Highest Great Wheel in the world being built in Beijing against the backdrop of the Olympics

July 22, 2008 - PRLog -- A new modern icon in the landscape of Beijing. The construction of The Beijing Great Wheel, the largest observation wheel in the world, about twice the size of the London Eye, starts on Monday 5 November in Chaoyang Park, in the centre of Beijing. The Wheel will be completed in 2009, the iconic structure will transform the skyline and tourism in the Olympic city.

The Beijing Great Wheel Project is developed by Beijing Great Wheel Co. Ltd in close cooperation with Beijing Chaoyang Park. The Wheel will be built by Shanghai Construction (Group) General Co. and commercial insurance will be provided by Marsh (Beijing) Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd together with Bank of China Insurance Company Limited.

The Great Wheel Corporation in connection with AMB Amro and UniCredit Group are providing the finance of nearly USD 99 million with the help of German investors in the fund Global View. The technical backbone of the wheel has been provided by the same group of companies who were responsible for the London Eye, the first major observation wheel in the world. The Dutch company IV Bouw will provide the engineering for the Great Beijing Wheel, Poma from France will construct the observation capsules and Bosch/Rexroth will manufacture the drive and control systems.

The Beijing Great Wheel is 208 meters high with a circle operation of approximately 30 minutes. There are 48 synchronized air-conditioned observation capsules fixed on the wheel rim. Each capsule can carry up to 40 passengers. The passengers will be able to experience fantastic 360 panoramic view of Beijing and beyond. An exciting new terminal will be built, to allow passengers to board the wheel in a temperature controlled climate and enjoy the many restaurants, bars and shops.

Florian Bollen Chairman of the Great Wheel Corporation and Director of Beijing Great Wheel Co.Ltd commented that Beijing, which has been for so long the cultural and tourist capital of
Chinese world is currently being strengthened further through the 2008 Olympics Summer Games and has created the desire of Great Wheel to be part of this fantastic development.

Mr. Bollen thanked all his partners which contributed to this success, especially Chaoyang Park and Shangahi Construction Group and said: “I am very proud to be able to be part of this project which
will allow the people of Beijing to view their beautiful city from ever changing perspective of a Great Wheel, which will become a new symbol for Beijing, its progress and the achievements of its
people. Jointly we are creating a new center of tourism in Beijing that will attract visitors from China and all over the world to this fantastic city!”

Check out the image gallery here http://www.greatwheel.com/beijing_eng/flash_gallery.php

Further information:
Sebastian FooNM Tel: +86 (10) 6551 9210
Managing Director Mobile: +86 1360 135 9831
Beijing Great Wheel Co., Ltd Email: sebastian.foo@greatwheel.com
Website: www.greatwheel.com

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Our goal is to develop, finance, build and operate Great Wheels and other Iconic Viewing Platforms in locations around the world. The Singapore Flyer, Great Berlin Wheel, Great Wheel of Beijing, Great Orlando Wheel, The London eye.