Most people would avoid the trauma of a near-death experience if they could but now, with the help of virtual reality technology, you can cross the threshold from life to death.

Chinese graveyard Babaoshan Cemetery in Beijing recently launched a VR simulator that allowed visitors to virtually take the place of a dead person and witness what heaven could be like.

If that sounds like too-visceral of an experience, there is no need to worry – it looks more familiar than you would think.

A Chinese cemetery has allowed its visitors the opportunity to experience death via virtual reality technology. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

First-person vision from the simulation shows a user surrounded by the ‘bright lights’ typically associated with passing away followed by a bright explosion and then the gates to heaven, decorated to appear like a Chinese temple, surrounded by clouds.

Despite the project causing controversy among some, the cemetery has defended the idea - despite it looking like a scene from a movie - saying it could teach people to value their lives.

The simulation also offers people the chance to participate as a “hero” who dies and is then able to look back on the events of their life, according to a report from Chinese media organisation ‘Global Times’.

The VR simulator shows a first-hand perspective of a dead person, fit with bright lights, explosions into heaven and funeral services provided by the cemetery. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

The virtual heaven shows Chinese-styled gates surrounded by clouds and gives users the opportunity to look back on their virtual lives. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

Another mode allows users to witness Babaoshan employees work through the processes of organising a funeral in order to promote the services the cemetery has on offer.