Feature: Observatory of One World Trade Center set to attract more visitors to New York

Touring the new observatory of New York's One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States, one is sure to feel the optimism and "pulse" of a city that has risen like a phoenix from the ruins of deadly terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Positioned atop the 104-story One World Trade Center, One World Observatory, which opens to the public on May 29, offers visitors expansive views above the Manhattan skyline and a real-time connection with the bustling city.

One World Trade Center was built in the same complex where the original World Trade Center, or the Twin Towers, once stood.

"The building was built with 45,000 tons of structure steel, along with 5.4 million cubic feet of concrete," David Checketts, chairman and chief executive officer of Legends, operator of the observatory, told Xinhua Friday.

With its unique, panoramic views of New York City, its most iconic sites, and surrounding waters from above 1,250 feet (380 meters), One World Observatory is undoubtedly a hot new tourist spot for the city's global visitors.

Before heading to the observatory to enjoy the views, visitors are invited to experience the Global Welcome Center, a large video board which features greetings in 10 different languages, as well as the Sky Pods, five elevators providing time-lapse visual tours of the city's skyline development and various images.

Another feature is a display called "City Pulse," a ring of high-definition video monitors that connect tourists with New York City's prominent landmarks.

"We can't wait to open our doors to the public and allow them to experience the inspiration and excitement of One World Observatory first-hand," Checketts said.

Besides benefiting from the potential large number of tourists, the city has tried to take advantage of the opening as a way to lift people's spirits 14 years after the tragedy.

"It's a great moment. It really says that we have turned the corner once and for all," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during an interview with CBS Wednesday to hail the upcoming public opening of the observatory.

"It's beautiful and it brings back so many emotions," Whit Baldwin, who's been working in the observatory for the "City Pulse" project, told Xinhua.

He said a two-minute video presented in the observatory's "See Forever Theater" reminds visitors about the old World Trade Center, adding that when he and his wife first watched it, they couldn't help crying.

"It was so emotional, and having this built and bring it all back makes it even more emotional," he said.

Megan Brogan, a 21-year-old college student from Westchester County in southern New York, said before entering the building that she came here with her boyfriend to remember 9/11.

"I'm a New Yorker, and I was younger when 9/11 happened; it's something that affected my family when we were in New York City. It's nice to come here and remember and join the memorial," she said.

With entrances on all four sides, the southern gate of the One World Trade Center building faces the two 9/11 memorials, which honor the victims and examine the terror attacks and their continued global significance.

"We hope people can come here and appreciate the views; that's why we call it 'see forever.' It's kind of seeing all the way back, through the memorials, the 9/11 museums, and see all the way forward with a lot of hope in our future," Checketts said.

"I had many friends who died in 9/11," he said. "It's an emotional experience for all of us, a combination of pride and sadness, but mostly hope for the future." Endi