China will invest 300m yuan ($49m) converting a disused base into a "red tourist" attraction
Many kilometers into the wild Western region of Xinjiang, inaccessible from public roads, lies the sand-swept Red Mountain Military Command Base. Formerly home to hundreds of top nuclear scientists who toiled day and night to accelerate China's nuclear prowess, the base will now be revived as a tourist attraction.
The dilapidated relics, adorned with faded patriotic slogans, will be converted into a luxury spa-type resort which is set to include a horseback riding ranch, cinema and a Communist-themed shopping street, all aimed at creating a luxurious experience for retired patriots.
China's first nuclear bomb was exploded in October 1964 just 100 miles from the base, which was eventually decommissioned in 1986. However, testing continued until 1996, when China signed a comprehensive test ban agreement.
Although the facilities will no doubt be attractive, it is unclear how many tourists will be willing to brave the six hour drive across Xinjiang's parched desert to the memorial park.