The Shanghai Tower, as China’s tallest and the world’s third tallest skyscraper, is located at Lujiazui,
Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It serves as a monumental landmark in Shanghai, integrating commercial, office, hotel, exhibition, entertainment, and sightseeing functions. From the observation deck atop the tower, you can take in a panoramic view of the entire city—admiring the winding course of the
Huangpu River, the retro architectural clusters of
the Bund, and the towering high-rises in
Lujiazui. With a total height of 632 meters, the tower consists of 127 above-ground floors and five underground levels. Its footprint covers 30,368 square meters, equivalent to the size of 4.5 standard football fields.
Exterior & Design Features
 |
| Shanghai Tower |
The architectural structure of the Shanghai Tower is spiral-shaped, resembling a coiling dragon when viewed from a distance. This unique design, which breaks away from the monotonous form of traditional skyscrapers, not only stands out in architectural aesthetics but also boasts exceptional practicality. The gradually rotating structure significantly reduces wind resistance, ensuring the tower remains upright and stable even in strong winds. Additionally, the foundation consists of 955 piles, each reaching 86 meters in length, driven into the soft soil to securely support the tower’s weight of 800,000 tons—equivalent to the combined weight of 70 Eiffel Towers.
The building’s facade features a double-glazed curtain wall system to enhance its thermal insulation, heat resistance, and soundproofing performance. During the day, it reflects dazzling brilliance under sunlight, while at night, its lighting system activates, casting an array of colorful lights that create a stunning sightline for the entire Shanghai skyline. From a distance, you can be awestruck by its towering, luminous, and transparent structure; while inside the building, you can gaze at the magnificent cityscape through the fully transparent glass curtain wall.
Best Things to Do within Shanghai Tower
Experience the “Top of Shanghai” Sightseeing Tour
The “Top of Shanghai” sightseeing tour starts from the Shanghai Tower Exhibition Hall on B1. The highlight of this hall lies in its status as a display space integrating culture, technology and architectural art. Through various high-tech display methods, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of Shanghai’s urban development trajectory and the construction mysteries of the Shanghai Tower. On the B2, there are three ultra-high-speed elevators—OB1, OB2, and OB3—capable of reaching speeds of up to 20.5 meters per second. Taking these elevators allows visitors to reach the 118th floor, the Top of Shanghai Observatory Deck, in just 55 seconds. From the observation deck, you can overlook through the transparent glass curtain wall and take in the magnificent views of the entire Shanghai urban area. At sunset, you can experience the romance of the sunset’s afterglow.
 |
| The Night View around Shanghai Tower |
Appreciate the Light and Shadow Show of the Damper in the Tian Shi 632 Art Space
The Tian Shi 632 Art Space, renowned as the “world’s highest art space” located on 125-126 floors of Shanghai Tower, integrates music, light, projection, lasers, and other multi-dimensional artistic expressions to create an interactive experience for your senses. Between the two floors, there is the world’s only open damper exhibition area, equipped with technology driven interactive installations and artistic light shows, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the charm of this 1,000-Ton Tuned Mass Damper, known as the “Eye of Shanghai”.
Enjoy a Leisurely “Book Café” Time in Duoyun Books on the 52th Floor
Duoyun Books features unique visual design and tranquil reading space. Most importantly, the bookstore itself is free of charge. In addition, there are two observation decks in the north and south, which can be accessed unlimited times with a dining consumption receipt of the store. If you want to have a rest after sightseeing in crowded areas of this building, here is a perfect option. You can order a cup of coffee and dessert which costs about RMB 30-50, and enjoy reading or just sit near the observation deck with beautiful views, spending some leisure time.
Note: Duoyun Books requires advance reservation on the WeChat official account. The opening hours are 10:30-20:00 every Monday, and 10:00-20:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.
 | | Duoyun Books | |  | | Observation Deck of Duoyun Books | |
Admire Ancient Chinese Artifacts in Shanghai Guanfu Museum on the 37th Floor
Shanghai Guanfu Museum has four permanent exhibition halls: the Porcelain Hall, the East-West Hall, the Goldware Hall, and the Sculpture Hall, as well as a temporary exhibition hall. The Porcelain Hall mainly features porcelain from different dynasties in northern and southern China, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of ancient Chinese porcelain craftsmanship. The East-West Hall displays over 100 exhibits, primarily export porcelain and furniture, showcasing the cultural exchange and fusion of craftsmanship between China and the West from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The Goldware Hall features over 200 exhibits, mainly ancient Chinese gold artifacts, supplemented by gold artifacts from China’s neighboring countries. The Sculpture Hall primarily displays 47 Buddhist statues from ancient China and neighboring countries. If you are visiting the Shanghai Tower and happen to be interested in ancient Chinese artifacts, don’t miss this museum!
