The Ferris wheel is a popular amusement ride where a large wheel-shaped structure is supported by a central axis and passengers sit in cabins that hang on the edge of the wheel. The wheel turns slowly, allowing passengers to enjoy the panoramic view from a great height.

Ferris wheels are commonly found in amusement parks, and their impressive appearance is often enhanced by beautiful lighting displays at night. These large-scale mechanical facilities are considered to be a special type of equipment that requires qualified manufacturers to produce.

The first Ferris wheel was designed by George Ferris for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, with the aim of competing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which had been built for the 1889 Exposition.

Weighing 2,200 tons and standing as tall as a 26-story building, the original Ferris wheel had a capacity of 2,160 passengers. It was later known as "Ferris' giant wheel," which became the inspiration for the modern Ferris wheel we know today.

There are three types of Ferris wheels based on their operating mechanism: the gravity Ferris wheel, the non-spoke type Ferris wheel, and the observation Ferris wheel. The gravity Ferris wheel has cabins that hang on the wheel and maintain a horizontal position due to gravity.

The observation Ferris wheel, on the other hand, has cabins that are suspended outside the wheel and require a more complicated mechanical structure of connecting rods.

In this article, we will look at some of the tallest and most well-known Ferris wheels in the world.

Canton Tower Ferris Wheel

The Canton Tower Ferris Wheel is located in Guangzhou, China, and stands at a height of about 450 meters.

Unlike traditional Ferris wheels, it is made up of 16 horizontally rotating sightseeing ball cabins that take about 20 minutes to complete a full rotation, allowing tourists to enjoy the panoramic views of Guangzhou from all angles. This makes it the tallest horizontal Ferris wheel in the world.

Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer, located in Singapore, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. It opened to the public in 2008 and stands at a height of 165 meters. It has 28 air-conditioned cabins that can accommodate up to 28 passengers each.

However, the Ferris wheel has experienced some technical difficulties since its opening, with a notable instance in 2008 when a short circuit in the control room and a fire caused 173 people to be stranded for six hours.

High Roller Ferris Wheel

The High Roller Ferris Wheel is located on the Las Vegas Strip in the United States. It opened in 2014 and stands at a height of 167.6 meters.

The Ferris wheel has 28 closed spherical cabins that provide an incredible view of the Las Vegas skyline. It takes about 30 minutes to complete a full rotation.

London Eye

The London Eye, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, is also one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in London. Standing at a height of 135 meters and with a diameter of 120 meters, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world when it opened in 2000.

Although it has since been overtaken by taller Ferris wheels, it is still referred to as "the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world."

In conclusion, Ferris wheels have come a long way since their inception in the late 1800s. Today, they remain a popular attraction in amusement parks and cities around the world. With their impressive height and stunning views, they continue to captivate audiences of all ages.