Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower: The Ultimate Guide for Foreign Visitors

Shanghai Tower does not merely scrape the sky — it twists into it. At 632 meters, this spiraling glass giant is the tallest building in China, the second tallest in the world, and the highest structure you can ascend in all of Asia. Standing at its base in the Lujiazui financial district, you tilt your head back and the building seems to rotate as it climbs, its curtain wall twisting 120 degrees from base to summit like a dragon ascending through clouds. The observation deck on the 118th floor puts you higher than any conventional viewing platform in the world, offering a perspective on Shanghai that makes even this enormous city look comprehensible. If you visit one skyscraper observation deck anywhere on Earth, this should be it.

Overview and Why Visit

Shanghai Tower is the centerpiece of the Lujiazui "supertall trio" — three adjacent skyscrapers that form one of the most dramatic skyline clusters on the planet. The Jin Mao Tower (421m, completed 1999) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (492m, completed 2008) stand immediately beside it, creating a three-generation portrait of Chinese architectural ambition. Shanghai Tower surpassed them both when it opened in 2015, and it remains a genuine marvel of engineering and design.

For foreign visitors, the primary draw is the "Top of Shanghai" observation deck on the 118th and 119th floors, at 546 meters above ground. This is the world's highest enclosed observation platform. On a clear day, the view extends over 40 kilometers, encompassing the entire Shanghai metropolitan area, the Huangpu River snaking to the sea, and on exceptional days, the outline of Chongming Island in the Yangtze estuary. The observation deck experience is modern, well-designed, and dramatically different from the Oriental Pearl Tower's retro charm.

Beyond the view, the building itself is an attraction. Its twisted form is not merely aesthetic — the 120-degree rotation reduces wind loads on the structure by 24%, saving an estimated USD 58 million in construction materials. The double-skin facade creates nine atrium zones (called "sky gardens") that act as thermal buffers, reducing energy consumption. The tower generates some of its own power through wind turbines near the summit. It is, in short, a building designed as much by engineers and environmentalists as by architects.

A Brief History

The story of Shanghai Tower begins with a government decision in the late 1990s to make Lujiazui the financial heart of China. After the Jin Mao Tower opened in 1999 and established the district's skyline identity, plans began for two more supertall buildings on adjacent plots. The Shanghai World Financial Center took the second plot and opened in 2008. The third and most prominent plot — directly facing the Huangpu River — was reserved for something that would define not just Lujiazui but Shanghai itself.

An international design competition was held, and the American firm Gensler won with their revolutionary twisted tower concept. Construction began in November 2008, at the height of the global financial crisis — a bold statement of confidence in Shanghai's future. The foundation alone required 61,000 cubic meters of concrete, poured in a single continuous operation lasting 63 hours — a world record at the time.

The building topped out in August 2013, and the observation deck opened to the public in April 2016. The total construction cost was approximately CNY 14.8 billion (about USD 2.4 billion). The tower's 121 floors house offices (including the Shanghai branch of several major Chinese banks), a luxury hotel (the J Hotel Shanghai Tower, occupying floors 84–110 and holding the record for the world's highest hotel), restaurants, retail, conference facilities, and the observation deck.

During construction, Shanghai Tower also set the record for the world's fastest elevator — the Mitsubishi-built lifts travel at 20.5 meters per second (74 km/h), whisking visitors from the basement to the 119th floor in approximately 55 seconds. Your ears will pop.

What to See: Top Highlights

Top of Shanghai Observation Deck — 118th and 119th Floors (546m)

The main attraction and the reason most visitors come. The observation deck occupies two floors near the summit, enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass panels. The 360-degree view is staggering in its scope. Key sightlines include:

• West: The Huangpu River curves below you, with the Bund's colonial buildings looking like a row of dollhouses. Beyond the Bund, the dense urban fabric of Puxi (central Shanghai) stretches to the horizon.
• North: The Huangpu River meanders toward the Yangtze estuary. On clear days, you can see the Yangtze River Bridge.
• South: The Shanghai World Expo site and the sprawling southern suburbs. The scale of Shanghai's development is most visible from this direction.
• East: The flat expanse of Pudong, with new development radiating outward from Lujiazui. The Shanghai Disneyland resort is faintly visible on clear days.
• Directly below: The rooftops of the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center — you are looking DOWN on two of the world's tallest buildings, which is a surreal and humbling perspective.

