China's iconic revolutionary base Yan'an bids farewell to poverty

The highway also means a new possibility to the local apple growers, as they can sell apples to the overseas market via e-commerce.

Feng Tianxing, 56, from Chunqu village of Yichuan, said the county government has sent cadres to help them sell apples in online shops.

Apple planting has played a significant part in improving local farmers' income. In 2018, the revenue from apples accounted for a half of the city's rural residents' per capita disposable income.

Feng made over 20,000 yuan last year simply by growing apples. "Apples have been sold out when they were still green hanging on the trees," said Feng.