What is China's 'dark tourism' and why are people paying USD 135 to experience it?

China's new 'dark tourism' trend lets visitors experience simulated typhoons, floods and extreme weather at Lvxing Base in Hangzhou. The immersive attraction combines adventure with survival training, offering participants realistic disaster-response experiences under controlled conditions.China’s new ‘dark tourism’ trend lets people experience simulated typhoons, floods (AI generated image)A new form of “dark tourism” is gaining attention in China, where young adventurers are paying to experience simulated natural disasters, from powerful typhoons and torrential rain to sudden urban floods.Traditionally, dark tourism refers to travelling to places associated with death, tragedy, disasters, war or human suffering. But in China, the term is taking on a different meaning, with immersive attractions allowing visitors to experience simulated disasters while learning how to respond to dangerous situations.According to a report by the South China Morning Post, one of the attractions driving this trend is the Lvxing Base in Hangzhou, eastern China.WHAT IS LVXING BASE?Opened in September 2024, Lvxing Base is touted as China’s first immersive natural disaster simulation centre. The facility was founded by Chinese explorers Zhang Xinyu and Liang Hong and has since attracted attention on social media, reported by the South China Morning Post. Unlike conventional theme parks, the centre is designed to recreate extreme weather and emergencies as realistically as possible. Participants can experience artificial typhoons, heavy downpours and sudden flash floods while being trained in disaster response and survival techniques.PAY TO EXPERIENCE A SIMULATED TYPHOONFor 899 yuan (about US$135), adults can take part in simulated typhoons, torrential rain and flash-flood scenarios, according to the South China Morning Post. A family package costing nearly 5,000 yuan includes additional wilderness survival and water-rescue training. Children aged six to 14 can also participate in selected activities.The centre can generate winds of up to 165 kmph, while specially designed environments recreate the challenges people could face during extreme weather events.THE EXPERIENCEBefore entering the simulations, participants are provided with protective thermal suits and helmets. Trained instructors then guide them through emergency and rescue protocols, while staff monitor the activities and intervene if anyone is in distress, according to reports.The flood simulations are designed to be particularly intense. Water can surge into underground spaces, creating a situation that participants describe as frighteningly realistic. They are required to work together and follow instructions to navigate the simulated disaster safely.The attraction combines adventure with practical survival training. Instead of simply watching disaster scenarios or learning about them theoretically, visitors are placed in controlled environments where they have to respond to simulated emergencies.For some participants, the appeal lies in the adrenaline rush and unusual experience. For others, the centre offers an opportunity to understand how they might react during an actual natural disaster.This new version of dark tourism highlights how the concept is evolving. Rather than only visiting places where tragedies have happened, some travellers are now seeking immersive experiences that recreate the fear, uncertainty and challenges associated with disasters — but within a controlled environment.- EndsPublished By: Karan YadavPublished On: Aug 19, 2026 13:15 IST