The Shitanjing old mining area in Shizuishan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, has launched a number of free tourist shuttle lines since the popular Chinese movie Once Upon a Time in the Middle East put it in the spotlight.
Many scenes in the new Chinese film, such as desolate Gobi desert landscapes and heavily guarded military checkpoints, were filmed in the area.
The area now receives an average of 2,000 visitors per day.
The Shitanjing old mining area is a former coal industry base. [Photo/WeChat account: nxtour]
The first free route starts from Shahu Lake and passes through Shahu Lake Avenue, Daru Road, Avenue of Stars, and National Highway 110.
The route operates twice a day, with departure times from Shahu Lake at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, and return times from Shitanjing at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
The second route starts from Dawukou Industrial Site Park and passed through Tiedan Road and National Highway 110.
The route operates twice per day, with departure times from the industrial site park at 9:30 am and 10:30 am and return times from Shitanjing at 3 pm and 5 pm.
The last free route starts from Shizuishan Railway Station and passes through Shahu Lake Avenue, Daru Road, Avenue of Stars, and National Highway 110.
It operates once a day, departing from the station at 11 am and returning from Shitanjing at 4 pm.