I will differ from most of the comments here, I enjoyed they layout and thought it added to the story. I am on a desktop with FF.
As for the story it is a solemn reminder millions of people work hard jobs and make life easier for others. I hope Xiao Zhang's life will continue to get a bit easier as the years go on.
One of the things I liked best about this story is that it is based on reporting that has been following the same family over time for many years. That gives the before-and-after aspects of describing development of rural towns in China a lot of coherency and visual impact.
I too had no technological problems viewing the story, using desktop Google Chrome on a Windows PC with a lot of script blocking running.
Definitely following on from the format that the NYT pioneered. IT's wel done, if you have a high-res modern desktop interface. Reminds me of trying to read WIRED in the 90s. Actually worth the extra effort.
I don't like the politically uncritical boosterish content, however.
As for the story it is a solemn reminder millions of people work hard jobs and make life easier for others. I hope Xiao Zhang's life will continue to get a bit easier as the years go on.