Update: AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel is reopen again now. After the unexpected closure started from 28th of August 2017, the new operator finally announced the reopening of Hong Kong Observation Wheel on the 20th of December 2017.
Whoever takes the Star Ferry or walks along Victoria Harbour in Central will notice a giant wheel by the harbourfront. Yes, that is one of Hong Kong’s latest attractions, The Hong Kong Observation Wheel, aka Hong Kong Ferries Wheel.
After the several construction delays, sudden opening (Dec 2014) and unexpected closure (Aug 2017), Hong Kong finally manages to keep the ferries wheel next to Victoria Harbour. The new AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel has a new operator, new color and new price to start fresh.
New AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel with red gondolas
Construction and Opening
After several times postponing, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel (HKOW) finally opened on December 5, 2014 in a hurry without a big bang announcement.
Old Hong Kong Observation Wheel with white gondolas
Similar to other metropolitan cities like London, Singapore, Tokyo or Chicago, Hong Kong added now a giant ferris wheel to its attraction list. There were/are a lot of contradict opinions about whether Hong Kong needs Hong Kong Observation Wheel next to Central waterfront promenade.
The construction of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel (Ferris Wheel) started from May 2014 and the progress was really fast in the beginning. In the early September, the frame of Ferris Wheel was almost finished.
Construction progress in the early September 2014
It was said it would be opened at the end of October. However, due to the unexpected over-two-month“Occupy Central” protest starting from the 28th of September 2014 in Hong Kong, the construction was suspended for a very long time.
Construction progress in the end of October 2014
In the morning of 5th of December, it was supposed to open only for the press and media to test this new attraction. Surprisingly, before all the media could travel back to the office and write articles about it, the company suddenly announced to officially open the wheel to the public. I guess they couldn’t afford to lose more time and money. Nobody was expecting the opening since the surrounding area around the Ferris Wheel was still under construction.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel in Central
Temporary Closure – From AEX Company to AIA
After about two and half year operation, it unexpectedly close on the 28th of August 2017.
The former operator Swiss AEX company lost in bidding on the land’s lease and had to end the business of the wheel by the end of August. Government said the new winner had better proposal on the usage of the land as well as more attractive ticket price for the wheel.
At first, Swiss AEX claimed that they would disassemble the wheel by October if they couldn’t make a deal with the new operator. After a round of trouble, the old and new operators of Hong Kong Observation Wheel finally reached a consensus. The new operator TECL company has purchased the ferries wheel from Swiss AEX.
Height and Size of the Wheel :
This Hong Kong-edition Ferris Wheel is only 60-meter tall.It cannot compete regarding measurements and heights with the London Eye (135 meters) or Singapore Flyer (165 meters).
It also appears very tiny in front of all the skyscrapers in the background (The IFC Tower II next to it is 416-meter tall).
Hong Kong Observation Wheel next to IFC Tower II (before Dec 2017)
New AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel with red gondolas
Gondolas :
It comes with 42 carriages fitting 8 passengers each gondola (including infants). If you have visited Hong Kong Observation Wheel before Sep 2017, you may notice that the new AIA ferries wheel’s gondolas have been changed and painted to red from the original white color.
Red gondola of Hong Kong Observation Wheel
Ride and Views:
The complete ride on the AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel takes approx. 15 -20 minutes. Visitors can stay on for three complete circles. The ride offers you a new and fresh perspective on Victoria Harbor, the crossing of the iconic Star Ferries and the surrounding skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island.
There are eight lines for boarding on 4 different gondolas at the same time once it stops. Large luggages, baby strollers and bulky items are not allowed on board. They provide charged luggage storage service. It’s not getting very popular and crowded yet. The waiting time will not be too long (10-15min).
Waiting area
Once on board, you are not allowed to stand up in the gondola. It will stop several times in between for visitors of other gondolas to get on and off. It will be good opportunity for pictures.
View of Central Star Ferry Pier from the ferries wheel
View of IFC Shopping Mall from Observation Wheel
View of Central Harbourfront
Where to Buy Ticket and Ticket Prices :
New tickets are priced HK$ 20 for adults and HK$ 10 for child (3-11) and senior (above 65). Child under 3 can ride for free.
Please note: Ticket sales will stop 15 minutes before closing.
Tickets can be purchased on site from the ticket box of Hong Kong Observation Wheel directly or booked from their official website. For the moment, there are not too many visitors waiting in line for buying ticket.
Ticket Box of Hong Kong Observation Wheel
Ticket of Hong Kong Observation Wheel
Location :
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is located right outside the Central Pier 9 and 10 overlooking the harbor front of Victoria Harbour.
New Hong Kong Observation Wheel in Central
Did You Know
“There are plenty of other excellent sightseeing spots high above the city including The Peak, Sky Terrace 428 and Sky100 Observation Deck), as well as many skyscrapers along Victoria Harbourwhich provide observation floors (e.g. Bank of China Tower), rooftop bars (e.g. Sevva Bar), or rooftop garden (e.g. IFC Tower Two) from where tourists can enjoy the fantastic views.”
Plan to Stay: 30 – 45 min
General Info and Details
Date: Reopen on 20th of December, 2017
Opening Hour: 11:00 am – 11:00pm (daily)
Venue: 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong
Price: HK$ 20 (adult) / HK$ 10 (child and senior)
How to Get to AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel?
By Subway: Alternatively, you can take the MTR to the Central MTR Station take Exit A or the Hong Kong MTR Station Exit A2 to reach the Central Piers.
By Star Ferry: Simply take the Star Ferry from TST to Central.
Attractions Nearby Victoria Harbour
A Symphony of Lights – Guinness World Records Multimedia Show
Harbour Tour and Boat Ride – Best Way to Enjoy Victoria Harbour
Avenue of Stars – Hollywood Walk of Hong Kong
Star Ferry – All you need to know about Hong Kong’s iconic transportation
AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel (reopen)
Garden of Stars
Clock Tower
More Top Attractions in Hong Kong
A Symphony of Lights – Guinness World Records Multimedia Show
Harbour Tour and Boat Ride – Best Way to Enjoy Victoria Harbour
Ultimate Guide of Victoria Peak (The Peak) – The Number One Attraction in Hong Kong
Po Lin Monastery – The Largest Buddhist Temple in Hong Kong
Guide to Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) – World’s 2nd largest sitting bronze buddha statue
Ultimate Guide of Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island – Venice of Hong Kong
Ngong Ping Cable Car on Lantau Island – fastest way to the Big Buddha
Insider guide to Lantau Island and Ngong Ping – itinerary arrangements, sightseeing highlights, how to get there, travel tips
Guide of Peak Tram – The Historical and Fastest Way to Victoria Peak – A True Hong Kong Icon
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong on Victoria Peak – Guide of the Asian First Wax Museum
An Overall Guide to Jade Market and Jade Street
Star Ferry – All you need to know about Hong Kong’s iconic transportation
A Guide to Hong Kong Goldfish Market – All You Need To Know
The Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong Ladies Market
How to Take Hong Kong Ding Ding Trams As Real Local – All You Need to Know
Sky100 Observation Deck – Highest Indoor Viewing Deck
Tin Hau Temple (Repulse Bay)
Stanley Market
Hong Kong Disneyland
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Horse Racing
Repulse Bay
Clock Tower
Victoria Harbour
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