The world's first sightseeing tower at sea, capable of accommodating 3,000 people, opened on Sunday in Hangzhou city of east China.

The tower stands on a 36-kilometer bridge spanning Hangzhou Bay, 18 kilometers to the southern bank. Encompassing some 40 thousand-square-meters, the tower consists of an outdoor platform and an all-glass viewing tower. In the shape of an eagle with its wings wide spread, the sightseeing tower provides vistas reaching as far as Beilun Harbor in Ningbo city and the Qiantang River famous for its sensational tide.

The fifth floor of the tower is a five-star hotel with 27 rooms including a presidential suite. Cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops highlight the tower.

The sightseeing tower saw about 15,000 visitors on its first opening day, according to Mr. Gong, manager of the company operating the tourist sight. The number was what they expected and the peak visiting flow was during 10 am to 2 pm., the manager explained.

An entrance ticket is 50 yuan and the ticket for the viewing tower is 60 yuan. The ticket for the whole sight is 100 yuan, which opens from 8 am to 8 pm.