Construction began Monday on what was expected to be the world's tallest Ferris wheel, which will soar 208 metres (680 feet) over the Chinese capital when it is complete, state media reported.
The $99 million (Dh 365.112 million) Beijing Great Wheel was supposed to be open to tourists at next summer's Olympic Games, but the project has been delayed by a number of design changes, the official Xinhua News Agency said, citing the Great Wheel Corp.
A completion date has not been announced. However, the company website says the opening is scheduled for 1 August, 2008.
The Ferris wheel is being built in eastern Beijing's Chaoyang Park. It will have 48 air-conditioned compartments that can carry a total of 1,920 passengers, Xinhua said, citing Great Wheel Chairman Florian Bollen. His Singapore-based company is jointly developing the project with Chaoyang Park authorities.
The structure will stand 208 metres (680 feet), a height that commemorates the 2008 Olympics, Xinhua said. It was designed by the same Dutch company that worked on the 135-metre (443-foot) London Eye, which was the largest wheel in the world when it was built in 1999.
China already has a Ferris wheel taller than the London Eye. The 160 metre high Star of Nanchang opened in 2006 in southern Jiangxi province.
For more information go to Great Wheel Corporation
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