20 Biggest Observation Wheels Worldwide
Explore the top 20 largest observation wheels globally, from historic feats to modern marvels, perfect for travelers seeking awe-inspiring views.
The Tallest Observation wheels in the World, have increased in size massively in recent years! George W. Ferris constructed the world's first Ferris wheel in 1893, it stood tall at 264 feet high! Since then due to advances in technology and the natural Human desire to build structures bigger and better than their counterparts...the race for the worlds tallest observation wheel is in full flow!
For example, the London Eye was the Worlds tallest Ferris Wheel between the Years 2000-2006, at 443ft (135m). However, since then many other Ferris wheels have been erected from the Singapore Flyer 541ft (165m) which held the crown of the worlds tallest Ferris wheel up until 2008. This was then overtaken by the High Roller Ferris wheel in Las Vegas, at a whopping 550ft (167.5m)!
However, on the other side of the world there is a Ferris Wheel currently been constructed which is set to become the Worlds tallest observation wheel. This is in a country which is no stranger to the Worlds Tallest landmarks, i'm talking about Dubai.
The Worlds Tallest Observation wheel is set to be called Ain Dubai! Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel will stand at a Gigantic 1368Ft or 417 Meters, as the new worlds tallest observation wheel! See the full list below for details!
20. Igosu 108 Observation Wheel - (Japan)
This Japanese observation wheel, over took the previous (Cosmo Clock 21)(1st installation) as the worlds tallest Ferris wheel back in 354ft (108 m) back in 1992. Located in Biwako Tower, Honshū, Japan. This observation tower was the worlds tallest up until 1997. It was closed and abandoned in 2001 and dismantled in autumn 2013.
Igosu 108 Ferris Wheel - (Japan)
Photo by Reddit forum
19. Tempozan Ferris Wheel - Japan
The Japanese seemed to have been running the race for the Worlds Tallest observation wheels back in the 90's. With Tempozan Ferris Wheel overtaking the previous in 1997. The ferris wheel has a height of 112.5 metres (369 ft) and diameter of 100 metres (330 ft). osaka-info.com
Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Japan. Photo by osaka-info.jp
18. Cosmo Clock 21 (2nd version) (Japan)
Built in 1999, This Japanese Ferris Wheel Stands at 369ft high (112.5m) at the Cosmo World amusement park in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama, Japan.
Photo by ajari from Japan (Wiki Commons)
17. Star of Lake Tai - China
Situated on the banks of Lake Tai, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. This observation Wheel was built in 2008 and stands tall at 377ft (115m). Located in Lake Tai, Wuxi, China.
Star of Lake Tai Ferris Wheel, photo by businessinsider.com
16. Diamond & Flower Ferris Wheel - Japan
Another Oriental Favourite, this mammoth observation wheel stands at 384ft (117m) high. Currently this is the tallest ferris wheel in Japan. It is well known for its light shows which look like a sparkling flower, hence the name. Located in Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawa, Tokyo.
Diamond and Flowers Ferris Wheel, Japan. Photo by Observationwheeldirectory.com
15. Sky Dream Fukuoka
This Japanese observation wheel stood at 394ft (120m) and overtook the previous as the largest in 2002...until it's closure in 2008! A short lived reign for this Japanese beast. It was situated in Evergreen Marinoa, Fukuoka, Kyūshū, Japan.
Photo by Pinterest
14 - Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel - China.
Completed in 2003, Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel is a 390 ft, (120m) tall, gigantic Ferris wheel at Century Amusement Park in Zhengzhou, Henan, China. visitors flock to see the unique shaped centre axel which is shaped like a star, rather than the standard spoked design.
zhengzhou ferris wheel, China Photo by Flickr
During it's time this giant observation wheel, was the 2nd tallest in the world just after the London eye at 443ft (135m). There is something interesting about the size 390ft (120m) with three more ferris wheels in china the exact same size! Listed below:
13. Changsha Ferris Wheel - China.
Completed in 2004. Changsha Ferris Wheel is one of the 390 ft (120m) tall, Ferris wheels in China
Changsha Ferris Wheel, China.Photo by Trip advisor
12. Tianjin Eye - China
Tianjin Eye or the
The Tientsin Eye
, was constructed in 2008 and is another one of the
394 ft (120m) tall
, gigantic Ferris wheel built in China. It is electrically powered, has 48 passenger capsules, fit for8 passengers, and takes 30 minutes for a full rotation. Quick Math, this is gives a maximum capacity of 768 passengers per hour! Great for Tourists! This Large Observation wheel is located above the Yongle Bridge over the Hai River in Tianjin, China.
Photo by:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/58501191@N05/5380949536
11. Suzhou Ferris Wheel - China
The final Chinese member of the 394ft or 120m Club! Suzhou Ferris Wheel, constructed in 2009, is equip with 60 passenger cabins, offering a max capacity of 300 passengers, and is pretty fast taking just 20 minutes to complete each revolution. Located on the bank of Jinji Lake in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Suzhou Ferris Wheel, Photo by Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/35836242
10. Melbourne Star - Australia
It looked as the Aussies, also took a fancy to the golden height of 394ft for a ferris wheel. As in 2008, the Melbourne star was constructed. Otherwise known as the southern star has several spokes, designed to reflect the seven pointed star of the Australian Flag.
Melbourne Star, Gigantic Ferris wheel
According to stars website, the giant observation wheel offers 360degree views for over 40 miles! Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This Observation wheel had a tough start with repeated construction delays and a variety of repairs were needed, before reopening in 2013. photo by visit victoria.com
9. ICON Orlando - U.S.A
Coca-Cola Orlando Eye at an Stunning height of 400 feet tall! It is the largest observation wheel on the East Coast and offers 360-degree views of Central Florida, including views of Orlando’s skyline, and theme parks. On a clear day, riders can catch views of Cape Canaveral.
