Reconstruction of the Ferris wheel at Shanghai’s Jinjiang Action Park has officially commenced, with the landmark expected to reopen in 2027 at a new height of 118 meters, 10 meters taller than its previous iteration. The project was revealed during a launch ceremony on August 9, with developers aiming to restore the iconic structure at its original site in Shanghai’s southwest Minhang district.
The redesigned Ferris wheel will feature 36 cabins providing panoramic views of the city. According to its designer, Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design and Research Co., affiliated with the Chinese firm Arcplus Group, the structure will be the first single-tube Ferris wheel in China to exceed 100 meters in height. Beyond its function as an observation wheel, the new attraction is envisioned as a three-dimensional cultural tourism landmark combining sightseeing, leisure, and urban tourism.
Cabins are planned to accommodate various purposes, including themed restaurants, wedding venues, and small meeting spaces, offering visitors a diversified experience. The redevelopment comes as part of a broader overhaul of Jinjiang Action Park, once Shanghai’s first major amusement park and a longstanding fixture since its opening in 1984.
The park’s original Ferris wheel stood 30 meters tall, forming a cherished part of local residents’ memories. It was replaced in 2002 by a second-generation wheel reaching 108 meters, which at the time was China's first to top 100 meters and ranked as the third tallest worldwide. This version also introduced air-conditioned cabins, enhancing visitor comfort.
In January 2025, the park is scheduled to close temporarily to accommodate extensive renovations and new developments. On February 12, 2025, Jin Jiang International Holdings Co. announced a joint venture framework agreement with Warner Bros to introduce a Harry Potter studio tour within the redeveloped site. The Warner Bros Studio Tour Shanghai—The Making of Harry Potter is set to become the third Harry Potter-themed attraction globally, but the first in China, incorporating Chinese cultural elements and advanced interactive digital technologies to create a unique visitor experience. The facility is slated to open alongside the new Ferris wheel in 2027.
As part of the redevelopment, all existing rides and attractions will be dismantled except for the Ferris wheel and the onsite hotel. Zhu Zhengzheng, general manager of Ferris Wheel (Shanghai) Tourism Development Co., emphasized commitment to safety and quality throughout construction and operational phases. The developer is also considering distributing approximately 100,000 tickets to allow the public to observe the progress of the new Ferris wheel project.