Olympic Park sightseeing tower finally opens, smog spoils view

After years of dominating the Beijing skyline with no apparent purpose, the opening of the 247 meter-high sightseeing tower near the Olympic Park has been scheduled for November.

In news set to delight multi-pronged viewing platform enthusiasts around the world, the unnamed attraction now holds the distinguished title of being the world’s only sightseeing structure comprising of five towers. The building, which is still technically still under construction, is now China’s sixth tallest and ranks 22nd in the world.

Although not yet officially open, the tower welcomed visitors on Monday to enjoy an early viewing. With air quality in the capital comfortably within the ‘unhealthy’ category all afternoon, the lucky spectators were able to see for literally tens of meters across Beijing.

We are reliably informed that on clearer days, views as far as Fragrant Hills will be possible. State media this morning made the somewhat questionable claim that “nearly half of the capital” will be visible from the highest platform.

Image courtesy of Sina