Central Taiwan's tallest landmark — "Asia's second-largest Ferris wheel" to open in Taichung in 2016

▲ Asia’s second-largest Ferris wheel “Sky Dream” will open in Taichung in the summer of 2016. (Photo / Provided by Lihpao Landmark)

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Reporting

The title of Taiwan’s largest Ferris wheel has a new holder !Lihpao Landmark has introduced Asia’s second-largest Ferris wheel “Sky Dream” from Fukuoka, Japan, and it is currently under intense assembly,with plans to open in the summer of 2016 together with its Outlet mall. Once opened, it will not only be the tallest building in the Greater Taichung region but also take over from Leofoo Amusement Park to become Taiwan’s largest Ferris wheel.

Chen Yuxiu, special assistant to the general manager of Lihpao Landmark, stated that “Sky Dream” stands about 120 meters tall, equivalent to a 40-story building. The entire Ferris wheel consists of 60 climate-controlled cabins, each capable of accommodating up to eight passengers. Chen pointed out that since Taichung is located at an altitude of 240 meters, combined with the 120-meter height of Sky Dream, once open, visitors will be able to overlook the Greater Taichung area from a height of 360 meters, making it a new landmark in Central Taiwan.

▲ The largest in Taiwan — Lihpao Taichung Outlet Mall, which will open together with the Sky Dream Ferris wheel. (Photo / Provided by Lihpao Landmark)

Also set to open alongside “Sky Dream”is Lihpao Taichung Outlet Mall, which boasts several highlights, including three more firsts in Taiwan:

1. Taiwan’s largest international Outlet mall
Chen Yuxiu mentioned that Lihpao Taichung Outlet Mall covers an area of 200 hectares and has specifically drawn inspiration from Japan’s renowned Gotemba Premium Outlets, learning from their successful experience in shop planning and mall design. Currently, there are plans for 104 shops, including both Japanese and American brands. However, Chen noted that the overall selection leans more toward Japanese brands, and she also revealed that the mall will introduce Japanese goods available exclusively at Lihpao Taichung Outlet Mall.

▲ % The Outlet Mall draws inspiration from Japan’s Gotemba Outlet, featuring spacious, bright designs integrated with natural green spaces, as well as Taiwan’s largest food court (pictured below). (Photo / Provided by Lihpao Landmark)

2. Taiwan’s largest food court
In addition to shopping, food is also a highlight of Lihpao Taichung Outlet Mall. Chen Yuxiu stated that the mall will feature Taiwan’s largest food court, with a total of 1,000 seats, though the restaurants are still under negotiation and specific tenants have yet to be announced.

3. Taiwan’s first attempt at a “pet-friendly mall”
In Taiwan, department stores typically prohibit pets, but during its research trip to Japan, the Lihpao Group observed that places like Karuizawa Premium Outlets often see visitors strolling with their pets, and even have designated areas for owners and their pets to exercise together. Therefore, Lihpao Taichung Outlet Mall has set aside a “pets’ playground” where visitors can bring their pets, with staff on hand to assist in caring for them, allowing owners to shop with peace of mind. However, Chen also noted that only cats and dogs are permitted.