Located along the China-Kazakhstan border in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Khorgos has long been a crucial port for Chinese trade with Eurasian countries. However, few know that the border city, with a population of 85,000, is home to more than 600 film companies, many of which are owned by major Chinese film franchises and directors.

Favorable policies, such as low corporate income taxes, have attracted companies to the area and helped them develop, according to Wang Zhicheng, deputy head of the region's administration of radio, film and television.

Companies based in Khorgos have generated more than 4 billion yuan ($580 million) in box-office sales, according to industry estimates. The city epitomizes the development of the film industry involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.