The multi-billion dollar Hollywood-inspired Studio City Resort in Macau, which as its centrepiece offers Asia’s tallest and the world’s only figure-8 ferris wheel, has opened its doors in China.

Masterplanned and designed by the Goddard Group, the US$3.2bn (€2.9bn, £2bn) cinematically-themed gaming and leisure destination resort from Melco Crown Entertainment opened to the public on 27 October.

At the heart of the 1,600-bedroom development is the Golden Reel – a world-first ferris wheel which forms a figure of eight. Built to resemble a giant 35mm film reel, the engineering marvel by Intamin Amusement Rides stretches 425ft (129.5m) high and sits between two art deco-style towers housing hotel rooms above the complex’s casino.

Passengers board the 17-car ride on the building’s 23rd floor, with each car able to hold 10 people at a time. The ride does not cross over in a true figure-8, rather follows the edges of the shape as it makes its journey round the structure, offering unobstructed views of the South China Sea.

In addition to the one-of-a-kind wheel, the resort also includes ‘Batman Dark Flight’ – a 4D experience throwing riders into Gotham City as Batman combats villains from the DC universe. The Batman ride is housed inside the Warner Bros Fun Zone, a 30,000sq ft (2,787sq m) family entertainment centre (FEC) which also features costumed Warner Bros. characters and DC Comics characters including Wonder Woman, The Flash and Superman. Also on offer are The House of Magic – a show hosted by illusionist Franz Haray – and a 5,000-seat events centre for live performances and sporting events.

The sprawling complex, which is centred around the wheel and casino, also has a 300,000sq ft (27,870sq m) shopping mall, night club, seven family-oriented entertainment venues including the new FEC and magic show, as well as 30 dining options.

“Because we share a unified vision when it comes to Hollywood and the world of motion pictures, our co-operation with the Studio City management team was highly productive, resulting in one of the most exciting, dynamic and architecturally stunning integrated resorts ever created, not only in Macau, but in the world,” said Goddard Group founder and CEO, Gary Goddard.

“Now that the doors have opened for the first time, with its art deco-inspired towers and the spectacular Golden Reel at its centre, we fully expect this new resort to become instantly iconic, capturing the imagination of the international audience.”