The Shanghai Tower is not only an architectural wonder, it is also one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Standing at 632 metres high, it is the third-tallest building in the world and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai.
Learn about the Shanghai Tower before visiting it, including ticket prices, how to buy, best times to visit, transportation options, and how it compares to the Oriental Pearl Tower.
About Shanghai Tower
Before you plan your trip, here is some quick information about Shanghai Tower:
| Detail | Information |
Address | 501 Yincheng Rd (M), Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120 |
Height | 632 metres (CTBUH) |
Floors | 128 |
Architects | Marshall Strabala, Arthur Gensler, Jun Xia |
Construction Started | 29 November 2008 |
Opened | 1 February 2015 |
Cost | CN¥15.9 billion |
Main Contractor | Shanghai Construction Group |
Status | Completed |
Former Names | Shanghai Center, Shanghai Center Tower |
Opening Hours | 08:30-22:00 (Latest entry time:21:30) |
The Shanghai Tower is not just a skyscraper—it’s a LEED Platinum-certified green building, making it one of the most sustainable superstructures in the world. Its twisting design reduces wind resistance, and it features nine vertical zones with offices, hotels, and observation decks.
No.126 Dongtai Road
Shanghai Tower Tickets Price & Discounts
Top of Shanghai Observatory (118th Floor) Tickets Price
To visit the Shanghai Tower, you need to purchase a ticket to enter its observation deck (located on the 118th and 119th floors of the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck). Here are the ticket price details:
| Ticket Type | Official Price (CNY) | Trip.com Price (￡) | Notes |
Adult Ticket | ￥180 (~￡18.57) | From | |
Child Ticket | ￥90 (~￡9.28) | £9.27 | For children 101cm–140cm tall. |
Free Children's Ticket | Free | Free | Height ≤ 100 cm and ≤ 3 years old, must be accompanied by an adult. |
Student Ticket | ￥120 (~￡12.38) | £12.36 | Valid student ID required (age limit: up to 22 years). |
Senior Ticket | ￥120 (~￡12.38) | £12.36 | Age 60, ID required. |
- Tourism Hall Business Hours: 8:30-22:00 daily
- Latest ticket sales and admission time is 21:30, subject to on-site announcements.
Shanghai Tower Tickets Discounts & Coupons
Claim the Following Attractions & Tours Coupon and Save up to £2.00
- Trip.com New User Coupon: First-time users on Trip.com can get discounts up to 5% on Shanghai Tower tickets.
- Family Discounts: Available for Family (2 Adults + 1 Child) from £44.33.
- Combo Tickets: Some platforms offer bundled tickets for multiple attractions (e.g., Shanghai Tower + Huangpu River Cruise).
How to Buy Shanghai Tower Tickets
There are several ways to purchase tickets:
- On-Site Purchase
- Buy tickets directly at the Shanghai Tower ticket counter (ground floor).
- Pros: No need for pre-booking.
- Cons: Long queues during peak hours.
- Online Booking (Recommended)
- Purchase through official websites (Ctrip, Trip.com, Klook).
- Pros: Discounts available, skip-the-line options, e-tickets (no printing needed).
- Cons: Limited refund options.
- Travel Agencies & Hotels
- Some hotels and tour operators sell tickets at a slight markup.
If you want to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning (9 AM - 11 AM) or late afternoon (after 5 PM).
How to Get to Shanghai Tower? (Transport Guide)
| Transport | Time (From People’s Square) | Cost (Approx.) |
Metro (Line 2 & Line 14)* | 15-20 mins | CNY 3 |
Taxi | 10-15 mins | CNY 30-50 |
Bike (Shared Bike) | 30-35 mins | CNY 1.5-3 |
Walking (From Lujiazui Station) | 5-10 mins | Free |
*Nearest Metro Station: Lujiazui Station (Line 2,& Line 14 Exit 9A) – 6 to 12-minute walk to the tower.
Which is better, Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower?
Shanghai Tower is better for modern architecture, higher views, and fewer crowds, while Oriental Pearl Tower is more iconic (classic Shanghai photo spot) but often packed with tourists.
| Feature | Shanghai Tower | Oriental Pearl Tower |
Height | 632m (Tallest in China) | 468m |
Observation Deck | 118th & 119th floors (546m) | 263m & 351m |
Views | Unmatched skyline views | Classic Shanghai postcard view |
Ticket Price | CNY 180 | CNY 99-219 (depends on deck) |
Crowds | Busy but manageable | Often overcrowded |
Unique Features | World’s fastest elevator (18m/s) | Glass-bottomed walkway |
>> Book tickets for Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower from £10.21
>> Book Huangpu River Cruise Tickets from £11.84
Shanghai Tower Layout Map
Image source: Shanghai Tower official
Shanghai Tower Visit Guide
The Visit Experience
From the moment you approach the tower's base in Pudong's Lujiazui financial district, the scale of the building is awe-inspiring. The entrance process is efficient, though queues can form during peak hours. After entering the elevator from B2, the high-speed elevators are an attraction in themselves - travelling at 18 metres per second, they whisk visitors up to the 118th floor observation deck in just 55s, with clever pressure stabilisation making the rapid ascent surprisingly comfortable.
The Observation Deck
The main observation decks on the 118th and 119th floors offer what are arguably the best views in Shanghai. At 546 metres above ground, the 360-degree vistas are simply unmatched. On clear days, visibility stretches up to 50 kilometres, allowing you to see the city's sprawling expanse in its entirety. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide unobstructed views in all directions, while interactive screens help identify key landmarks.
If you’re after an extra thrill, a partial glass floor lets you gaze directly down at the street below – perhaps not for the faint of heart, but an unforgettable experience. The decks are spacious enough that even when busy, you can usually find a good viewing spot.
Best time to visit Shanghai Tower
The view will vary greatly depending on the viewing time. Mornings often offer the clearest visibility, though the light can be harsh for photography. Midday tends to be busiest with tour groups. Many regular visitors swear by the golden hour before sunset (around 4:30-6:30pm depending on season), when the low sun casts beautiful light across the city, and you can watch the transition to night.
The tour at night is particularly fascinating as the lights of Shanghai gradually illuminate the entire cityscape. The Bund's iconic buildings twinkle to life, and the Huangpu River becomes a ribbon of reflected light. However, be aware that pollution or fog can sometimes obscure views in winter months.
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Shanghai Tower FAQs
1. Is it worth going up the Shanghai Tower?
Yes! The view is spectacular, and the experience is smoother than at the Oriental Pearl Tower.
2. What is the best time to see Shanghai Tower?
Sunset (5 PM - 6:30 PM) or nighttime (7 PM - 9 PM) for the best lighting.
3. Do you need a passport for Shanghai Tower?
Foreign visitors should carry ID (passport or residence permit) for security checks.
4. Does Shanghai Tower have a restaurant?
Yes, there is afternoon tea and dinner on the 119th floor, and VIP tickets can enjoy a buffet on the 123rd floor.
5. How long does the visit take?
Around 1-2 hours, depending on crowds.
6. Is there a luggage storage facility?
Yes, lockers are available near the ticket counter.