Hi-Tech Fun: China's first VR theme park opens in guizhou

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03:07

China's first virtual reality theme park opened today in the southern province of Guizhou. Dozens of sci-fi attractions provide visitors with a unique virtual experience. CGTN's Yang Jinghao reports.

Screams of excitement brought about by cutting-edge technologies.

The first virtual reality theme park in China, the Oriental Science Fiction Valley, greets its first visitors with a tour of space and time.

An assortment of innovative attractions, such as the VR rollercoaster, brings them a unique experience. HUANG JIACHEN, VISITOR "This rollercoaster is so exciting. I have never had an experience like it. It's completely different to anything I've done before. I'm totally stunned."

JIANG QIUFANG, VISITOR "It's the first time I've experienced this kind of attraction. Personally, I think it's very interesting. I think it's a very good way for young people to have fun."

The massive facility is located on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Guiyang. With futuristic designs, the 15 themed pavilions try to bring curious gamers into the future, fly them into outer space or allow them to live alongside aliens.

CHEN JIANLI, VR THEME PARK CEO "There's very fierce competition in the theme park market now. We're trying to give customers a completely different experience by combining modern technology such as VR and AR with traditional recreational facilities. The sci-fi part of it is important for the feelings it creates."

YANG JINGHAO, GUIZHOU PROVINCE "This attraction is called 'Flying over Guizhou'. People can enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the province by wearing this kind of VR goggles. Once considered to be one of the most economically and technologically disadvantaged provinces in China, Guizhou is now trying to transform itself into a hub for innovative tech. And this park is seen as an ambitious move to the goal.”

With efforts over the past few years, Guizhou is now taking the lead in the country's big data development. In February, US tech giant Apple transferred its Chinese iCloud services here.

Chen said the park will not only reshape Guizhou's tourism industry, but it will also help the locals learn more about an important emerging industry.

CHEN JIANLI, VR THEME PARK CEO "The development of big data was a solid foundation that made the creation of our theme park possible. And the equipment here will help the general public better understand the emerging industry in a more fun and intuitive way."

With an investment of more than 3 billion yuan, or 470 million US dollars, Chen said he is confident the park can turn in some healthy profit.

He said he hopes with more pavilions to be opened later, it can bring more fun and sci-fi knowledge to the younger generation – the future technological innovators.

Yang Jinghao, CGTN, Guiyang, Guizhou Province.