"Before, the villagers would spend the whole year idle; now, they work year-round, even during summer and winter," Lo said. The average annual income of the villagers has surged to over 16,000 yuan ($2,200).

The road improvements have also enhanced access to essential services. Rangtang county now offers rural bus services, allowing residents to book rides with just a phone call. Small buses, typically five or seven-seaters, charge around 2 yuan for a trip from Songde village to the center of Rangtang county, greatly facilitating access to essential services.

Children no longer face long, difficult journeys to school; parents now use cars or motorcycles for school runs. For the elderly, the new road has made it possible to visit temples and fulfill lifelong dreams, such as traveling to Lhasa in the Xizang autonomous region.

"Some elderly people who dreamed of going to Lhasa now have the chance. They can take a bus to Chengdu and then fly to Lhasa, realizing their lifelong wish," Lo said.