Ferris wheels, also known as Observation Wheels, serve as iconic landmarks and symbols of entertainment.
People of all ages can enjoy a leisurely ride on a big bike, resting their feet and enjoying the scenery below.
The higher the ferris wheel, the better the view – how high can these giant wheels be?
Today we take a look at the 10 largest Ferris wheels in the world and find out what makes each one different from the others.
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
Attractions: Changsha City
Location: Changsha, Hunan, China
The eye-catching 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 spins at an easy pace, allowing for one complete rotation every 20 minutes.
Many travelers have said that the scenery from above is the most beautiful at night.
The Changsha Ferris Wheel is located near the He Long Sports Center Stadium.
Eye of Tianjin
Attractions: Yongle Bridge
Location: Yongle Bridge, Tianjin, China
Said to be the only Ferris wheel to be built over a bridge, the Tianjin Eye or Tientsin Eye is built on the Yongle Bridge over the Hai River.
The 48 cabins gently rotate through the air to offer passengers the best possible view of Tianjin.
The Tianjin Eye got its name from the fact that the locals said it resembled an eye from a distance, making it a great photographic subject both from afar and from within.
Melbourne Star
Attractions: Waterfront City
Location: Docklands, Melbourne, Australia
Formerly known as the Southern Star, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is believed to be the largest massive steel structure in the world.
Visitors have the opportunity to listen to audio recordings in the Observation Wheel capsules and learn more about Melbourne during the ride.
Melbourne Star is equipped with an extensive LED light system in a wonderful range of colors that can display over 15 million different light combinations.
Suzhou Ferris wheel
Attractions: Suzhou Ferris Wheel Amusement Park
Location: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
The Suzhou Ferris Wheel is located on the eastern shore of Jinji Lake, making it the largest lakeside Ferris wheel in China.
It spins faster than some Ferris wheels, taking just 20 minutes to complete a full spin.
However, this giant wheel offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and comes with a number of other attractions nearby.
The Ferris wheel in Suzhou is already very popular, but it will soon undergo demolition and will eventually be rebuilt to make it even better.
ICON Orlando (Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)
Attraction: ICON Orlando 360
Location: Florida, USA
Despite numerous name changes, the ICON Orlando Observation Wheel has remained a key Orlando landmark since opening on I-Drive.
The bike has been upgraded in both commodities and name, now offering Wi-Fi and a private party capsule for adults.
The ICON Orlando Observation Wheel uses the latest technology to stabilize the capsules as they rotate.
This offers a much clearer and better view for sightseeing passengers.
London Eye
Attractions: South Bank
Location: London, United Kingdom
Also called the Millennium Wheel and the Coca-Cola London Eye, among several other names throughout its history, this spectacular wheel was built in 2000 to celebrate the millennium.
The London Eye cost approximately 70 million British pounds to build, or $89,103,000!
Star of Nanchang
Attractions: Ganjiang People’s Park
Location: Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
Immediately after its completion, the Star of Nanchang surpassed the London Eye as the largest Ferris wheel in the world at the time.
Located in the capital of Jiangxi Province, it serves as a major landmark in Nanchang.
The Star of Nanchang gently rotates 60 cabins, each with room for 8 passengers.
The Star of Nanchang rotates at a light speed that is slow enough for passengers to board and disembark without the rotation stopping.
Attractions: Marina Center
Location: Singapore, China
Asia’s largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer offers a view so vast that on clear days it can encompass parts of Malaysia and Indonesia!
On top of the breathtaking scenery of Marina Bay and beyond, fine dining and adult beverages are also available to guests.
However, Singapore Flyer management insists that it will only be called Observation Wheel.
Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)
Attractions: Bluewaters Island
Year Build: Ain Dubai is expected to open sometime in 2019
Location: United Arab Emirates
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Source: wikimedia.org
Since Ain Dubai is not fully completed or open to the public, it cannot yet claim the top spot as the world’s largest Ferris wheel.
However, its construction is already far enough along to measure its staggering height!
The Dubai Eye is expected to eclipse all competitors once it opens.
For those who want more action than they can get from a gentle Ferris wheel ride, there is another attraction in store: the world’s largest ropeway, located right next to Ain Dubai.
Attractions: Las Vegas Strip
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 gain stunning views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip.
The High Roller was built by Arup Engineering, the same firm that built the Singapore Flyer.