[Photo/China Daily]

The local authorities spent 950,000 yuan on the road, which is 4.5 m wide and runs for 1.4 km.

Vehicles now can reach the village via the road. Power lines and water pipelines have also been put in place.

The new infrastructure has brought new hope to the locals, and they are already making plans to embrace new opportunities on offer. "I am thinking of raising more livestocks and cultivating more food (for money)," says Jiang.

Xu and her husband Yang Zongqian, who now raise 80 black goats, cattle and cultivate a 10 mu plot of land, are planning to sell livestock again.

As for the others, some are hoping that their children return for good, and help develop their farming business.

Separately, the local authorities are planning to help the locals rebuild their houses and grow ginger.

As for Jiang, she often sits by the new road in the village as she waits for it to be completed.

"I still can't believe the road is being built. I want to see the progress with my eyes," she says.

yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn