IN VIDEO: Can you practice your way to survival?

Disaster simulation venues in China are gaining popularity as individuals seek practical, hands-on training to prepare for extreme weather events like typhoons and flash floods. These facilities, often backed by academic institutions, provide immersive, controlled environments that foster muscle memory and realistic responses, moving beyond the theoretical knowledge found in traditional safety brochures. Simultaneously, a growing market for paid emotional support and "praiser" services on secondhand platforms reflects a societal need for human connection and validation. While some critics view these commercialized services as tone-deaf or superficial, proponents argue they fill a critical gap in both emotional support and emergency preparedness. These trends highlight a broader shift toward proactive, experiential learning and a search for personalized affirmation in an increasingly high-pressure, digital-first society.