Tianjin Eye (Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel)

Tianjin Eye (Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel)

The Tianjin Eye (Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel) is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Tianjin Eye is located on the banks of the Haihe River in Hongqiao District, Tianjin. It is a river-crossing, bridge-integrated Ferris wheel that serves both sightseeing and transportation purposes.

It takes 28 minutes for the Ferris wheel to complete one rotation, and when it reaches the highest point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings, even sights within a 40-kilometer radius.

Sights within a 40-kilometer radius can be seen.

The Ferris wheel rotates slowly and is not thrilling. You can watch vehicles speed past on both sides, which adds a unique charm to the experience.

Legend has it that every compartment on the Ferris wheel is filled with happiness. Snuggling up with your loved one, how can you not want to seize this moment of joy and romance?

In 1400 AD, the Ming Dynasty's Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, crossed the river at the Sanchahekou of the Haihe River, marched southward, captured Nanjing, seized the throne, and established the Yongle era. In 1404 AD, the Ming Dynasty established a military post at Zhigu, which Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di named “Tianjin Wei.” Tianjin means “the Emperor’s Ferry.”

In 2008 AD, Tianjin’s new landmark — the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel — was completed. It is situated on the Yongle Bridge, the very place where Zhu Di led his troops across the river. It is the world’s only river-crossing, bridge-integrated Ferris wheel that serves both sightseeing and transportation purposes. Looking up, you sense the spirit of the Emperor’s Ferry; looking down, you take in the scenery where nine rivers converge. Its ingenious and breathtaking design marks a major breakthrough in the construction of Ferris wheels worldwide.

The Ferris wheel stands 120 meters tall and is equipped with 48 transparent cabins, each capable of carrying 8 people. The cabins are comfortable and spacious, with air conditioning to regulate the temperature, allowing up to 384 people to enjoy the view at once. Operating hours vary by season. The Ferris wheel is powered by electricity and rotates at a constant speed, completing one rotation in about 30 minutes. When the cabins reach the highest point, passengers can enjoy views spanning dozens of kilometers, with the full panorama of the Haihe River laid out before them.

The design concept of the Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel “Tianjin Eye” is based on respecting the city’s existing historical legacy. By using new technologies, materials, and sleek, streamlined designs, it highlights the convergence of modern technological civilization and Tianjin’s urban history. This enhances the cultural taste and depth of the area, reflecting Tianjin’s cultural characteristic of “openness and innovation,” and heralds the grand development prospects of the Haihe River as a service-oriented economic, cultural, and scenic belt.

The Tianjin Eye is situated at the core of the prime location at the Sanchahekou of the Haihe River, the area most concentrated with Tianjin’s traditional and folk culture. The surrounding area boasts key commercial and tourism resources of Tianjin, such as the Great Compassion Temple, Ancient Culture Street, Drum Tower, Italian Style Street, and Austrian Style Street. It is also the starting point of the Haihe River cruise sightseeing area. Visitors can enjoy leisure, shopping, and sightseeing all in one day. The Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel is an outstanding representative of the “one bridge, one view” concept of Haihe River development and a dazzling pearl inlaid on the river.

Since its opening, the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel has been awarded honors such as “Safe Tourism Attraction,” the national “Landmarks of China 1949–2010: 60 Great Landmarks” as Tianjin’s sole representative, “AAAA-level Tourist Attraction,” “Municipal Youth Civilization Unit,” and “National Worker Pioneer Award.” The Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel not only represents the history of Tianjin’s cultural development but also showcases the achievements of Tianjin’s economic and social progress, uniquely displaying the distinctive charm of Tianjin.

Location

Yongle Bridge, Wuma Road, Hebei District, Tianjin

Suggested Duration

28 minutes per rotation

Transportation

Take bus routes 34, 4, 607, 611, 640, 659, 673, 802, 841, 849, 863, 869, 878, etc., and get off at Wuma Road Station.

Ticket Price

Adults: 70 RMB; private cabin ticket: 400 RMB (for up to 5 people traveling alone).

Opening Hours

9:30–21:30. The Ferris wheel is closed for routine maintenance every Monday morning (except holidays).

Address: Intersection of Ligongci Street and Wuma Road, Hebei District

Phone: 26288830