The High-Speed Elevator Experience

The journey from the basement to the 118th floor takes approximately 55 seconds in the world's fastest elevator. Inside the elevator car, ceiling-mounted screens display a real-time altitude reading and an animated visualization of your ascent through the building's floors. Your ears will pop — swallow or yawn to equalize the pressure. The speed is so smooth that many visitors do not initially realize how fast they are moving until they see the floor counter racing upward.

The Interactive Exhibition (Observation Deck Level)

The observation floor includes multimedia displays about the tower's construction, engineering, and sustainability features. Interactive touchscreens let you identify landmarks visible from the windows, learn about the wind-reducing twisted design, and compare Shanghai Tower with other supertall buildings worldwide. A section dedicated to the construction process includes time-lapse videos of the tower rising from its foundation — mesmerizing footage compressed into a few minutes.

The Damper (Tuned Mass Damper Viewing Area)

Near the observation deck, you can view the building's tuned mass damper — a massive 1,000-ton pendulum suspended near the top of the building that counteracts wind-induced sway. When strong winds push the building in one direction, the damper swings in the opposite direction, keeping the structure stable. Watching this enormous weight gently swaying is fascinating and slightly unnerving — a reminder that you are standing in a building that moves. Information panels explain the physics in English.

The Sky Gardens (Atrium Zones)

The tower's double-skin facade creates nine vertical atrium zones between the inner and outer walls. These multi-story spaces function as indoor gardens, social spaces, and thermal buffers. While most are private (serving the offices and hotel), some are visible from the elevator lobbies and public areas. They give the interior an unexpectedly airy, open feeling for such a tall building.

J Hotel Shanghai Tower (Floors 84–110)

The world's highest hotel occupies the upper floors of the tower. Even if you are not staying here (rooms start at approximately CNY 3,000/night), the lobby lounge on the 101st floor is open to non-guests for afternoon tea and drinks. The views from the 101st floor are spectacular and the atmosphere is significantly more serene than the public observation deck. Afternoon tea runs approximately CNY 400–600 for two.

Suggested Visiting Route

The Shanghai Tower Experience (1.5–2.5 hours)

• Arrive and enter through the B1 (basement) level. The entrance, ticket office, and elevator lobby are in the basement, accessible from the Lujiazui pedestrian walkway or directly from the street. Security screening is required. (10 minutes)
• Take the high-speed elevator to the 118th floor. Enjoy the ride — it is over in 55 seconds. Watch the altitude counter on the ceiling screen. (2 minutes)
• Circle the observation deck clockwise. Start facing west (the Bund and Huangpu River) and work your way around. Spend extra time at each cardinal direction to absorb the different landscapes. (30 minutes)
• Explore the interactive exhibitions. The construction displays and landmark-identification screens add depth to what you are seeing through the windows. (15 minutes)
• View the tuned mass damper. Look for the viewing area near the core of the building on the observation level. Watch the damper gently sway. (10 minutes)
• Move to the 119th floor for a slightly higher perspective. The upper observation level is sometimes less crowded and offers a subtly different angle. (15 minutes)
• Descend and explore the tower's ground-floor retail. The base of the tower has shops and cafes. (15 minutes)
• Optional: Take the elevator to the J Hotel lobby lounge (101st floor) for afternoon tea. This requires a separate visit to the hotel entrance. Dress smart-casual. (60–90 minutes)

Practical Information for Foreign Tourists

Tickets and Pricing

Standard ticket (118th floor observation deck): CNY 199 (approximately USD 28)
Discounted ticket (students, seniors, children 1–1.4m): CNY 99
Children under 1 meter: Free
Special exhibition tickets or VIP packages may be available at higher prices.

How to book: Tickets can be purchased at the on-site ticket office or pre-booked online via the official Shanghai Tower WeChat mini-program, Trip.com, or Klook. Online booking is recommended for weekends and holidays. Some online platforms offer slight discounts.

Passport required: Yes. Bring your passport for both ticket purchase and security screening at the entrance.

Opening Hours

Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM)
Open every day including holidays. The observation deck may close temporarily during severe weather (typhoons, heavy storms) for safety. Check the official WeChat account or call ahead during typhoon season (July–September).

Best Time to Visit

Air quality is everything. A visit on a hazy day (AQI above 150) means you will see a gray soup instead of a skyline. Check the AQI forecast and plan accordingly. The best visibility months are October through December and after spring rain showers (March–April).

For sunset: Arrive 1.5–2 hours before sunset. Watching the city transition from daylight to a galaxy of lights from the world's highest observation deck is an unforgettable experience. Check the sunset time for your visit date and arrive early.

