Tianjin Eye
Hebei District, Tianjin, Northern China, 300141
When the Tianjin Eye was completed in 2008, it officially became the first and only observation wheel in the world to be built over a bridge. The 394-foot (120-meter tall wheel straddles the Hai River above the Yongle Bridge, offering stellar views (on clear days or nights of this city of some 7.5 million people.
The basics
The Tianjin Eye features 64 passenger pods, each with an eight person capacity. One rotation around the wheel takes about 30 minutes. From the top, it’s possible to see up to 25 miles (40 km) away on a clear day. Many private and small-group sightseeing tours of Tianjin, including day trips by bullet train from Beijing, include a ride on the observation wheel. For the best photo op of the wheel lit up, opt for a boat ride on the Hai River at night or photograph it froom the middle of Jingang Bridge to the south.
Things to know before you go
*The Tianjin Eye offers one of the best views of the city and is popular with families and couples. *Buy your tickets ahead of time, particularly on holidays when they often sell out. *Don’t forget your camera for a photo op from the top of the wheel.
How to get there
The Tianjin Eye is centrally located and easy to get to via public transportation. Take one of numerous public buses to Jingang Bridge Station or Beidaguan Station.
When to get there
The wheel is open daily from 9am to 9pm except for Monday mornings, when it’s closed for maintenance. The best time to ride is on a clear night, when the wheel is illuminated in colorful neon lights, visible from around Tianjin.
Tallest Observation Wheels in China
The Tianjin Eye is tied as the second tallest observation wheel in China with wheels in Zhengzhou, Changsha, and Suzhou. The tallest, measuring 525 feet (160 meters), is the star of Nanchang.
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