The Tientsin Eye: World＇s Only Bridge Ferris Wheel

The Tientsin Eye, also known as the Yongle Bridge Ferris Wheel, is located in Tianjin, spanning the Haihe River at the Sanchahekou (the meeting point of three rivers). It is the world's only Ferris wheel built on a bridge and one of Tianjin's most iconic landmarks.

The wheel stands 110 meters in diameter, with a maximum height of 120 meters — equivalent to a 35-story building. It features 48 transparent cabins, each holding up to 8 people. One full rotation takes about 28–30 minutes. At the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tianjin, including the winding Haihe River, the Ancient Culture Street, and the Dabei Buddhist Temple.

The Sanchahekou area is the birthplace of Tianjin — where Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty once crossed the river, giving the city its name, which means "Emperor's Ferry." The wheel was completed in 2008 and opened to the public in 2009.

What Visitors Love About It

What visitors appreciate most about the Tientsin Eye is its unique "bridge-wheel" design and spectacular night views. Unlike ordinary Ferris wheels built on land, this one sits directly above the Haihe River, with vehicles passing underneath while the wheel rotates overhead — a structure that is truly one of a kind in the world.

Many visitors say the best time to go is after 5:30 PM. You get to watch the sunset cast golden light over the river, then wait for the city lights to turn on as the wheel itself lights up, transforming the entire Haihe River into a flowing ribbon of light. In just half an hour, you experience three different scenes changing before your eyes. The Jingang Bridge is widely considered the best spot for photos, where you can capture the full wheel and its reflection in the river together in one frame.

A Story: The "Breakup Curse" Legend

In Tianjin, there is a playful urban legend about the Tientsin Eye — that couples who ride it together will most likely break up.

There are a few versions of the story. Some say that during the Republic of China era, Sanchahekou was a busy ferry port for grain transport, and many old boats sunk to the bottom. They say a pair of ill-fated lovers were buried there too, and their resentful spirits now haunt the river, dedicated to breaking up happy couples. Others claim the wheel looks like a bicycle wheel, and the Tianjin dialect word for "bicycle" sounds similar to "by oneself" — suggesting loneliness, which is considered unlucky for couples.

Of course, this is all just harmless fun. The Tientsin Eye remains one of Tianjin's most beloved romantic landmarks. Every day, countless couples line up to ride it, making vows of "forever" at the very top. As for the "breakup curse" — believe it if you wish, or don't. What matters most is enjoying the ride!

Quick Tip

Go in the late afternoon (around 5:30 PM) to catch both sunset and night views in one ride. The wheel is closed for daytime maintenance on Mondays and only opens after 6:00 PM. During peak season, expect queues of 1–2 hours, so book tickets online 3 days in advance and bring your ID. The best photo spot is on Jingang Bridge for a full view with the river reflection.