Shanghai Tower: China's Tallest Building & Observation Deck Guide (2026)
Everything you need for visiting Shanghai Tower's 118th floor observatory—tickets, best times, photography tips, and how to beat the crowds.
Shanghai Tower: Standing on Top of China
At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower isn’t just China’s tallest building—it’s the second tallest in the world. Its observation deck on the 118th floor offers the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in China, putting you 546 meters above street level with 360-degree views of the entire Shanghai metropolis.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 632 meters (2,073 feet) |
| Floors | 128 (above ground) |
| Observatory | 118th floor, 546m elevation |
| World Ranking | 2nd tallest building |
| Opened | 2016 |
Why Shanghai Tower Stands Out
Architectural Marvel
The tower’s distinctive twisted design isn’t just aesthetic—it reduces wind loads by 24%, saving significant construction materials. The building spirals 120 degrees from base to top, creating a unique profile that changes from every angle.
| Design Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Twisted shape | Reduces wind resistance |
| Double-layer facade | Energy efficiency |
| 9 stacked zones | Vertical neighborhoods |
| Sky gardens | Natural ventilation |
The View From the Top
From the 118th floor, you can see:
| Direction | What You’ll See |
|---|---|
| West | The Bund’s historic buildings, Puxi cityscape |
| North | Huangpu River curves, port facilities |
| East | Pudong development, airport direction |
| South | Century Park, residential Pudong |
On clear days, visibility extends up to 40 kilometers.
Ticket Information
Prices (2026)
| Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥180 | Standard admission |
| Child (1m-1.4m) | ¥90 | Height-based |
| Under 1m | Free | With paying adult |
| Senior (60+) | ¥90 | ID required |
Where to Buy
| Method | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Official mini-program | Skip ticket counter |
| Trip.com / Klook | English interface, easy booking |
| On-site | Same-day flexibility (longer wait) |
💡 Pro Tip: Book online for a specific time slot to minimize waiting. Peak times sell out, especially for sunset slots on clear days.
Best Times to Visit
For Photography
| Time | Conditions | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-10:00 AM | Morning light, clear air | Light |
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Good visibility, not crowded | Moderate |
| 5:00-7:00 PM | Golden hour + city lights | Heavy |
| 7:00-9:00 PM | Full night views | Moderate |
The Sunset Sweet Spot
For the best experience, arrive 1.5 hours before sunset to watch the city transform from day to night. The transition is magical—The Bund’s lights flicker on, Pudong’s towers begin glowing, and the entire cityscape shifts color.
| Season | Recommended Arrival |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 5:30 PM |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 4:30 PM |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 3:30 PM |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 4:30 PM |
Weather Matters
| Condition | Visibility | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Clear/Sunny | Excellent | Perfect, go! |
| Partly cloudy | Good | Great for dramatic photos |
| Overcast | Moderate | Still worthwhile |
| Smog/Fog | Poor | Skip and reschedule |
⚠️ Important: Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) before booking. AQI under 100 means decent visibility; under 50 is ideal.
Getting There
By Metro (Recommended)
| Station | Line | Exit | Walk Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lujiazui | Line 2 | Exit 6 | 8 minutes |
From Major Locations
| From | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund | Metro Line 2 | 15 min |
| People’s Square | Metro Line 2 | 12 min |
| Pudong Airport | Metro Line 2 | 50 min |
The Observatory Experience
What to Expect
- Ground floor - Ticket check, security screening
- Elevators - 55 seconds to reach 118th floor (18m/s speed)
- 118th floor - Main observation deck, 360° views
- Photo spots - Marked locations for best angles
Facilities on the Observation Deck
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Interactive displays | Building history, city information |
| Telescopes | Free to use |
| Souvenir shop | Shanghai Tower merchandise |
| Café | Drinks and light snacks |
| Restrooms | Available |
Photography Tips
- Tripods: Not officially allowed, but small ones often overlooked
- Glass reflections: Wear dark clothing, use lens hood
- Best windows: Northwest corner for Bund shots
- Time-lapse: Great for sunset transition
Comparing Pudong’s Observation Decks
Lujiazui has four major observation decks. Here’s how Shanghai Tower compares:
| Tower | Height | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Tower | 546m | ¥180 | Highest, best views |
| Shanghai World Financial Center | 474m | ¥180 | Sky bridge experience |
| Jin Mao Tower | 340m | ¥120 | Classic views, lower price |
| Oriental Pearl | 350m | ¥220 | Iconic tower, history museum |
Our Recommendation
If you’re only doing one observation deck, Shanghai Tower is the clear winner. The extra height makes a visible difference, and seeing the other towers below you is more impressive than looking up at Shanghai Tower from a lower deck.
Nearby Attractions
Lujiazui Financial District
| Attraction | Distance | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| IFC Mall | 5 min walk | 1-2 hours |
| Oriental Pearl Tower | 10 min walk | 1-2 hours |
| Riverside Promenade | 8 min walk | 30-60 min |
| Shanghai Ocean Aquarium | 12 min walk | 2-3 hours |
Suggested Itinerary (Half Day)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Arrive Lujiazui, coffee at IFC |
| 4:00 PM | Enter Shanghai Tower |
| 5:30 PM | Watch sunset from observatory |
| 6:30 PM | Riverside Promenade stroll |
| 7:30 PM | Dinner at IFC Mall |
Practical Tips
What to Bring
- Camera with good low-light performance
- Portable charger (lots of photo opportunities)
- Light jacket (strong AC on observation deck)
What to Know
- Elevator capacity: Large groups may wait briefly for elevator slots
- Time limit: No official limit, but 60-90 minutes is typical
- Re-entry: Not allowed after exiting
For Clear Photos Through Glass
- Use a lens hood or cup hands around lens
- Wear dark clothing to reduce reflections
- Get close to glass surface
- Avoid shooting directly at light sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth the price?
Yes. Shanghai Tower offers the best observation deck experience in the city. The views are unmatched, and watching sunset over Shanghai from 546 meters is genuinely spectacular.
How long should I spend?
60-90 minutes is ideal. You’ll want time to circle the full deck, watch the light change, and take plenty of photos.
Is it scary if I’m afraid of heights?
The floor is solid—there’s no glass floor section unlike some other towers. Most people with mild height anxiety do fine.
Can I see The Bund clearly?
Absolutely. The Bund is the main attraction from this viewpoint. Even the architectural details of the historic buildings are visible on clear days.
What if the weather turns bad after I book?
Most online booking platforms allow rebooking for another date. Check the specific terms when purchasing.
Related Guides
- Lujiazui District Complete Guide - Everything in the area
- The Bund Night Photography - Ground-level views
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Full trip planning
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Prices and operating hours may vary.
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