2010-08-03 16:56

HARBIN - China's first rotating free-fall amusement park ride began operation Tuesday in Harbin, capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

The ride lifts 24 people up a 60-meter-high tower. After arriving at the top of the tower, the carriage drops under free fall conditions, reaching a speed of 75 km per hour, said Yu Jingnian, deputy director of Harbin Amusement Park.

As the carriage is lifted, it rotates around the central pole, allowing the riders to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The ride costs 40 yuan.

"I felt my heart was going to pop out when it started falling," said 21-year-old Wang Li.

"It was so comfortable, and we could enjoy a beautiful view when we reached the top of the tower," said 28-year-old Yang Bo.

The 60-meter-high ride cost more than 18 million yuan ($2.66 million) to build.