Experience Cremation And Rebirth In China's Death Simulator

Death, cremation, and rebirth. A new attraction in Shanghai allows participants to experience all of these sensations in a simulation introduced by a hospice organization. The intention of the experience is not only to quench a morbid fascination some have with death but to hopefully alter the outlook of the participants.
The Xinglai death simulator, colloquially called ‘The Cremator,’ was created by Huang Weiping and Ding Rui of Hand in Hand hospice, in an effort to demystify death and prepare people for the moments leading up to it. With a purpose of encouraging participants to conquer the fear of death, the simulator is reminiscent of South Korea’s Funerals for the Living, and drew a lot of attention when it opened. Reportedly, the small space can house 12 participants at a time and had 40 bookings on its opening day.

The Xinglai museum, which translates to “awaken” in English, was developed by Weiping and Rui after founding a hospice for cancer patients. The two developed a similar simulation experience in 2014 at the Window of the World theme park in Shenzhen, China.

Weiping and Rui did their research before creating the escape room-like attractions. The two visited a crematorium and asked to be placed in a deactivated furnace to further understand the experience.

Participants begin their experience of the 4D death simulator with a game that challenges them to consider important questions about life and death. They are told to choose between themselves and someone else being sacrificed and to justify their reasoning. The person deemed to have the worst answer is the one who gets to experience the mock death. They lie down on a conveyer belt that leads into a furnace-like chamber. Heated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the chamber blows out hot air and has flames projected on the walls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO4FXBbPuA

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers