Taking the provincial highway is a bit slower than the expressway, but the scenery is nicer.
Tips
usage
China numbers roads in tiers: 国道 (G-prefix, national), 省道 (S-prefix, provincial), 县道 (X-prefix, county), 乡道 (township). Expressways (高速公路) are separate with G/S-prefix expressway codes. 省道 signs are usually yellow with black text.