China has begun work on what will be the world's largest Ferris wheel at Chaoyang Park in east Beijing.

The $99 million and 682 feet high Great Wheel of China is expected to have 48 fully air-conditioned compartments that can accommodate 40 people each and will hold a total of 1920 passengers at a time.

The Ferris wheel which is originally intended to start operating during the Olympic Games was delayed due to various changes in design. Estimated completion of the wheel is on 2009.

Great Wheel of China was also designed by the same Dutch company that worked on the 443 feet high London Eye - the largest wheel in 2000.

China still holds the "highest wheel" record for having the 525 feet tall Star of Nanchang which has opened in 2006. Next year, the Singapore Flyer which is around 540 feet tall will take place of the world-record.