For photography: Morning (9:00–11:00 AM) offers the best light for photographing the Bund and Puxi side, as the morning sun illuminates the west-facing buildings. Late afternoon light (3:00–5:00 PM) is best for photographing Pudong and the eastern suburbs.

To avoid crowds: Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00–11:00 AM) are the quietest. Weekends and holidays bring large crowds and potential elevator queues of 20–40 minutes.

How to Get There

By subway: Take Line 2 to Lujiazui station, Exit 6. Walk approximately 8 minutes following signs to Shanghai Tower. The tower is also accessible via the underground Lujiazui pedestrian walkway that connects the station to all three supertall towers.

By taxi: Tell the driver "Shanghai Dasha" or show the characters: 上海中心大厦. From central Puxi (Jing'an, French Concession), expect CNY 30–50 depending on tunnel traffic.

From the Bund: Take the Dongchang Road Ferry (CNY 2, 5 minutes) and walk 15 minutes north through the Pudong waterfront park. Or take Line 2 from East Nanjing Road to Lujiazui (one stop, 3 minutes).

Payment

The ticket office and all shops/restaurants within the tower accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash (CNY), and international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). The J Hotel accepts all major international cards.

Language

English signage: The observation deck has comprehensive bilingual Chinese-English signage, including the interactive displays, construction exhibits, and landmark identification screens. The engineering and sustainability exhibits include English text. Staff at the ticket office speak basic English, and the J Hotel staff are fluent.

Audio guide: An audio guide app is available for download (scan the QR code at the entrance). It provides English commentary keyed to your location on the observation deck, with information about visible landmarks and the building's engineering. The app is included in the ticket price.

Accessibility

Shanghai Tower is designed to modern accessibility standards. The high-speed elevators are spacious and accommodate wheelchairs. The 118th and 119th floor observation decks are flat and fully accessible. The interactive exhibits are at accessible heights. Accessible restrooms are available on the observation levels. The B1 entrance level is reachable by elevator from street level. The J Hotel also maintains full accessibility throughout its public areas. Visitors with sensory sensitivities should note that the high-speed elevator produces noticeable ear pressure and the height can cause vertigo in susceptible individuals.

Tips and Warnings

• Security screening is required. Similar to airport security, you will pass through X-ray machines and metal detectors at the B1 entrance. Have your passport and ticket ready. Large bags and luggage are not permitted.
• The observation deck can close in bad weather. During typhoons, severe thunderstorms, or extreme wind conditions, the observation deck may close temporarily for safety. This happens most often during typhoon season (July–September). If the weather looks threatening, call ahead or check the tower's official WeChat account before making the trip.
• Vertigo is real at this height. At 546 meters, even people who normally handle heights well may feel uncomfortable, especially when looking directly down or when the building sways perceptibly in strong winds. If you experience dizziness, sit down on one of the benches away from the windows and take slow breaths. The sensation usually passes within minutes.
• Photography equipment: Tripods are generally not permitted on the observation deck. Selfie sticks may be restricted during crowded periods. Professional photography equipment may require advance permission from tower management.
• Do not confuse the tower entrance with the hotel entrance. Shanghai Tower has separate entrances for the observation deck (B1 level, via the underground walkway) and the J Hotel (street level, on the south side). If you want to visit both, you will need to enter separately.

Insider Tips

• Visit on a day when AQI is below 75. Seriously. The difference between a clear day and a hazy day is the difference between a life-changing experience and a wasted CNY 199. Check aqicn.org or the AQI section of any weather app the morning of your planned visit. If the AQI is above 100, consider postponing.
• Your ears will pop in the elevator. The high-speed ascent causes noticeable ear pressure. Chew gum, swallow, or yawn during the ride. This is especially important for children, who may find the sensation uncomfortable.
• The J Hotel lobby lounge is a quieter alternative. If you want skyline views without the tourist crowds, take the hotel elevator to the 101st-floor lounge. Order afternoon tea or a drink. The views are slightly lower (101st vs. 118th floor) but the atmosphere is dramatically more peaceful. Smart-casual dress required.
• Compare all three towers. The Jin Mao Tower (CNY 120), the Shanghai World Financial Center (CNY 180), and Shanghai Tower (CNY 199) all have observation decks at different heights. If you only visit one, choose Shanghai Tower for the highest vantage point. If you have time for two, add the SWFC's open-air sky bridge on the 100th floor — the only open-air observation deck among the three.
• Bring binoculars. At 546 meters, distant landmarks that are invisible to the naked eye become visible with magnification. The interactive screens help you identify what you are looking at, but binoculars let you see it in detail.
• The building sways — and that is normal. In strong winds, you may feel a subtle, slow movement. This is by design. The tuned mass damper keeps the sway within comfortable limits, but perceptive visitors (especially on upper floors) may notice it. It is completely safe.
• The basement entrance can be confusing. The main entrance is at the B1 level, not at street level. Look for the underground walkway from Lujiazui station or the escalators descending from street level near the tower's base.

