Construction of the world's highest Ferris wheel began in Chaoyang Park, close to the Central Business District (CBD) in the east of Beijing. With a diameter of 193 meters, the 208-meter high wheel is expected to become a Beijing landmark upon completion, the Oriental Morning Post reported on November 5, 2007.

This computer-generated image released by the Beijing Great Wheel Corp on November 5, 2007 shows the Beijing Great Wheel which will stand in eastern Beijing's Chaoyang Park.

Undertaken by the Shanghai Construction Group, the project is co-developed by the Beijing Great Observation Wheel Tourism Development Co., Ltd and the Beijing Chaoyang Park Development and Management Company.

According to the wheel's architect, the newly constructed Ferris wheel in Beijing will boast a string of world records in the engineering field when it is completed. In addition to the world record height of 208 meters and the world record diameter of 193 meters, the wheel will have an enormous axle measuring 28 meters long. The axle is capable of rotating 750,000 times in 50 years.

Florian Bollen, chairman of the Great Wheel Corp and president of the Beijing Great Observation Wheel Tourism Development Co., Ltd, revealed that the Ferris wheel is so big that it would take 20 minutes to complete one revolution. Supported by compact but strong arms, the giant wheel will provide tourists with a full view for a span of tens of kilometers on a good weather day.

On the rim of the wheel, there are 48 air-conditioned compartments. Constructed with state-of-the-art technologies, they will not sway in the wind at great height. Under the strict control of computer programs, tourists may feel fully relaxed and secure while riding the giant wheel.

Capable of holding 40 people each, the compartments are equipped with video players and other entertainment facilities. Additionally, there is full access for disabled passengers on the Ferris wheel, as wheelchairs can be embarked and disembarked easily.

Taking into account the special structure of the wheel and the conditions of the construction site, the Shanghai Construction Group will first erect the wheel and then complete the rest of the construction by rotating the wheel on the ground.

Ferris wheels are highly popular among tourists. The London Eye, an observation wheel built on the bank of the Thames, is widely recognized as one of the world's most successful tourist attractions. Established in 1999, the 135-meter high wheel has attracted over 30 million visitors in the past seven years.

(China.org.cn by Chen Xia, November 5, 2007)