About Shanghai Tower
“Awe-inspiring and futuristic — standing above the clouds looking down at skyscrapers that are themselves among the world's tallest, in a city that feels like it belongs in a science fiction film.”
Shanghai Tower delivers exactly what it promises: a breathtaking bird's-eye view of one of the world's most dramatic skylines. The 55-second elevator ride to the 118th floor is genuinely thrilling (your ears will pop), and stepping out to see the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, and the 'Bottle Opener' all below you is a wow moment that doesn't get old. The 360-degree glass-walled observation deck is spacious and well-maintained, and the optional 126th-floor damper light show adds a fascinating engineering dimension. That said, it's fundamentally an observation deck — once you've walked the loop and taken your photos, there isn't much else to do up there (45-90 minutes is typical). The price (CNY 180) is on the higher side for China but reasonable by global skyscraper standards. The single biggest variable is weather: on a clear day, it's extraordinary; in fog or smog, you'll see nothing and regret the expense. Sunset is the magic hour — arrive around 4:30-5:00 PM to watch the city transform from golden daylight to neon-lit nightscape.
Top Questions from Travelers
Why This Place Matters
Shanghai Tower's spiraling design isn't just aesthetic — it's inspired by the traditional Chinese jade cong (玉琮), an ancient ritual object with a square interior and circular exterior, representing the Taoist concept of 'heaven is round, earth is square' (天圆地方). The 120-degree twist reduces wind load by 24%, which isn't just clever engineering but a metaphor the designers embraced: traditional Chinese wisdom solving modern problems. The tower's nine vertical zones reference the number nine's significance in Chinese culture (associated with the emperor and completeness). Standing at its top, you're not just at the highest point in China's richest city — you're at the symbolic pinnacle of the country's modernization story.
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Highlights
5 iconic experiences that define a visit
118th Floor Observation Deck (上海之巅)
The main attraction — a 1,000+ square meter annular platform at 546 meters offering unobstructed 360-degree views of Shanghai through floor-to-ceiling glass. You can see the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, the 'Bottle Opener' (Shanghai World Financial Center), Huangpu River, and on clear days, the city stretching to the horizon.
This is the highest observation deck in China and one of the highest in the world. Looking DOWN at the 421-meter Jinmao Tower and 492-meter 'Bottle Opener' puts the scale in perspective — they look like toy buildings.
Universal AppealWorld's Fastest Elevator
The Mitsubishi elevator reaches 18 meters per second (65 km/h), carrying you from B2 to the 118th floor in 55 seconds. The interior features a light s...
Universal Appeal126th Floor Damper (上海慧眼)
The world's first eddy current pendulum tuned mass damper — a 1,000-ton weight suspended from 25-meter steel cables at 583 meters height, designed to ...
Universal Appeal119th Floor Sky Café and Sky Post Office
Accessible via stairs from the 118th floor, the 119th floor (552m) houses a café serving coffee and afternoon tea, plus the 'world's highest post offi...
Culturally InterestingB1 Exhibition Hall (城市之巅展览)
Before reaching the elevator, you pass through an exhibition showcasing the world's tallest buildings, Shanghai's skyline evolution from 1840 to prese...
What Most Visitors Miss
Duoyun Bookstore on the 52nd floor (朵云书院)
A stunning bookstore-café at 239 meters with panoramic views — and it's completely free to enter (just buy a drink for ~CNY 50 to access the viewing area). Many visitors don't know this exists and pay CNY 180 for the observation deck when this gives 60% of the view at a fraction of the cost.
The tower's exterior spiral design viewed from the Bund
The building's twisting 120-degree spiral is best appreciated from across the Huangpu River. At night, the LED light shows on the facade are spectacular. Most visitors see it only from directly below, which doesn't reveal the spiral.
The B1 exhibition hall before the elevator
In their rush to reach the top, most visitors blow through the ground-level exhibition about the tower's construction and Shanghai's architectural history. It includes scale models of the world's tallest buildings and an excellent animated film.
