A 120-meter observation wheel built directly on top of the Yongle Bridge over the Hai River, making it one of the only ferris wheels in the world constructed on a functioning bridge. Opened in 2008, it has 48 enclosed capsules and offers panoramic views over the river, the old concession quarters, and the modern skyline. A full rotation takes about 30 minutes.
The Tianjin Eye sits at Sanchakou, the point where the Ziya and Yongding rivers historically converged to form the Hai River, a location with symbolic importance in the city's history as a trading port. Engineers integrated the wheel's support structure directly into the existing Yongle Bridge, which still carries road traffic beneath the passenger capsules. Each of the 48 capsules holds up to 8 people and is climate controlled. On clear days visitors can see across Hongqiao, Hebei, and Nankai districts, with the old European concession rooftops visible to the south and the modern high-rises of the central business district to the east.
| Admission | ¥70 adults (approx. $9.65); ¥35 for children 1.2m-1.4m tall (approx. $4.80); VIP private gondola ¥400 (approx. $55) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:30am - 9:30pm (closed Monday mornings for maintenance) |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Address | Yongle Bridge, Sanchakou, Hongqiao District, Tianjin |
Weather through the year in China
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for China.
Location
Yongle Bridge, Sanchakou, Hongqiao District, Tianjin
Highlights
- 360-degree river and skyline views
- Only ferris wheel in the world built on an active bridge
- Illuminated at night
- 30-minute full rotation
Tips for visiting
- Ride at dusk to see the city transition from daylight to its lit-up night skyline within a single rotation.
- Buy tickets online in advance through Trip.com or the on-site counter to avoid a line on weekends.
- Combine with a walk along the Hai River embankment on either side of the bridge before or after the ride.
When to visit
Late afternoon into early evening (sunset)
Accessibility
The boarding platform is wheelchair accessible via ramp; capsules are step-in level with the platform, though capsules keep moving slowly rather than stopping fully, so staff assistance is available on request.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tianjin Eye worth visiting during the day or at night?
Both offer different views, but riding around sunset gives visitors daylight river views on the way up and the illuminated city skyline on the way down, generally considered the best single time slot.