A five-storey snaking slide standing 20m high has just been unveiled in the middle of a mall in Shanghai. But instead of fanfare, the slide has attracted negative remarks from netizens, who have raised concerns about its safety.
Set to open after Feb. 22 at the Printemps mall in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China, the stainless steel slide is shaped like a dragon — meant to be an auspicious symbol. Riding it will only take 16 seconds, reports the South China Morning Post.
The ride down is free of charge but you have to be at least three years old and over three-foot tall to get on it.
One commenter on Weibo wrote: “I feel like it will cause deaths, seriously.”
Another, Aiping He, said: “Your butt will burn.”
With all the controversy, the slide has drawn large crowds since its reveal this week. Many have also clambered to take photos of the indoor monstrosity to put up on Weibo.
Image: Imaginechina/Associated Press
Despite the speculation and fears raised, Printemps management have assured the public that the slide has been thoroughly tested and any potential safety hazards will be fixed.
The Pudong New Area Market Supervision and Management Bureau told Chinese media outlets that the slide does not fit into any special equipment category and therefore doesn’t require compulsory inspection.
In 2010, Singapore’s Changi Airport put up the country’s tallest slide measuring in at four storeys, or 12m high. To date, the slide is still a major tourist attraction.
Another giant slide that received plenty of attention was the three-storey high isomeric slides erected at London’s Hayward Gallery last year as part of Belgian artist Carsten Holler’s exhibition.
Image: Alicia Tan/Mashable
There have been no reported injuries at either slide so far.
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