Dino Land launches China’s first 4-D coaster

Dino Land theme park in China recently unveiled the $20-million Dinoconda, a thrilling fourth-dimension roller coaster with independently rotating seats.

PHOTOS: Dinoconda 4-D coaster at China’s Dino Land

Located in Changzhou about two hours west of Shanghai, the Chinese park known as the “Jurassic Park of the East” features roller coasters, thrill rides and attractions themed to dinosaurs and mythical creatures.

The mechanically complex coaster boasts wing-shaped vehicles with seats that rotate head over heels, both forward and backward.

Built by Utah-based S&S Worldwide, Dinoconda will ascend to 259 feet before plummeting down a nearly 90-degree first drop at 78 mph. China’s first 4-D coaster will pull up to five Gs as it navigates three inversions, including a pair of raven turns and a zero-G roll.

At a length of more than 3,500 feet, Dinoconda will be roughly the same size as Eejanaika at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan, a 2006 S&S fourth-dimension coaster.

X2, the world’s first fourth-dimension coaster, debuted in 2002 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. X2 remains the scariest and most thrilling coaster I’ve ever ridden, making my pulse race and palms sweat every time I climb aboard.

In 2007, Intamin unveiled a new twist on the fourth-dimension coaster called ZacSpin, a tamer and more compact ride with a vertical zigzag track configuration. Four ZacSpins have been installed worldwide, including Green Lantern: First Flight at Magic Mountain.