Plan Your Visit
How Long to Visit
45 minutes to 1 hour (elevator up, one loop around the 118th floor observation deck, photos, elevator down
1.5-2 hours (including B1 exhibition hall, 118th and 119th floors, souvenir shop, and time to watch the city transition from day to night
arrive before sunset, watch the full day-to-night transition, visit 126th floor damper show, have coffee or dinner at the 119th floor café
Smart Route
Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station Exit 6
follow the underground passage directly to the tower's B2 level
buy tickets or scan your pre-purchased QR code
explore the B1 exhibition hall
take the 55-second elevator to 118th floor
walk the full 360-degree loop
climb stairs to 119th floor for the café and sky post office
optionally take the separate elevator to the 126th floor damper
descend and exit
walk to the Bund waterfront for the best exterior photos of the tower at night.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM (adjusted seasonally for sunset) to experience both daylight panoramas and the spectacular night view when the city lights up
Weekend evenings and Chinese public holidays — queues for the elevator can reach 90+ minutes and the observation deck gets packed
By Season
Spring
Summer
offers the longest daylight for sunset visits and the best visibility, though it can be very warm on the observation deck even with air conditioning. Winter has shorter days but clearer skies.
Autumn
Winter
has shorter days but clearer skies. Typhoon season (July-September) may cause temporary closures.
Check the weather forecast carefully before visiting — the ticket office displays current visibility conditions, but by then you've already traveled there. If it's foggy, the night view of city lights still works well. For the cheapest option with similar views, visit the Duoyun Bookstore on the 52nd floor for free (just buy a drink) — it's not as high but still impressive.
What to Skip
The souvenir shop on the 118th floor is overpriced — standard tourist merchandise. The paid photo booth (green screen composited photos for CNY 200) catches visitors off guard with the cost. Also beware of jewelry sellers at the top — multiple reviewers report scam pricing.
Pro Tips
Buy tickets on Trip.com for a 10-20% discount over the counter price. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best experience. The underground passage from Lujiazui Metro Exit 6 connects directly to the tower's B2 — no need to walk outside. If the main observation deck queue is too long, the 52nd floor Duoyun Bookstore is a free alternative with respectable views.
Photo Spots
The Bund waterfront (Puxi side) facing Pudong
Visit 30 minutes before sunset for golden hour shots, then stay for the night lighting. The best angle is between East Nanjing Road and the ferry terminal.
118th floor observation deck, west-facing window
Press your phone against the glass to eliminate reflections. The Bund's historic buildings create a stunning contrast with the modern skyscrapers. Best at sunset.
118th floor, looking down at Jinmao Tower and SWFC
Shoot straight down to capture the 'looking down at skyscrapers' perspective. The rooftop pool of the Grand Hyatt in the Jinmao Tower is sometimes visible.
Ground level looking up at the tower base
Use an ultra-wide lens and stand at the southwest corner where all three supertalls are visible together. Night lighting adds drama.
Pair With
The Bund (外滩)
15 minutes by metro (Line 2 to East Nanjing Road) or 10 minutes by ferry
Cross the Huangpu River to see the Shanghai Tower from its most photogenic angle. The Bund waterfront at night offers the iconic Shanghai skyline view with the tower as the centerpiece. Take the cheap CNY 2 ferry for the experience.
Lujiazui Skywalk and neighboring towers
0 minutes — immediately outside the tower
The elevated circular walkway connects the three Lujiazui supertalls — Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jinmao Tower. Walk the loop for ground-level perspectives of all three giants.
Huangpu River cruise
15-minute walk to cruise terminals on the Bund side
A river cruise at night shows the full Pudong skyline including the illuminated Shanghai Tower from water level — a completely different perspective from looking down from the top.
Tickets & Access
Standard admission (118th + 119th floor)
Access to the main observation deck at 546m — the core experience
Premium admission (118th + 126th floor damper show)
Adds the 1,000-ton damper light show on the 126th floor — engineering fans love this
Senior ticket (60+)
Requires passport or ID showing age
Child ticket (1.0-1.4m height)
Measured at entrance
126th floor upgrade (bought separately on-site)
Can be purchased at the 118th floor if you decide after arriving
119th floor café drinks/food
Coffee and afternoon tea at 552 meters — weekends only for full café service
Opening Hours
Daily: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). Open year-round including holidays.
How to Buy
On-site: ticket office on the northwest side of the building at ground level. Online: Trip.com, Klook, or the official WeChat mini-program (requires Chinese phone number). Online tickets generate a QR code for self-service kiosk collection. The Trip.com app sometimes offers same-day discounts of 10-20%.