Orlando Eye (Coca Cola Eye) Photo by Coca cola Company
The ride consists of a single-revolution, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. The wheel spins so slowly that it doesn’t even need to stop to allow riders to exit or enter the capsules.
8. Redhorse Osaka Wheel - Japan
At 404 feet (or 123m) high, Red Horse Osaka Wheel was constructed in 2016. Equip with transparent floors it is part of the Expocity in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.
Red horse Ferris Wheel
7. Lihpao Sky Dream - Taiwan
This Ferris wheel was opened in 2017, and stands tall at 413ft (126m). The actual ferris wheel is Taiwans largest and makes up part of Lihpao Land. A theme park equip with the worlds first rollercoaster with a true 90 degree drop and the worlds only tilting roller coaster! The theme park is situated in the Houli District, Taichung, Taiwan. photo by taiwan everything.
Lihpao Land ferris Wheel China
6. London Eye - U.K
The Worlds Tallest Ferris wheel, between the years of 2000-2006, at 443 ft (135ft) tall. This is an extremely popular visitor attraction and most popular paid attraction in the U.K, bringing over 3.75 million visitors every year!
The Magnificent London eye
As Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, it formally offered the highest public viewing point in London. Before being superseded by the 804 ft, (245 m) high observation deck, located at the 72nd floor of The Shard, which opened in 2013.
5. Star of Nanchang - China.
The mammoth ferris wheel which knocked the London Eye of the top spot in 2006. At 525ft (160m) tall, the beast is Chinas golden child. It cost 57 million yaun to build (around $7.3 million). Despite the cost, it only had two years as the worlds tallest ferris wheel, before been overtaken by the Singapore flyer!
Star of Nanchang Ferris Wheel China. Photo by alchetron.com
However, its still a great attraction to visit, with 60 enclosed capsules, allowing 8 people per one giving a maximum capacity of 480 Passengers! It takes 30 minutes for a full rotation, due to it's slow speed it allows passengers to hop on and off without having to stop the wheel. This large observation wheel is located in the eastern Chinese city of Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, China.
4. Singapore Flyer - Singapore.
After a 2 1/2 year construction, the Singapore flyer finally opened it's doors in 2008. This gigantic observation wheel stands tall at 541 feet (165m) and was the Worlds tallest ferris wheel up until 2014, when High roller opened in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Singapore by Night.Marina bay Downtown Singapore Flyer the Former Worlds tallest ferris wheel
Located at the Marina Centre, Downtown core, Singapore. With 28 large air conditioned capsules, each able to hold 28 people this is sure a masterpiece of engineering and one of the greatest Observation wheels ever to be built.
3. High Roller - Las Vegas, NV
THE WORLDS TALLEST OBSERVATION WHEEL in the WORLD!
At a whopping 550 Feet tall (167.6m) and a diameter of 520-foot (158.5 m). This ferris wheel is the largest Observation wheel in the world and was constructed as part of Caesars Entertainment Corporation's $550 million project The LINQ. The High Roller has cabins that are so large, they can each hold 40 riders.
The ride is one revolution, which takes about 30 minutes. lasvegasconcierge.com trip advisor A 2,000-LED system illuminates the wheel during the evening and can display a single solid color, differently colored sections, multiple colors moving around the rim, and custom displays for special events and even holidays. This experience is even better if you smoke a bit of cannabis first! And, since weed is legal in Las Vegas, you are in luck!
High Roller Worlds Tallest Ferris Wheel Las Vegas
2. New York Ferris Wheel
There was talk of a New York Ferris Wheel. Named the New York Wheel, this was a proposed 630-foot-tall giant Ferris wheel to be located at St. George in Staten Island, New York City. However, according to the Nytimes, plans for this have been scrapped as developers pull out.
Proposed New York City Ferris Wheel (Photo by New York Wheel)
1. Ain Dubai - World Tallest Ferris Wheel (Under construction)
Set to open in 2020, Ain Dubai will stand at 820 feet high (250m) and is set to become the new WORLDS LARGEST FERRIS WHEEL. This Grand Ferris will is set to be located on Bluewaters Island, Dubai, UAE. This will be a great compliment to the Worlds tallest building in Dubai the (Burj Khalifa). This vast size of this gigantic observation wheel is quite hard to get your head around.
So to put things in Perspective, this Large ferris wheel is planned to be nearly twice as high as the London Eye! Which was the Worlds Tallest Ferris wheel, between the years of 2000-2006, at 443 ft (135ft) tall! Photo by If compared to the current largest ferris wheel in the world, (High Roller Las Vegas). This Dubai Ferris wheel is planned to be a whole 80m or 262feet taller!
Worlds Tallest Ferris Wheel Dubai Proposed Ain Dubai Photo by dubaitravelguide.com
Dubai Ferris Wheel (Construction)
The Gigantic Observation wheel will be constructed from 192 cable wires, totaling around 2,400km in length! To put things in perspective thats the same distance between Dubai and Cairo. Approximately 9000 tonnes of steel was used in the construction of the wheel.
Thats nearly 30% more than the amount of metal used to build the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The weight of its perimeter rim is the same as 16 Airbus A380 superjumbo Jets! With 48 passenger capsules, set to carry around 1900 people, this is a true monster and an unbelievable feat of engineering. Located on Blue Water Island, Dubai.
This development is home to Caesars Palace, Caesars Resort and Residences. It will be easily accessible from the road bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road and even by 15-minute walk using a pedestrian bridge from the Beach.
According to the Developer Meraas: "The last of the permanent spoke cables has now been installed and construction is continuing" ...so watch this space!
Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.
