A vacant steam train is changed into a leisure complex in Maoxin village, Ningbo. [Photo by Qiu Baoli for chinadaily.com.cn]

A train-themed cafe was recently launched in Maoxin village, Gulin town, Ningbo, as part of efforts the village has been making to promote the development of the tourism industry.

The "Coffee & Camp" cafe is built in the fifth carriage of a steamed train at International Space Agricultural Experience Center in Maoxin. Surrounded by paddy fields, it has become a popular area among visitors to kick back and relax, and take photos.

A resident surnamed Xu visited Maoxin with her friends as soon as she heard about the cafe. "I feel relaxed when sipping a cup of coffee, enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery of the village, and taking pictures with the old train."

"Since opening up of the space agricultural experience center in 2021, it has attracted many visitors to the village," said Lin Yinie, secretary of the general Party branch of Maoxin village, "To provide a pit stop for them, we bought a vacant train and planned to build it into a leisure complex where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the village all year around."

According to the plan, in addition to the cafe, other carriages of the train will be renovated for different uses: the first two carriages will be specially used for photographing; the third will be a play zone for children; the fourth is expected to renovate into a restaurant; and the last three carriages will be an exhibition center for local products, such as rice snacks and mat rush products.

The whole complex is expected to open to the public in November.

A barista (left) offers a cup of coffee to a visitor. [Photo by Qiu Baoli for chinadaily.com.cn]