Photography Tips

• Window reflections are your enemy. The observation deck windows are thick glass. To eliminate reflections, cup your hands around your phone/lens and press it against the window. A rubber lens hood is even better. Black clothing reduces reflections from behind you.
• The golden hour panorama: Time your visit to catch the 30 minutes before and after sunset. The shifting light creates a stunning gradient across the city — warm gold on the western facades, deepening blue in the sky, and city lights winking on one by one.
• Looking down at the neighboring towers: One of the most unique shots you can take is looking directly down at the rooftop of the Jin Mao Tower or the "bottle opener" hole of the Shanghai World Financial Center. These shots are only possible from Shanghai Tower and create a powerful sense of scale.
• The Huangpu River S-curve: From the north-facing windows, the river curves in a classic S-shape. This natural leading line makes for a strong compositional element. Best in morning light.
• The elevator speed counter: A fun shot: photograph or video the real-time altitude display in the elevator as the numbers race upward. The video makes a great social media clip.
• The exterior from ground level: The twisting form is best photographed from the Lujiazui Central Green area, about 200 meters south of the tower. Use an ultra-wide lens to capture the full height while emphasizing the twist. Late afternoon light hits the west face beautifully.

Food and Drink Nearby

• J Hotel Lobby Lounge (101st floor, inside Shanghai Tower): Afternoon tea (CNY 400–600 for two) and cocktails (CNY 130–200) with extraordinary views. Reservations recommended for afternoon tea. Smart-casual dress.
• ATTO Primo (J Hotel, 107th floor): Italian fine dining at the world's highest restaurant. Multi-course dinners run CNY 1,500–3,000 per person. A once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Reservations essential, weeks in advance.
• IFC Mall (5-minute walk): The IFC Mall basement and upper floors offer everything from Din Tai Fung xiaolongbao (CNY 80–120 per person) to Wolfgang Puck's CUT steakhouse. The food court in the basement is reliable and affordable (CNY 40–80 per person).
• Shanghai Tower Ground Floor Cafes: Several coffee shops and casual eateries in the tower's retail podium. Good for a quick coffee before or after your visit. CNY 30–60.
• Binjiang Da Dao waterfront restaurants (10-minute walk): The Pudong waterfront promenade has several restaurants with outdoor terraces facing the Bund. Good for dinner after a sunset tower visit. CNY 100–300 per person.

Nearby Attractions

• Oriental Pearl Tower: Immediately adjacent. Shanghai's most iconic landmark, with a glass-floor experience at 259m and an excellent history museum at the base. A complementary visit — the Oriental Pearl offers different views (lower, more intimate) and a different experience (glass floor, museum) than Shanghai Tower.
• Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC): The "bottle opener" tower next door, with an observation bridge on the 100th floor that includes partially open-air viewing. At 474m, it is lower than Shanghai Tower but the open-air element adds a unique thrill. CNY 180.
• Jin Mao Tower: The elegant pagoda-inspired skyscraper completes the Lujiazui trio. Its 88th-floor observation deck features the famous skywalk — an external walkway around the building at 340m, available for an additional fee for thrill-seekers.
• Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: A 10-minute subway ride (Line 2), this massive museum is one of China's best science museums, with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a simulated rainforest. Excellent for families. CNY 60.
• The Bund: One subway stop away (Line 2, Lujiazui to Nanjing East Road) or a CNY 2 ferry ride. The colonial waterfront is the perfect counterpoint to Pudong's supertall modernism.

Shanghai Tower is not just an observation deck — it is a statement about what human engineering can achieve. Standing on the 118th floor, watching the sun set over a city of 24 million people from higher than any building in China, you understand why Shanghai has always been a city that looks forward rather than back. The twisted tower below your feet is anchored in the muddy alluvial soil of the Yangtze Delta, but its ambition reaches for the stratosphere. Come on a clear day, stay for sunset, and let the view rearrange your sense of scale.