The Tianjin Eye is located by 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 full rotation. When reaching the highest point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views and even see scenery within a 40-kilometer radius.
You can see the scenery within a 40-kilometer radius.
The Ferris wheel rotates slowly and is not thrilling. You can watch vehicles speeding past on both sides, which adds a unique charm.
Legend has it that every box on the Ferris wheel is filled with happiness. Snuggling with your loved one makes it hard not to want to seize this moment of joy and romance.
In 1400 AD, Ming Prince Yan Zhu Di crossed the river from the Sanchahekou of the Haihe River, marched southward, captured Nanjing, seized the throne, and proclaimed the Yongle era. In 1404 AD, the Ming Dynasty established a garrison at Zhigu, and Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di named it “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 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 also functions as a transport route. 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 marvelous design marks a major breakthrough in the global construction of Ferris wheels.
The Ferris wheel stands 120 meters tall and is equipped with 48 transparent cabins, each accommodating up to 8 people. The cabins are comfortable and spacious, with air conditioning to regulate the temperature, allowing 384 passengers to enjoy the view simultaneously. Operating hours vary by season. Powered by electricity, the Ferris wheel rotates at a constant speed, taking about 30 minutes per rotation. When 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 historical legacy. By using new technologies, materials, and sleek, streamlined designs, it highlights the convergence of modern technological civilization with Tianjin’s historical heritage. This enhances the area's cultural taste and depth, embodies Tianjin’s cultural trait of “openness and innovation,” and heralds the ambitious 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, an area where Tianjin’s traditional and folk culture are most concentrated. Nearby are key commercial and tourism resources 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 tourism all in one day. The Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel is an outstanding masterpiece of the “one bridge, one view” development along the Haihe River — a shining pearl embedded in the river.
Since its opening, the Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel has been awarded honors such as “Safe Tourism Attraction,” the national “Landmark of China 1949-2010: 60 Great Landmarks” as Tianjin’s sole representative, “AAAA-level Tourist Attraction,” “Municipal Youth Civilization Unit,” and “National Workers’ Pioneer Award.” The Tianjin Eye not only represents the history of Tianjin’s cultural development but also the achievements of its economic and social progress, uniquely showcasing the distinct 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.
Admission
Adults: 70 RMB; private cabin ticket: 400 RMB (for up to 5 people riding 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
The Tianjin Eye (Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel) is aAAAA-rated attraction
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/travel-12755