The designer of a homemade Noah's Ark has received 20 orders since his invention debuted on August 7. Nineteen of the 20 vessels will be sold for 5 million yuan ($785,000), and one will go for 3 million yuan.

The invention has a diameter of 4 meters, and the words "China's Noah's Ark" are printed on its surface.

According to promotional materials, "The Noah's Ark can withstand temperatures of up to 1700 C, and can bear an impact force of 350 tons. Three people can survive in it for up to 10 months."

Yang Zongfu, the spherical ark's inventor and designer, is a businessman who sells scarves in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province. He tested the vessel by putting himself in it and rolling it down a 50-meter-high hill, cracking a stone wall with its momentum. Yang had a scratch on his chin afterward, which he attributes to a bad helmet.

Yang spent 1.5 million yuan and two years laboring to construct his first ark. According to the inventor, models at a higher price can offer more functionality and a stronger guarantee of safety.

"Customers have different requirements, but most of them ask for better safety, performance and comfort," said Yang. "So, I will triple the armor and add some home furnishing elements to the interior."

enorth.com.cn