Tianjin Eye

Background

The Tianjin Eye stands in the middle of Yongle Bridge on the Hai River in Tianjin, near the three-river confluence on the border of Hongqiao and Hebei Districts, and is also called the Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel. The wheel is about 120 metres high and 110 metres in diameter, with 48 enclosed cabins on its rim, each seating 8 people, and a full turn takes about half an hour; on a clear day you can see about 40 km from the top, taking in both banks of the Hai River. Combining a Ferris wheel with a bridge, it serves both transport and sightseeing and is described as the world's only Ferris wheel built on a bridge. Construction began in 2007, and the main structure was joined in December of that year; it opened to the public afterwards, though sources give different dates for the official opening. At night the wheel is lit, with light shows at festivals, and the Tianjin Eye has become an emblem of the city.

Local customs

An evening ride is the best way to enjoy it: by day you can see the old city and the buildings along both banks, at dusk the setting sun glows on the river, and after dark the city lights come on one by one. If you do not ride, you can stroll around the three-river confluence and watch the wheel's lights reflected on the river. The cabins move steadily and slowly. The ride combines well with nearby Ancient Culture Street on the same day.

Travel tips

• Allow about 1 hour, including queuing and riding. Check the official notices for tickets, day and night prices and opening hours
• the wheel may pause during maintenance. In rain or fog visibility is poor, so check the live weather before deciding to ride.
• Take a bus to the Yongle Bridge area and walk, or walk along the Hai River from Ancient Culture Street
• taxis can go straight to "Tianjin Eye", but surrounding roads are easily congested on holidays, so set out early. You can visit all year round
• clear evenings into the night are best, when you can see both the sunset and the night views. Summer nights are cool and the most popular
• in winter the wind is strong and cold, so dress warmly for the ride.