Baotou Line 1 operates in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Baotou news network]

Baotou Line 1, featuring the first batch of retro-style city sightseeing buses, is now in operation.

The buses resemble early trams, with brick-red bodies adorned with Baotou's signature deer designs. Inside, they feature brown flooring and seats and a vintage-style steering wheel at the rear. These sightseeing buses take passengers on tours of the city's beautiful landmarks.

Baotou Line 1 comprises two routes. The first, the ring line, starts and ends at the stations of Qiate, Zhuanlongzang, and Qiate, passing by 60 attractions including Saikhantal Urban Grassland, Baotou Golden Street, and Hengshu Street. It departs at 9:00 am every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

The second route, the round-trip line, starts and ends at the stations of Qiate and Zhuanlongzang, with 18 stops including Baobai Building, the First Workers' Cultural Palace, Saikhantal Urban Grassland, and Jiuyuan Wanda Plaza. It departs from Qiate Station at 6:00 pm every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, and from Zhuanlongzang Station at 9:00 pm on the same days.

"Ticket prices are set at 20 yuan ($2.77) for a single ticket, 35 yuan for two tickets, and 45 yuan for three tickets," said Feng Gang, manager of the Baotou Public Transportation Group Jiyun Car Rental Service Co, operator of Line 1.

"The ticket price includes a special souvenir for passengers and four free tickets for other bus lines, which are valid for two days," Feng added.