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Another day, another superlative for China – though the value of this one is strictly related to tourism appeal. Beijing is building the world's largest Ferris Wheel in Chaoyang Park. It will stand 208 metres high, beating the existing London Eye, the soon-too-open Singapore Flyer and a new Wheel in Berlin.
The Beijing Wheel will commemorate the 2008 Olympic Games, and is set
to open in early 2009. Chaoyang Park, where it will be situated, is the
venue for beach volleyball events during next year's Beijing Games.
State media reports that Beijing originally intended to have the Wheel
open in time for the Games, but the project was repeatedly delayed due
to design issues, according to the Great Wheel Corp, a Singapore-based
company that is jointly developing the project. The Great Wheel Corp,
along with AMB Amro and UniCredit Group, are funding the venture to the
tune of nearly USD99m. When completed, the Wheel ride will have 48
air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible compartments carrying up to
1,920 passengers in total.
Earlier this year, Shanghai authorities abandoned plans to build a
200-metre-tall Wheel, instead preferring to build a 100-metre
skyscraper at the planned site in Hongkou district, north of the Bund.
To view images of Beijing’s new Ferris Wheel, click here: http://chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2007-11/06/content_6233279.htm
Last update : 09-12-2007
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