Guangzhou sightseeing wheel to tower above the rest

By Tom Qian  |   2009-3-17  |     ONLINE EDITION

THE world's highest observation wheel will open for October's National Day holidays in 2010 on top of the new 450-meter TV tower in Guangzhou.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning view of the southern China city from 16 orb-shaped sightseeing cabins running along a sloping track, Guangzhou Daily reported today. Most observation wheels such as the London Eye are normally independent structures with upright wheels and passenger cabins attached to the rim.

In Guangzhou it will take about 30 minutes for each 3.2-meter cabin to complete the circuit.

The tower is designed to withstand earthquakes of up to eight on the Richter scale and typhoons of up to 117 kilometers an hour. A lightning rod system is also installed.

Tourists can walk along the elliptical path to catch the views.

The 165-meter Singapore Flyer is currently the highest sightseeing wheel in the world.