Reform drives nation along path to prosperity

Forty years of improvements to the rail network, airports, waterways and highways have facilitated faster, stronger economic growth. Zhang Yangfei reports.

Editor's note: This is the third in a series of stories reflecting China's achievements in fields such as science, law enforcement, education and transportation resulting from 40 years of the reform and opening-up policy. Other stories will follow in the coming weeks.

Forty years ago, bicycles and pedicabs of all sizes and colors packed China's streets. Private cars were rarely seen and taxis didn't exist. Intercity travelers spent days on crowded trains, while air travel was a luxury most people could not afford.