The Ultimate Shanghai Tower Experience in China
By Leo
Having explored Shanghai extensively during the past years, Shanghai Tower remains one of the most impressive landmarks I’ve encountered. More than just a building, it offers an experience that elevates your perspective, both literally and figuratively.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal observations along with practical tips to help you fully appreciate the stunning architecture and breathtaking views of Shanghai Tower.
What Do You Need to Know About Shanghai Tower?
The Shanghai Tower is an iconic landmark in Shanghai, offering impressive height, strategic location, rich history, and unique design features.
- Shanghai Tower Height: Standing at 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China, with 128 floors, offering an elegant, twisting design.
- Shanghai Tower Location: Located in Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial hub, it’s a 5-minute walk from the Oriental Pearl Tower and 10 minutes from the Shanghai World Financial Center.
- Shanghai Tower History: Completed in 2015 after 7 years of construction, the Shanghai Tower symbolizes the city’s rapid growth and ambition.
- Design & Function: The tower’s twisting design reduces wind resistance by 24%, and it houses offices, hotels, sky gardens, and an observation deck.
How to Get to Shanghai Tower: The Best Way
Getting to Shanghai Tower is simple, even for first-time visitors. Located in the heart of Lujiazui, it’s near iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
By metro: Take Line 2 or Line 14 to Lujiazui Station, Exit 6. A 5-minute walk brings you straight to the tower.
By ferry: From the Bund, take a 10-minute ferry ride to the Shanghai Tower, with fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
By taxi: Simply say “Shanghai Tower” to the driver, and you’ll be dropped off at the main entrance.
Where to Buy Shanghai Tower Tickets
- Online: Purchase via the official Shanghai Tower WeChat Mini Program or platforms like Ctrip/Lvmama to skip lines. Online prices are often slightly lower than walk-up rates.
- On-site: Ticket offices are located near the main entrance. Note that weekends and holidays may have long queues.
Top Experiences at My Shanghai Tower
The Observation Deck: Sky-High Views on the 118th Floor
The main highlight is the observation deck on the 118th floor—officially called “Shanghai Eye.” The elevator zooms up so fast, you’ll reach the top in under a minute. Once the doors open, the view will take your breath away. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows wrap around the entire floor, offering perfect views from every angle.
- By day: Watch boats glide on the Huangpu River, with famous Bund landmarks like the Customs House, Peace Hotel, and colonial buildings in view. Look north, and you’ll spot the bustling Nanjing Road.
- By night: The skyline lights up. The Bund glows in warm yellow, and Lujiazui’s skyscrapers sparkle with colorful LED displays. The lights reflect off the river, creating a golden ribbon across the city.
The “Floating” Glass Walkway in Shanghai Tower
One of my favorite parts of the Shanghai Tower is the glass walkway on the 118th floor. It’s a small, clear section next to the windows, offering a view of tiny cars, people like dots, and rooftops far below. It’s a little scary at first, but fun! Visitors often tiptoe onto it, then grin when they feel how cool it is. The glass is super strong, tested to hold tons of weight, so it’s safe to walk, jump, or sit for photos.
The Shanghai Tower’s Unique Twisting Design
The Shanghai Tower stands out with its twisting design, unlike traditional straight skyscrapers. It spirals up like a bamboo shoot reaching for the sky, and this isn’t just for show—it helps the tower withstand Shanghai’s strong winds. In fact, it can endure winds up to level 12, which is a typhoon!
As you ride the elevator, you’ll see displays showing the tower’s construction. Some floors even feature green spaces, like the Sky Garden on the 22nd floor, filled with plants, trees, and benches—creating a peaceful park in the sky. I stopped here to relax, and it felt serene despite the city’s hustle below.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai Tower
For the best experience at the Shanghai Tower, here’s what I recommend:
- By time of day: Visit in the morning (9–11 AM) to avoid crowds, or 1–2 hours before sunset for stunning photos as the sky changes and the city lights up.
- By season: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have mild weather, perfect for enjoying the views. Summer is humid, and winter chilly, but the indoor deck stays warm.
- Avoid peak times: Weekdays are less crowded, giving you more space to explore and take photos.
After Your Visit to the Shanghai Tower: Explore Yu Garden
Yu Garden is the closest to the Shanghai Tower among the places you’ve listed. After visiting the Shanghai Tower, you can easily head to Yu Garden for a more traditional Chinese experience.
Here’s how you can plan it:
- Distance between Shanghai Tower and Yu Garden: About 2.5 kilometers (around a 10-minute taxi ride or 15-minute walk).
- Yu Garden: This classical Chinese garden is a perfect contrast to the modern architecture of the Shanghai Tower. It’s a beautiful historic garden with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and traditional Chinese architecture. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar also offers lots of local snacks and souvenirs.
- If you prefer not to walk, you can take a short subway ride from Lujiazui (near the Shanghai Tower) to Yu Garden Station on Line 10.
- After exploring Yu Garden, you can easily continue your day with a visit to the Bund, which is about 3 kilometers (roughly a 10-minute taxi ride) away. The Bund offers beautiful views of the river and Shanghai’s iconic skyline.
My Tips for Visiting the Shanghai Tower
- Timing is key: I recommend going early (right when it opens, around 9 AM) or in the evening (1–2 hours before sunset). Midday can get crowded, and the sun may make photos tricky.
- Bring layers: It’s cooler at the top of the Shanghai Tower, even in summer. I wore a light jacket and was glad I did, as there’s a gentle breeze through the windows.
- Charge your phone/camera: You’ll definitely take lots of photos! There are charging stations on the observation deck, but I prefer coming prepared.
- Take the stairs (a little!): If I have time, I walk down a few floors from the observation deck. The windows on lower floors, like the 117th, offer slightly different views—you might spot details you missed higher up.
The Shanghai Tower is a marvel of engineering, offering breathtaking 360-degree views from the 118th-floor observatory. From the record-breaking elevators to the sustainable design and green spaces, every aspect impresses. More than just a skyscraper, it’s a gateway to understanding modern China. A visit here is a must for an unforgettable Shanghai experience.