Ring of Life, Steel monument in Fushun, China

Ring of Life is a circular steel monument in Fushun, China, standing 157 meters tall as a complete ring with a hollow center. Its smooth, reflective silver surface curves up from near ground level to a rounded top. Inside, elevators lead to observation decks, and 12,000 LED lights illuminate the structure.

In May 2009 the Fushun Economic Development Area Administration Committee hired American designer Gary Goddard and his Goddard Group to plan 2 square kilometres of the new Shenfu New Town. His team proposed the Ring of Life as its centrepiece, and in January 2010 the firm continued with schematic design. Construction photos circulated worldwide in November 2012, while Phase 1 of the new town was due for completion in spring 2013.

The ring's name comes from its shape and its nightly illumination: 12,000 LED lights turn the steel circle into a large halo above Fushun. It was planned as the centrepiece of the new Shenfu New Town, and in its early stages the structure was used as a bungee jumping attraction, a use that has since stopped.

Access to the observation platform is provided by elevators running through the interior of the structure. It is worth noting that the installation is illuminated by LED lighting at night, making it worthwhile to visit at different times of day.

The structure resulted from an international collaboration with an American entertainment designer rather than emerging from purely local design efforts. This unusual partnership for a Chinese urban project reflects the global nature of contemporary city planning.