Visitors take photos of models of rockets used in China's space program at a new space exhibition in Changsha. [File photo/Changsha Evening News]

A new exhibition that allows visitors literally to walk in the shoes of China's astronauts opens to the public on Sept 28 at Changsha Red Star International Exhibition Center.

The space-themed exhibition will give visitors the chance to see many of the spacecraft used in China's space program up close, including the DFH-2 satellite, FSW-O recoverable satellite and several re-entry capsules that survived temperatures higher than 2,000 degrees as they plummeted to earth.

Another highlight will be a full-scale model of the re-entry capsule used in Shenzhou 10, China's fifth manned space mission launched in 2013.

A 200-kg giant pumpkin planted in outer space will also be on display to show the amazing things being achieved in China's space agriculture program.

Visitors will also get to see if they have what it takes to be a real astronaut in a series of space experience activities at the expo.

Budding astronauts can test their mettle The Right Stuff-style by trying out the weightlessness-simulating equipment used to train Chinese astronauts. Visitors can also feel what it is like to walk on the moon using a simulator that recreates the lower gravity on the moon.

A "virtual operation system" will allow visitors to take control of the command center during the launch of Shenzhou 10, while a 7D interactive cinema will allow viewers to experience a spacewalk from an astronaut's point of view.

There is even an area where visitors can try on a real extravehicular spacesuit, which cost 30 million yuan ($4.5 million) to make, and take a souvenir photo.

The organizers hope that the exhibition, which runs till Oct 12, will enhance visitors' interest and pride in China's space program.