Lvxing Base Drives China's Commercial Disaster Simulation Tourism

Commercial Disaster Simulations Emerge in China

China is seeing the rise of commercial disaster simulation centres, a novel approach to 'dark tourism' where individuals pay to undergo simulated catastrophic events in secure, controlled indoor environments. Leading this trend is Lvxing Base in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, which opened in September 2024.

The facility claims to be the country's first immersive natural disaster simulation centre. Since its inauguration, Lvxing Base has attracted over 160,000 visitors, according to reports by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

This commercial model contrasts with traditional dark tourism sites in China, such as the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake memorial or the Nanking Massacre museum, which are publicly accessible without charge and focus on historical remembrance rather than active participation.

High-Tech Training and Pricing Structure

Lvxing Base provides several packages for visitors. Adults pay 899 yuan (approximately US$135) to participate in simulated typhoons, heavy rainfall, and flash floods. Family packages, priced at nearly 5,000 yuan, extend the offerings to include wilderness survival and water rescue training for adults and children aged 6 to 14.

The facility employs sophisticated equipment capable of generating winds up to 165 km/h and releasing hundreds of tons of water, Reuters reported. Participants are equipped with thermal suits and helmets for their safety, and trained instructors and safety personnel are present throughout the sessions to guide and assist individuals.

A participant, in an interview with Vista Hydrogen Business, recounted that during an underground parking flood drill, the rising water induced a temporary sense of fear, despite knowing the scenario was simulated.

Origins and Psychological Appeal

The concept for Lvxing Base originated with Zhang Xinyu and Liang Hong, a renowned Chinese adventure couple known for their travels to challenging locations, including volcanoes, war zones, and Chernobyl. Their objective was to convert their extreme travel activities into structured programmes that impart practical survival skills while fostering respect for nature.

The attraction draws young people dealing with modern stress, according to social work professor Zhang Yong of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, as quoted by SCMP.

Professor Zhang explained that successfully navigating a controlled threat provides young individuals with a clear sense of confidence and control over their lives, serving as a coping mechanism for contemporary pressures.

Regional Context and Future Expansion

Similar disaster safety centres operate in other East Asian countries frequently affected by extreme weather. Japan's Honjo Life Safety Learning Center, for instance, allows visitors to undergo simulated earthquakes, fires, and heavy rain. In South Korea, the Gwangnaru Safety Experience Center educates the public on disaster response through interactive training.

However, the Chinese facility distinguishes itself by operating as a commercial enterprise. It claims to be the first globally to offer high-volume typhoon and flash flood simulations to paying tourists. Wang Kuanghan, Lvxing Base's chief instructor, informed Reuters that the company plans to open five additional centres across China within the next three years.

Implications for Travel and Leisure

The emergence and planned expansion of Lvxing Base reveal a growing market for commercialised disaster preparedness and skill-based leisure activities within China. For the broader travel industry, this trend demonstrates a demand for immersive, high-tech attractions that go beyond traditional entertainment, blending education with thrill-seeking.

The model's success suggests a potential influence on the development of future 'edutainment' centres, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters.

This shift indicates a new niche for paid recreational activities focused on safety and survival, which could inspire similar ventures globally and diversify the offerings available to travellers seeking novel and practical engagements.