Record-breaking Ferris wheel brings happiness to capital

Beijing Happy Valley has officially opened the "Big Eye Beijing" Ferris wheel, a new landmark standing 99 meters tall and setting a height record in the capital.

Launched as part of the theme park's 20th anniversary celebrations, the attraction features 46 pod-shaped cabins, including 10 themed VIP cabins designed for families, birthdays and immersive viewing experiences.

The wheel accommodates up to 460 passengers at a time, with each full rotation lasting about 22 minutes and offering panoramic views of the city.

The Ferris wheel anchors the park's broader transformation, which has upgraded its entertainment, retail and performance offerings. A new commercial plaza hosts live music, parades, cultural performances, shops, and dining venues, aiming to enrich the visitor experience.

According to Wang Tao, chief engineer of Beijing Happy Valley, visitor surveys consistently ranked the Ferris wheel as the park's most anticipated new attraction, with around 70 percent of respondents expressing interest. Construction began in the winter of 2025 to meet growing demand for family-friendly attractions and create a new cultural and tourism landmark for the capital.

To create a more striking nighttime display, the Ferris wheel features 276 LED-lit arms, creating dense, dynamic lighting effects.

The park plans to stage regular light shows and introduce additional performances and activities to extend visitor stays and create new cultural tourism experiences.