Also known as Observation Wheels, Ferris Wheels serve as iconic landmarks and symbols of enjoyment. People of all ages can enjoy taking an easygoing ride on a big wheel in order to rest their legs and appreciate the scenery below. The taller the Ferris Wheel, the better the view–so just how tall can these giant wheels get?
Today we’ll be looking at 10 of the largest Ferris Wheels in the world, and learning about what sets each one apart from the rest. From China to the United States to Dubai, these colossal Observation Wheels will give you some new destinations to add to your bucket list.
Changsha Ferris Wheel
Height: 394 feet
Attraction Site: City of Changsha
Year Built: 2004
Location: Changsha, Hunan, China
Source: wikimedia.org
The striking Changsha Ferris Wheel is part of a set of four 394-foot Ferris Wheels in China, along with the Suzhou Ferris Wheel, the Tianjin Eye, and the Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel. The Changsha wheel rotates at an easygoing pace that allows for one complete rotation every 20 minutes. Many passengers have reported that the scenery from high up is most beautiful at night.
Did You Know?
The Changsha Ferris Wheel is located adjacent to the He Long Sports Center Stadium.
Tianjin Eye
Height: 394 feet
Attraction Site: Yongle Bridge
Year Built: 2008
Location: Yongle Bridge, Tianjin, China
Source: wikimedia.org
Said to be the only Ferris Wheel to have been constructed over a bridge, the Tianjin Eye or Tientsin Eye is built on the Yongle Bridge over the Hai River. 48 cabins rotate gently through the air to offer passengers the best possible view of Tianjin.
Did You Know?
The Tianjin Eye gets its name from the way locals have said it resembles an eye from a distance, making it a great photo subject from afar as well as from within.
Melbourne Star
Height: 394 feet
Attraction Site: Waterfront City
Year Built: 2008
Location: Docklands, Melbourne, Australia
Source: wikimedia.org
Previously known as the Southern Star, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is considered to be the largest solid steel construction in the world. Visitors have the option to listen to audio recordings in the Observation Wheel’s capsules and learn more about Melbourne while they ride.
Did You Know?
The Melbourne Star comes equipped with an extensive system of LED lights in a beautiful array of colors, which can display over 15 million different light combinations.
Suzhou Ferris Wheel
Height: 394 feet
Attraction Site: Suzhou Ferris Wheel Theme Park
Year Built: 2009
Location: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Source: wikimedia.org
The Suzhou Ferris Wheel is located on the east bank of Jinji Lake, making it the largest lakeside Ferris Wheel in China. It rotates more quickly than some Ferris Wheels do, taking only 20 minutes to complete a full rotation. Nevertheless, this giant wheel offers ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and comes with a variety of other nearby attractions.
Did You Know?
While the Suzhou Ferris Wheel is already very popular, it will soon undergo demolition and ultimately be rebuilt in order to improve it even further.
ICON Orlando (Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)
Height: 400 feet
Attraction Site: ICON Orlando 360
Year Built: 2015
Location: Florida, USA
Source: wikimedia.org
Numerous name changes aside, the ICON Orlando Observation Wheel has remained a key landmark since its opening on Orlando’s I-Drive. The wheel was upgraded in commodities as well as in name, now offering Wi-fi and a private party capsule for adults.
Did You Know?
The ICON Orlando Observation Wheel makes use of the latest technology to stabilize the capsules while they rotate. This offers a far clearer and better view to sightseeing passengers.
London Eye
Height: 443 feet
Attraction Site: South Bank
Year Built: 2000
Location: London, UK
Source: wikimedia.org
Also called the Millennium Wheel and the Coca-Cola London Eye among several other names throughout its history, this magnificent wheel was raised in the year 2000 to celebrate the millenium. It attracts around 3.75 million visitors annually, and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK.
Did You Know?
The London Eye cost approximately 70 million British Pounds, or $89,103,000 to build!
Star of Nanchang
Height: 525 feet
Attraction Site: Ganjiang People’s Park
Year Built: 2006
Location: Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
Source: wikimedia.org
Immediately upon its completion, the Star of Nanchang surpassed the London Eye as the largest Ferris Wheel in the world at the time. It is located in the capital of Jiangxi Province, and serves as a major landmark in Nanchang. The Star of Nanchang gently rotates 60 cabins, each with room for 8 passengers.
Did You Know?
The Star of Nanchang rotates at an easygoing speed that’s slow enough for passengers to embark and disembark without the rotation being stopped.
Singapore Flyer
Height: 541 feet
Attraction Site: Marina Center
Year Built: 2008
Location: Singapore, China
Source: wikimedia.org
Asia’s largest Observation Wheel, the Singapore Flyer, offers a view so expansive that it can include parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days! On top of the breathtaking scenery of Marina Bay and beyond, fine dining and adult beverages are also available for guests to enjoy.
Did You Know?
The terms “Ferris Wheel” and “Observation Wheel” are generally considered interchangeable and left to the discretion of the operators and guests. However, the management at the Singapore Flyer insists that it only be called an Observation Wheel.
Ain Dubai (The Dubai Eye)
Height: 700 feet
Attraction Site: Bluewaters Island
Year Built: Ain Dubai is projected to open sometime in 2019
Location: United Arab Emirates
Source: wikimedia.org
Since the Ain Dubai is not quite completed or open to the public, it cannot yet claim first place as the largest Ferris Wheel in the world. However, its construction is already far enough along to get a measurement of its staggering height! The Dubai Eye is anticipated to overshadow all competitors once it opens.
Did You Know?
For those who crave more action than they can get from a gentle Ferris Wheel ride, an additional attraction is in store: the largest rope-climbing platform in the world, located right next to Ain Dubai.
The High Roller
Height: 550 feet
Attraction Site: Las Vegas Strip
Year Built: 2014
Location: Nevada, USA
Source: flickr.com
The High Roller in Las Vegas is the largest ferris wheel in the world. During each 30-minute revolution, this famous Observation Wheel provides visitors with an opportunity to get a stunning view of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip. Guests can also purchase tickets that include drinks during Happy Hour, or customizable VIP tickets for events.
Did You Know?
The High Roller was built by Arup Engineering, the same firm that built the Singapore Flyer.