Passport: Yes — foreigners can purchase tickets with a passport. One reviewer noted showing a passport photo was accepted, though carrying the physical passport is always safer.
Queue Situation
Weekday mornings: minimal queue (5-10 minutes). Weekday evenings: 10-20 minutes. Weekend sunset hours: 30-60 minutes. Major holidays: 90-150 minutes. The queue is mainly for the elevator, not ticket purchase. Pre-purchased tickets save only the ticket line, not the elevator wait.
Tips & Warnings
Weather makes or breaks the experience
Check visibility before committing CNY 180. On foggy or smoggy days, you'll see white from 546 meters. The ticket office displays current visibility. If conditions are poor, visit at night instead — city lights are visible even through light haze. Or save the visit for a clear day.
Your ears will pop in the elevator
The 18m/s ascent causes noticeable pressure changes. Swallow, yawn, or chew gum during the ride. Children and anyone with ear sensitivity should be prepared. The descent is slower and less intense.
Evening sunset slots have the longest queues
Everyone wants the sunset view, so the 4:00-6:00 PM arrival window is the most crowded. On weekends, arrive by 3:30 PM or accept a 30-60 minute elevator wait. Alternatively, visit at 8:30 AM opening for uncrowded morning views.
The observation deck gets warm even in winter
The glass-enclosed space traps heat from sunlight and body heat. In summer, it can be uncomfortably warm despite air conditioning. Dress in layers you can remove. Bring water — drinks upstairs are expensive.
Window reflections interfere with photos at night
Interior lights from vending machines and displays reflect in the glass, creating glare in nighttime photos. Cup your hands around your phone lens against the glass, or bring a lens hood. The east-facing side has less interior lighting and better photo conditions.
What to Bring
Wear
Dress in layers — the observation deck can be warm from greenhouse effect even in winter. In summer, wear light clothing. Comfortable shoes for walking and standing. No special dress code.
Bring
Cash (CNY) for ticket purchase. Phone/camera. Binoculars or zoom lens for photography enthusiasts. Water bottle (drinks are expensive upstairs). Chewing gum for ear pressure during the elevator ride.
Don't Bring
Tripods are not necessary (handheld works fine against the glass). Large luggage (free storage available at the B2 underground corridor and first-floor ticket office).
Physical Reality
easy
Fully elevator-accessible from B2 to 118th floor. The observation deck is a flat loop with no stairs required. Stairs to the 119th floor are optional. Wheelchair accessible. Standing and slow walking for 30-90 minutes is the main physical requirement.
Foreigners Watch Out
- Credit cards are NOT accepted at the ticket counter — bring Chinese yuan cash or buy tickets online through Trip.com/Klook using your international card. Our concierge can also purchase tickets for you and send the QR code, which saves the hassle entirely.
- The WeChat ticket purchase option requires a Chinese phone number. Use Trip.com or the on-site ticket counter instead.
- Beware of scammers selling jewelry and souvenirs at the observation deck — multiple reviewers report being overcharged by women in traditional dress. Buy only from the official shop.
- Water and drinks on the 118th/119th floors are expensive (CNY 30-50+ for basic drinks). Bring your own water bottle — there are no restrictions on carrying water up.
- The 'free photo' station at the entrance is not free — they take your photo for free, then charge CNY 200 for prints with Shanghai backgrounds. You can decline.
If Things Go Wrong
Visibility is terrible — fog or smog blocks the view
→ If you haven't bought tickets yet, wait for nightfall — city lights are visible through moderate haze. The ticket office displays current visibility; ask before purchasing.
Queue is too long (90+ minutes during holidays)
→ The afternoon tea package at the 119th floor restaurant includes a dedicated fast-track elevator — bypasses the entire queue. It costs more than a standard ticket but saves hours of waiting.
Can't buy tickets — no cash, no WeChat, card rejected
→ Download the Trip.com app and buy tickets online with your international credit card — e-tickets are delivered instantly and can be scanned at the self-service kiosks.
Feeling ear pressure or dizziness from the elevator
→ Swallow repeatedly, yawn, or pinch your nose and blow gently (Valsalva maneuver). The sensation passes within minutes. Sit down at the café on the 119th floor if needed.
Useful Chinese
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