China’s ‘Prisoner for a Day’ Tourism Program Lets You Walk in the Footsteps of Exiled Prisoners

China has sparked debate with the introduction of a new tourism program that allows visitors to experience the lives of historically exiled prisoners.

According to the South China Morning Post, the “Ningguta Exile Experience” program at the Jingpo Lake tourist area will open in December. The program allows tourists to enter the historical lives of those banished to Ningguta, one of the most notorious exile destinations. This remote location once received over 1.5 million prisoners during the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912).

The exile journey to Ningguta claimed numerous lives, and those who survived often ended up as slaves to local officials. Many prisoners reportedly faced unjust persecution, mainly through infamous torture methods. These brutal techniques included slowly cutting the flesh into pieces or inserting needles under fingernails, demonstrating the sheer cruelty of the practices.

Now, visitors can walk in the footsteps of these historical prisoners, dressing in replica prisoner uniforms, carrying wooden swords, and wearing shackles as they traverse the ancient exile route. The experience even includes bungee jumping, designed to simulate the desperation of prisoners who took their own lives by leaping from cliffs.

To enhance the immersive experience, staff members dressed as ancient correctional officers will be present on-site. While the cost and duration of the experience have not yet been disclosed, organizers have mentioned plans to incorporate winter sports activities along the route.

However, this tourism product has sparked intense debate online. Some users expressed enthusiasm, commenting that they’d like to go “prisoner” hiking, which seems like a great stress reliever, while another called it an “effective way to educate young people about history and culture.” On the other hand, critics argue that turning a tragic site where many intellectuals and patriots were forcibly exiled disrespects the painful history of Ningguta.