Extreme Weather Simulation
A disaster simulation centre in Hangzhou is putting visitors through typhoon-force winds and surging floodwaters, preparing them for extreme weather in a controlled environment.
Footage shows adults and children wearing helmets and wetsuits, clinging to ropes as powerful jets unleash simulated floodwaters on Friday.
In another exercise, waves crash into participants as they fight to stay on their feet. Giant fans blast visitors with typhoon-force winds as they struggle to push baby strollers.
Preparing For Disasters
“The purpose of this base is to allow your mind and body to experience these extreme conditions in a safe environment, thereby preparing you mentally and enabling your body to respond appropriately,” Wang Kuanghan, head of the training centre, said.
“This way, when you actually face a disaster, you’ll have more time to react and will be less likely to panic,” he continued.
Real-Life Disaster Experience
Wang said the idea for the centre came from witnessing natural disasters during his travels around the world.
“We wanted to share with everyone the overall experience we had throughout our journey, or to allow people to experience these disasters we encountered along the way in a way that mirrors our own experience,” he added.
Participants pay 1,599 yuan (US$235) for a day of training, facing winds of up to 165 km/h and flash floods simulated using 900 metric tonnes of water.
More than 160,000 people have attended since the centre opened in May 2025, according to its operator.
Article by Viory
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