Dreamlike Structures: A Look at the "World’s Most Spectacular Ferris Wheels"

Travel Center / Taipei Report

For most people, a ferris wheel is a dreamy and romantic structure. From afar, you can admire its towering magnificence, and once aboard, you can take in the surrounding views. The world’s various ferris wheels each have their own charm—so which ones are really worth seeing? “A Look at the World’s Spectacular Ferris Wheels” takes you on a journey through a dazzling world of spinning wheels and festive lights.

1. Ferris Wheel (FerrisWheel)
The “Ferris Wheel” is the world’s first-ever ferris wheel, designed at the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition. It was originally built to rival France’s iconic Eiffel Tower. It’s called the “Ferris” wheel because it was designed by George Washington Ferris. Inspired by carousels and aiming to compete with the Eiffel Tower, he knew he had to create something massive—and thus, the ferris wheel was born.


▲ The world’s first ferris wheel, the “Ferris Wheel,” is located in Chicago. (Photo / CFP)

2. The London Eye
Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is situated on the banks of the River Thames and is one of London’s most famous tourist attractions. It is the world’s first and once the largest “observation ferris wheel.” Originally built to celebrate the year 2000, it was expected to operate for only five years. However, due to its popularity with visitors from around the world, the London government approved it as a permanent landmark.


▲ The “London Eye” is located on the banks of the River Thames and was built to celebrate the millennium. (Photo / CFP)

3. Singapore Flyer
Standing at the height of a 42-story building, the Singapore Flyer is located within a three-story shopping mall. It surpasses both the Star of Nanchang and the London Eye, making it the world’s largest ferris wheel. In addition to offering panoramic views of Singapore’s cityscape, it also provides vistas stretching up to 45 kilometers away—including Indonesia’s Batam and Bintan Islands, as well as Malaysia’s Johor state. It is said that the Singapore Flyer cost 200 million Singapore dollars to build and can accommodate up to eight million passengers per year.


▲ The “Singapore Flyer” is currently the tallest ferris wheel in the world. (Photo / CFP)

4. Tianjin Haihe Eye
Also known as the “Tianjin Eye,” the Tianjin Haihe Eye is the world’s only ferris wheel built on a bridge. Located on the Yongle Bridge (formerly Haihe Bridge) over the Haihe River in Tianjin, China, it stands 35 stories tall. From its highest point, you can enjoy views within a 40-kilometer radius, making it an iconic landmark of Tianjin.

5. Miramar Ferris Wheel in Taipei
The Miramar Ferris Wheel in Taipei boasts the largest ferris wheel in Northern Taiwan and the third-largest in all of Taiwan. Built by Japan’s Senyo Kogyo, its base is located on the fifth floor of the building, giving it a height of 100 meters. The ferris wheel is adorned with 624 neon tubes, creating a dazzling display at night.


▲ The Miramar Ferris Wheel and Taipei 101 complement each other and are referred to as Taiwan’s “Ferris Wheel Brothers.” (Photo / CFP)

6. Shanghai Ferris Wheel (also known as the Shanghai Big Turntable)
With an investment of approximately 24 million RMB, the Shanghai Ferris Wheel is located in Jinjiang Amusement Park. Standing 108 meters tall, it is the world’s third-largest and Asia’s largest ferris wheel. Its computer-controlled disc emits high-powered colorful lights at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

7. Star of Nanchang
The “Star of Nanchang” is located in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, mainland China. It began operations in 2006 and, at 160 meters tall, is the world’s second-largest ferris wheel—taller than the 135-meter “London Eye” by the River Thames in the UK.


▲ The “Star of Nanchang” is currently the world’s second-tallest ferris wheel and the tallest in Asia. (Photo / CFP)

8. Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel in Japan
Located along the Tokyo Bay waterfront, the “Diamond and Flower” ferris wheel is known as Japan’s tallest, standing 117 meters high—equivalent to a 33-story building. Riding this ferris wheel offers bird’s-eye views of central Tokyo and even a glimpse of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak. With over 20 ferris wheels in Japan ranging between 100 and 120 meters in height, it’s clear the country has a passion for building them.

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