Plan at a glance
The former mining town and visit time
Shitanjing is at the foot of the Helan Mountains in Dawukou District, Shizuishan. Construction of the mining district began in 1958. Shitanjing District was established in 1970 and abolished in 2002, when the area became Shitanjing Subdistrict. The streets, old factories, school and workers’ homes still show traces of mining-town life in the last century. Allow about 1–2 hours, mainly for walking the public streets.
Entry and current access
The public street area has no admission fee, and you do not need a reservation for an ordinary walk. Roads or buildings may close temporarily during filming, and exhibition halls have their own opening hours. After arrival, follow signs to areas open to visitors; ask staff about filming, access and parking rules.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Xinhua Street and mining-town life
Walk along Xinhua Street (新华街) to see older shops and the Workers’ Club. The corner building of Hongguang Department Store (红光百货) is an easy street landmark. Shitanjing’s landmark stone gateway (石头门楼) was adapted to depict a military checkpoint in Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (《欢迎来龙餐馆》). Visit only areas open to the public and stay out of cordoned-off zones.
Film locations and industrial history
Shitanjing has been used as a filming location for Home Coming (《万里归途》), Minning Town (《山海情》), Let Wind Goes By (《风中的火焰》) and Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (《欢迎来龙餐馆》). Following the release of Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, visitors have explored the town’s streets to find locations featured in the film. Sets, filming activity and road access can change, so stay on open streets.
For industrial and film fans
Visitors interested in industrial heritage, old-street photography or film locations can explore the public streets on foot. If you want to learn more about mining history, first check whether an exhibition hall or guided visit is available that day. Residents still live here and film crews may be working; avoid active filming areas, keep your voice down and follow on-site instructions.
For a museum visit covering Shizuishan’s broader industrial and local history, see Shizuishan Museum.
Build your day
1–2-hour Xinhua Street walk
Start at the stone gateway associated with Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, then follow Xinhua Street past the old shopfronts and mining-town buildings. Continue towards the Hongguang Department Store corner building before returning along open public streets. Allow about 1–2 hours, depending on access and photo stops. Filming may temporarily restrict certain areas, so follow posted signs and avoid closed buildings or active sets.
Extend the visit to half a day
If you have 2–3 hours and an exhibition hall is open, visit the Shitanjing exhibition hall or local film exhibition hall first, then walk along Xinhua Street to see buildings linked to miners’ daily life. Before entering, confirm the hall’s exact name, opening hours and photography rules. If it is closed, stay on public streets; do not add factory grounds, mine tunnels or closed buildings to your route.
Get there
Driving and parking
Shitanjing is about 85 km by car from central Yinchuan. Search for “石炭井工业文旅影视小镇” (Shitanjing Industrial Cultural Tourism and Film Town) in your map app; the route and travel time depend on your starting point and current navigation. There are parking areas around the town. Use a marked parking space, follow traffic directions during filming or events, and check posted parking charges.
Train and temporary shuttle
A local passenger train has operated on the Pingru Line (平汝线), with Dadenggou Station (大磴沟站) listed as a stop in published timetables. Before relying on this option, confirm that the service is running on your travel date, check the return train and arrange onward transport from the station to the town. Temporary shuttles may run during holidays or cultural-tourism events. Use one only when a current notice confirms service, and follow its listed stops and timetable in both directions.
Know before you go
Old buildings and filming areas
Some old buildings are in poor condition. Factory grounds, mine tunnels and cordoned-off filming areas are not part of the regular visitor route. Stay on open streets; do not climb over barriers or enter empty buildings. If a film crew, vehicle or temporary road closure is present, follow staff directions.
Sun, wind and refreshments
Shitanjing is close to the Helan Mountains. The outdoor streets get strong sun and wind, so bring sun protection, drinking water and a light jacket. There are few shops; carry water and a small snack. Check whether simple restaurants are open that day, or return to central Dawukou for a full meal.
Outlying sites and the return trip
Bahaoquan Cement Plant Ruins (八号泉水泥厂遗址) and Dadenggou Emerald Lake (大磴沟翡翠湖) are outside the town’s walking route. Before visiting either, check road access, open areas, whether you need a vehicle transfer and how you will return. Confirm transport back to the city before you leave, especially the last train or temporary shuttle.