Objective To investigate the constitution of advanced design technology platform and the development process of the packaging machinery virtual prototype. Methods By employing advanced design technologies and tools, the platform construction scheme was planed, and the platform consisted of four modules: digital design, digital simulation, digital measurement, and digital manufacturing. A total of 7 designed-style teaching practice programs, 4 integrated-style teaching practice programs, and 3 autonomous-style teaching practice programs were developed. Combined with practical research projects, taking the loading brick device of the baler as an example, the development of virtual prototype was completed and put into the actual production after the 4 steps of virtual prototype scheme design and 3D modeling, virtual prototype mechanism and motion modeling, virtual prototype simulation and solving, and virtual prototype simulation and optimization. Results The advanced design technology platform could effectively support teaching and research in the aspects of digital design and simulation, digital measurement and manufacturing. Conclusion The platform could train graduate students to master advanced design techniques and tools, and develop their creative thinking and innovative product capabilities. The virtual prototyping technology is an effective method and tool to promote product innovation, improve product development and quality, and shorten the product development cycle.