Beijing’s new 99-metre Ferris wheel, Big Eye Beijing, is attracting crowds and sparking hopes it could become the city’s next iconic landmark.
Beijing has added a new feature to its skyline with the opening of “Big Eye Beijing,” a 99-metre Ferris wheel at Beijing Happy Valley. The attraction officially began operations on June 27th and has quickly become one of Beijing’s most talked-about new landmarks.
Located along the city’s East Fourth Ring Road, the wheel now holds the record as Beijing’s tallest Ferris wheel. It features 46 observation cabins and can carry up to 460 passengers at a time. A full ride takes about 22 minutes.
During the ride, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including major landmarks in the CBD area. The cabins include air conditioning, leather seats and safety announcements throughout the journey.
Since opening, the Ferris wheel has attracted large crowds. Families with children, students and young visitors have formed long queues at the entrance, especially during evening hours.
According to park staff, ten themed cabins are distributed across the wheel, each featuring colourful seating. The attraction operates daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and waiting times can exceed an hour during peak periods.
Many visitors said the Ferris wheel was the main reason for their trip. A university student travelled from Haidian District after seeing online recommendations. A nearby resident said he had watched the structure rise over many months and was pleased to finally ride it with his child.
At night, the wheel becomes even more noticeable. Circular light strips illuminate the outer rim, while animated displays change across the structure. The evening lighting has turned the attraction into a popular photography spot.
More Than a Ride
Around the world, large Ferris wheels often become symbols of their cities. The London Eye stands on the south bank of the River Thames and remains one of London’s best-known attractions. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel has become a familiar part of Victoria Harbour’s waterfront, while Shanghai is planning the “Shanghai Gate,” which is expected to become the world’s tallest axle-less Ferris wheel.
Beijing also has a history of Ferris wheels. The Shijingshan Ferris Wheel opened in 1986 and later retired after decades of operation. In 2017, a new wheel called “Star of Dreams” began operating in western Beijing with a height close to 100 metres. However, many residents say it never became a widely recognised symbol of the city.
The “Beijing Eye” Question
That is why “Big Eye Beijing” has generated unusual attention. On Chinese social media, many users have debated whether the new attraction could eventually become Beijing’s own “Eye,” similar to the role the London Eye plays in the British capital.
Beijing Happy Valley’s chief engineer Wang Tao said a Ferris wheel had long been one of the park’s most anticipated additions. Construction began in the winter of 2025 to create both a leisure attraction and a landmark with broader recognition.
For now, the answer remains uncertain. Yet the crowds gathering beneath the 99-metre wheel suggest that Beijing’s newest skyline feature has already captured the city’s attention.
Additional reporting by HKCNA.
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