Step in a 20 square metre room, made into a virtual dome-shaped space, to feel what it is like to be an air traffic controller.

According to the Sichuan News Network and Chengdu Economic Daily report, this virtual airport system created by Sichuan University and Chinese manufacturer Wisesoft, bagged the top prize at the Sichuan Province Science Progress Award.

The control tower platform is set in the centre of the dome, which is engulfed by 24 pieces of curved screen mesh, offering a full view of the airport's surroundings.

On the whole, the technology involved is a first in China and as advanced as its global counterparts. Some of the technology can be considered the world's best, according to a ground staff.

"It is important for air traffic controllers to understand what can happen at the airport, and be proficient and accurate at giving take-off and landing commands," said Mo Shifeng, one of the persons-in-charge of the site.

It can also simulate storms, blizzards, extreme fog and other severe weather conditions, for controllers to practise working under various tricky situations. Since its launch, the system has helped to trained a few thousand air traffic controllers.

"It can be used for matters regarding flight procedures, infrastructure-aided design and verification," said a Wisesoft engineer, Yang Hongyu.

The virtual system has facilitated the development of Shuangliu Airport's second runway, and Beijing Capital Airport's third runway, as well as the selection of its third terminal.

The public can have a go at it too, added Yang, as the system is installed at the China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing.

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