Virtual Reality Arcades Are Booming In Shanghai

China has a well documented fascination with VR, and while top-of-the-line headsets are still too pricey for average consumers, VR arcades are cropping up to fill the gap. A quick look at popular group buying site Dazhong Dianping shows that Shanghai is now home to at least 25 virtual reality arcades, with more opening every month.

According to Yunyu Zhang, a 21-year-old customer at Chuyu VR Cafe, VR technology is no longer a novelty for consumers. She’s visiting the cafe for the fourth time herself already.

“When I experienced VR for the first time, I was very frightened, but it was also very fun,” she says. “I think it’s worth coming to a VR arcade to play VR games. I’m even thinking of buying one and playing at home.”

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