Known as “Secret Lotus”, Medog, in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, is the last county in China that gained access to highway.

In the past, backward traffic conditions and frequent geologic hazards such as snow slide and mud-rock flow formed obstacles for local people to find ways of getting rich. The highway in Medog was formally open to traffic in Oct. 2013.

Since then, local people have accelerated the pace of building a well-off society. So far, the highway mileage in Medog has amounted to 270.13 km, and 75 percent of townships and 46 percent of administrative villages have had access to highways. Tourism in the county has also seen rapid development, receiving all together 70,800 tourists last year.

Photo taken on Mar. 19 shows the snow mountains, forests and winding mountain roads in Medog County, Tibet.[Photo/Xinhua]

The Yarlung Zangbo River makes a 180-degree turn at Guoguotang of Dexing Township, Medog, a core scenic spot in the county.[Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on Mar. 20 shows the beautiful snow mountains, forests and brand new residential houses along the highway in Medog. [Photo/Xinhua]