Another day, another travel trend. Trust Gen Z for always coming up with new travel trends. Be it microcation or even reverse vacation, they have got many types up their sleeves. But the youth in China are now exploring ‘Dark Tourism ‘, which means visiting places connected with death, tragedy and disasters. Keep reading to know why.
Dark Tourism Is Getting All The Attention In China
Dark tourism, which is also referred to as grief tourism, is gaining a lot of traction in China. According to South China Morning Post, the youth of the country are visiting places that are related to death, catastrophe and human suffering. Apparently, they are ready to pay to confront typhoons, floods and other disasters to test their survival skills. Isn’t this a little bizarre?
Hangzhou, in eastern China, is home to Lvxing Base, which is touted as the country’s first immersive natural disaster simulation zone. It has become a social media sensation. It opened in September 2024 and charges 899 yuan (₹12,759 approx.) for one adult. Here, a visitor can brave typhoons, torrential rain and flash floods.
A full family package here costs nearly 5,000 yuan (₹70,966 approx.) and includes wilderness survival and water rescue training. Children aged between six and 14 can also participate in selected activities.
Also Read: What Is Reverse Vacation And Why Is Gen Z Trading Luxury For Discomfort?
People Are Paying To Test Their Survival Skills
According to the South China Morning Post, the simulation centre at Lvxing Base can generate winds of up to 165 km/hour. Before entering, participants wear thermal suits and helmets. There are instructors present who provide training in rescue and disaster response skills. Trained safety staff are also available to assist anyone who gets distressed during any disaster activity.
Since 2024, Lvxing Base has attracted over 160,000 visits for disaster simulations. And this number makes it clear that dark tourism is getting quite popular in China. It teaches people survival skills, and young people are apparently willing to pay for exciting, unusual experiences instead of opting for normal and relaxing vacations.
Also Read: Karnataka Says Cheers To Alcohol Tourism By Opening Doors For Distillery Tastings & Tours
Would you care to try dark tourism or will you give it a miss? Do let us know in the comments below.
Cover Image Courtesy: @Cyrus_In_The_X/X
FAQs
What is dark tourism?
Dark tourism means visiting places connected with death, tragedy, disasters or human suffering.