Shanghai Tower

• Region: Shanghai
• Region type: Municipality
• City: Not yet specified
• Destination type: Not yet specified

Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, rising 632 meters over the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong. Completed in 2015 after eight years of construction, its distinctive twisting, asymmetrical form, designed by Gensler, reduces wind loads while spiraling glass facades wrap nine cylindrical zones stacked on top of one another. It houses offices, a luxury hotel, retail space and one of the world's highest observation decks, offering sweeping views over the Huangpu River, The Bund and the rest of the Pudong skyline, including its neighbors Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Shanghai Tower stands in Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, directly beside Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, forming a trio of super-tall buildings at the heart of the financial district, across the Huangpu River from The Bund.

Shanghai's humid subtropical climate brings mild spring and autumn weather, hot humid summers with possible thunderstorms and typhoons, and cool damp winters. Since the tower's main appeal is its observation deck view, haze or overcast conditions — more common in summer — can noticeably reduce visibility, while clear autumn and winter days tend to offer the sharpest, longest-range views.

Late afternoon into evening is popular so visitors can see the city by daylight and then watch the skyline light up after dark. Clear, low-humidity days in autumn and winter generally give the best visibility, and weekday visits help reduce the wait for elevators, which can be considerable on weekends.

Construction began in 2008 and topped out in 2014, with the tower officially opening to the public in 2016 after Shanghai Tower Construction and Development Co. completed the interior. It was conceived as the final and tallest piece of the Lujiazui 'three towers' cluster alongside the earlier Jin Mao Tower (1999) and Shanghai World Financial Center (2008), engineered to withstand typhoon winds and seismic activity through its rotating, tapering design.

Shanghai Tower represents contemporary China's engineering and architectural ambitions, standing as the country's tallest building and a symbol of Shanghai's status as a global financial hub. Its innovative double-skin facade and sustainability features have made it a widely studied example of supertall building design, while its silhouette alongside its two shorter neighbors has become a defining image of the modern Pudong skyline.

Ride the high-speed elevators, among the fastest in the world, up to the observation deck on the 118th floor for panoramic views, and browse exhibits on the tower's design and engineering along the way. The tower's atrium gardens, set within the gaps between its nine stacked zones, are also worth a look, and the building houses a luxury hotel and dining options for those wanting to extend their visit.

The main highlight is the observation deck, one of the highest in the world, offering views over the Huangpu River, The Bund, and the rest of the Lujiazui skyline. Visitors can also see the tower's engineering displays explaining its wind-resistant twisting form and the sky gardens that punctuate its nine internal zones.

Lujiazui metro station on Line 2 is a short walk from the tower, in the same cluster as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop passengers directly outside, and the tower is easily combined with a walk to its neighboring skyscrapers.

The observation deck is typically open daily from morning until evening, with last entry generally somewhat before closing. Hours can vary seasonally and around holidays, so it's best to check the official website for the current schedule, particularly if planning a sunset or evening visit.

Admission to the observation deck is ticketed and priced separately from the tower's hotel and office areas; prices are adjusted periodically. Because it holds the highest observation deck among Lujiazui's towers, tickets are generally priced at a premium compared to its neighbors, so checking the official website for current rates before visiting is recommended.

Most visitors spend around one to one and a half hours, including elevator queues and time on the observation deck. Booking tickets in advance online can help minimize waiting, especially during peak seasons.

Shanghai Tower itself houses a luxury hotel occupying its upper floors, and Lujiazui more broadly has numerous international five-star hotels serving the financial district. More moderate and budget accommodation is easier to find across the river near People's Square or the Bund.

The tower and surrounding Lujiazui towers include upscale restaurants and cafes, some with panoramic views, alongside food courts in nearby malls such as the IFC. A wide range of Chinese and international dining is available within a short walk.

Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center stand immediately adjacent, along with the Oriental Pearl Tower a short walk away. The Bund, reachable via the sightseeing tunnel, ferry or metro, offers a contrasting historic-era view of the city from across the river.

Lujiazui station on Metro Line 2 is the closest stop, within easy walking distance of all three major Lujiazui towers. River ferries and the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel connect across the Huangpu to The Bund for those visiting both sides of the river.

As a major modern attraction, expect security screening before entering the observation deck. Keep an eye on belongings in elevators and crowded viewing areas, and be cautious of unofficial ticket sellers or guides near the entrance rather than purchasing only through official counters or the website.

A valid ID or passport may be requested for ticket purchase, along with a camera or phone for photos. A light jacket is useful, as observation deck areas are air-conditioned and can feel cool, and comfortable shoes help for standing in queues.

Booking observation deck tickets online in advance can save significant queue time, especially on weekends. Visiting late afternoon allows you to see both daytime and illuminated night views without needing a second trip, and pairing it with the neighboring Shanghai World Financial Center or Jin Mao Tower lets you compare Lujiazui's three landmark towers in one outing.

Dial 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, and 119 for fire emergencies anywhere in China. The national tourism hotline 12301 assists with travel-related issues.

Current ticket prices, opening hours and observation deck information are published on the official Shanghai Tower website and through the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration's visitor channels.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.