 |
| Shanghai Tower in Pudong |
Enjoy Fine Meal at Michelin Three-star Maison Lameloise on the 68th Floor
You are recommended to go to Maison Lameloise on the 68th floor, the first overseas branch of France’s famous century Michelin three-star restaurant, to experience the luxury food combining French cooking methods and fresh local ingredients from Shanghai. The business hours of this restaurant are from 11:30 to 13:30 from Friday to Sunday and from 18:00-20:30 daily. The best time to enjoy delicious food here is at dusk. You can book a seat by the window, which is perfect for taking photos with the backdrop of breathtaking scenery of sunset and city lights.
Functional Zones of Shanghai Tower
| No. | Functions |
| Zone 9 (Levels 118-126) | Viewing and equipment areas |
| Zone 7-8 (Levels 84-115) | Hotel floors and apartments, offering upscale accommodations and related services |
| Zones 2-6 (Levels 8-81) | Office areas |
| Zone 1 (Levels 1-5) | Comprehensive commercial and service area |
| Basements (B1-5) | B1-2 are mainly used as a brand commercial area, business and life service area, as well as a transportation hub connecting Metro Line 2, Line 14, and surrounding buildings such as Jinmao Tower to the north and Shanghai World Financial Center to the east; B3-5 are mainly used as parking lots and equipment areas. |
How to Get to Shanghai Tower?
1. Take the Shanghai Metro Line 14 to Lujiazui Station, exit from Gate 9A, and walk approximately 10 minutes to reach the destination.
2. Take the Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, exit from Gate 6, and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the destination.
1. Take the City Sightseeing Bus Line 2, get off at Jinmao Tower Station, and walk south for about two minutes to reach the destination.
2. Take No.791, 870, 961, 961 Shuttle Bus, or 985, get off at Dongtai Road Station on Lujiazui Ring Road, and walk west for about 1 minute to arrive.
Shanghai Bus / Metro Search You can take the Dongjin Line (Jinling East Road Ferry Dock— Dongchang Road Ferry Dock) or the Dongfu Line (Fuxing East Road Ferry Dock — Dongchang Road Ferry Dock), then disembark at Dongchang Road Ferry, cross the road to the opposite side, and walk north along Shibu Street for about 6-10 minutes to reach the destination.
 |
| Ferry on the Huangpu River |
Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking
| / | Shanghai Tower |
| Opening Hours | 08:30-22:00 Daily; Ticket Sale Stops at 21:30 |
| Tickets for the Top of Shanghai Observatory | Adult: CNY 180 |
| Chilren between 1 - 1.4 meters (3.3 - 4.6 feet): CNY 90 |
| FREE for children under 1 meter |
| Note: The damper exhibition area requires separate ticket, CNY 88 per person. |
You can use your passport ID to book tickets on the WeChat official account, but the process may be cumbersome and only WeChat payment is supported. If you don’t understand Chinese and want worry free ticket purchasing, you can consult travel agencies such as TCG.
Tips for Visiting Shanghai Tower
1. As a landmark building in an international metropolis, Shanghai Tower tends to be crowded especially during holidays and weekends, there may be awkward situations such as overcrowding, long queues, or sold-out tickets. Therefore, in order to enter smoothly, it is strongly recommended to purchase tickets and make reservations at least one week in advance.
2. Make sure that minors follow adults closely to avoid getting lost in the crowd.
3. There are security checks at the ticket checkpoint at the first floor, so avoid carrying flammable and explosive items such as alcohol and lighters. For your convenience, the luggage storage is available at the ticket office and the underground shopping corridor on B2.
4. Considering the fast speed of the elevator to the Top of Shanghai Observatory, it is easy to experience uncomfortable reactions such as tinnitus and ear swelling while riding it. In general, this situation is normal and will disappear after exiting the elevator; but tourists with heart disease or fear of heights are not recommended to go there.

Nearby Attractions:
Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Natural Wild Insect Kingdom

Read more:
10 Cool Things to Do in Shanghai for Youngsters
6 Shanghai Tourists Places in February
8 Unique Things to Do in Shanghai Only
Best Shanghai Observation Decks on 4 Super Skyscrapers
- Last updated on Jan. 19, 2026 by Shelly Wang -