who appreciated the efforts to overcome difficult working conditions.

Medog's new status as a connected area has begun to attract tourism, offering a path towards sustainable development for the region.