Bathed in the golden glow of early summer, Xinhua Road in Jiayuguan has shed its former identity as a narrow, congested artery to emerge as a shining "urban showcase" of smart technology and ecological harmony. In just 80 days of renovation, this beloved thoroughfare has been reborn. Six-lane traffic flows unimpeded, smart bus shelters with real-time digital displays dot the roadside, and lush tree canopies form a verdant corridor. Our on-site visit reveals how this comprehensive upgrade—spanning "ground and underground, vehicles and pedestrians"—has made Xinhua Road a paragon of form meeting function, tracing Jiayuguan’s bold leap in urban quality.
As a flagship project of Jiayuguan’s "Urban Renewal Initiative," the 14.54-kilometer Xinhua Road underwent a metamorphosis starting May 2023. Today, its six-lane design ensures orderly traffic, flood-prone sections are history, and optimized traffic signals have revolutionized rush-hour commutes.
"School runs used to mean gridlock—now it’s smooth sailing!" beams Ms. Liu, gesturing to new shrubbery. "The greenery feels like a park, and no more wading through puddles!" Taxi driver Mr. Zhou praises the underground drainage: "Rain used to give me nightmares. Now the pavement’s so smooth it mirrors the sky!"
Strolling the pedestrian walkways, shaded by trees and equipped with barrier-free facilities, feels leisurely. On the road, drivers enjoy crisp lane markings and rounded curbs that minimize scrapes. "The traffic light timing is scientifically optimized—unmatched anywhere!" declares car owner Mr. Hu. Tourist Ms. Zheng admires: "Such wide, spotless roads—we’re envious!" Local Ms. Deng adds proudly: "I’ve traveled widely, but Jiayuguan’s roads top them all!"
The crowning touch? Wave-shaped bus bays with sunshades, live arrival screens, and smart announcement systems. Bus driver Ma Xue notes: "Before, stops clogged traffic. Now, these bays keep everything flowing—a true ‘urban living room’!"
Once plagued by potholes, flooding, and faded markings after decades of use, Xinhua Road’s sub-3-month makeover has redefined urban mobility. Today, it’s not just a vital transit corridor but a "showpiece" of Jiayuguan’s progress—where effortless traffic meets green vistas. With wisdom and sustainability as its brushes, this road now paints a new chapter in the city’s high-quality development.