Highlight • Monument
Hiking
4.5
(19)
The Shanghai Tower stands as an iconic megatall skyscraper and a prominent man-made monument in the Lujiazui financial district of Pudong, Shanghai, China. Soaring to an impressive height of 632 meters (2,073 feet) with 128 stories, it is recognized as the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. This architectural marvel is part of a distinguished trio of supertall buildings in the area, alongside the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, collectively defining…
Tips
September 9, 2019
Hiking
April 21, 2024
Hiking
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Best routes to Shanghai Tower
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
11.3km
02:54
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
3.35km
00:52
20m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
16.9km
04:22
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
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Saturday 7 March
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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The observation deck on the 118th floor, known as the 'Top of Shanghai,' is generally open daily from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. However, it's always recommended to check the official Shanghai Tower website for the most up-to-date hours before planning your visit, as times can occasionally vary.
Ticket prices for the 'Top of Shanghai' observation deck typically range from 180 to 200 CNY for adults. There are often discounted rates available for children, seniors, and students. Purchasing tickets in advance online is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your entry and potentially avoid longer queues.
The Shanghai Tower is conveniently located in the Lujiazui financial district and is easily accessible by metro. The closest metro station is Lujiazui Station, served by Metro Line 2. From there, it's a short walk to the tower. Numerous bus routes also serve the area, making public transport a highly recommended and efficient way to arrive.
Absolutely! The Shanghai Tower is a fantastic destination for a family visit. The experience of riding the world's fastest elevators, the panoramic views, and interactive elements like the 'Sky Mirror' and 'Sky Post Office' are often very engaging for children. It offers an educational insight into modern architecture and engineering, making it a memorable outing for all ages.
No, pets are generally not permitted inside the Shanghai Tower, including the observation decks, retail areas, and other facilities. Service animals may be an exception, but it's best to confirm directly with the tower management in advance if you require such accommodation.
While the Shanghai Tower itself hosts several dining options, including the luxurious J Hotel Shanghai Tower's restaurants and a 'Café in the Clouds' on the 119th floor, the surrounding Lujiazui area offers a vast array of choices. You'll find everything from high-end international cuisine in nearby malls like IFC Mall and Super Brand Mall to more casual eateries. Many offer stunning views of the skyline, complementing your tower visit.
For external shots of the tower, consider visiting the nearby Lujiazui Green Space or the Bund across the Huangpu River for iconic skyline compositions. Inside, use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views from the observation deck. To minimize reflections on the glass, try to get as close to the window as possible and use a dark cloth or jacket to block ambient light. For night shots, a tripod is highly recommended, and experiment with longer exposures to capture the city lights.
Both offer incredible views, but they provide different experiences. The Shanghai Tower, as the tallest in China, offers a significantly higher perspective (118th floor observation deck at 546m) with a more modern, sleek design and sustainable features. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, while iconic and offering multiple observation levels (up to 350m), provides a more traditional tourist experience with its distinctive spheres and glass-bottomed walkways. For the absolute highest panoramic views and a focus on cutting-edge architecture, the Shanghai Tower is often preferred. For a classic Shanghai landmark with a unique aesthetic, the Oriental Pearl is a great choice.
Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid, often with haze or thunderstorms, which can sometimes obscure distant views. Winters (December-February) are cold and can be foggy. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) generally offer the most pleasant weather with clearer skies, making them ideal for observation deck visits. Always check the local weather forecast before your visit, as visibility can vary greatly day-to-day, especially at such high altitudes.
Beyond the well-known skyscrapers, the Lujiazui area has a few interesting spots. Consider exploring the Lujiazui Central Green Space for a peaceful break and unique ground-level views of the towers. The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a popular family attraction nearby. For a cultural experience, the Shanghai Guanfu Museum, located within the Shanghai Tower itself on the 37th floor, showcases ancient Chinese artifacts and is often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the observation deck.
The Shanghai Tower's design is renowned for its innovative and sustainable features. Its distinctive spiraling, cylindrical form completes a 120-degree twist, which was engineered to significantly reduce wind loads, allowing for a lighter structure. It also boasts a 'double-skin' façade, creating nine indoor zones with atriums and gardens. This double-layer glass system helps regulate internal temperatures, reducing energy consumption. The tower incorporates rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and vertical wind turbines, earning it LEED Platinum certification and a China Green Building Three Star rating, making it one of the world's most sustainably advanced tall buildings.