Shanghai World Financial Center

Visiting Information

Overview

The Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is a supertall skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. Standing at 492 meters (1,614 feet) tall, it is one of the tallest buildings in mainland China and was the tallest building in Shanghai until 2015. The building is known for its distinctive trapezoid aperture at the top and serves as a mixed-use skyscraper, housing offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and ground-floor shopping malls.

Historical Background

The Shanghai World Financial Center was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and developed by the Mori Building Company of Japan. Construction began in 1997 but was paused due to the Asian Financial Crisis and later design revisions. The project resumed in 2003 and was completed in 2008. Initially planned to be 460 meters tall with a circular aperture, the design was changed to its current form with a trapezoidal opening, which some say resembles a bottle opener. This iconic design has made it one of the most recognizable buildings in Shanghai’s skyline.

Architectural Features

• Trapezoidal Aperture: The most distinctive feature of the SWFC is its trapezoidal aperture at the top. This 50-meter-tall opening serves both aesthetic and structural purposes. It reduces the stress of wind on the building and gives the skyscraper its unique appearance, often likened to a giant bottle opener.
• Structural Design: The building employs a diagonal-braced frame with outrigger trusses coupled to the columns of the mega-structure. This design allows the building to withstand typhoon winds of up to 200 km/h and potential earthquakes that may occur in the region.
• Observation Decks: The SWFC features three observation decks at different levels. The highest, located on the 100th floor at 474 meters, was once the world’s highest observation deck. These decks offer panoramic views of Shanghai and use cutting-edge technology to enhance the visitor experience.
• Mixed-Use Spaces: The building is divided into different functional zones. The lower levels house retail spaces and conference facilities. The middle zones are dedicated to office spaces, while the upper levels contain a luxury hotel and the observation decks.

Cultural Importance

The Shanghai World Financial Center symbolizes Shanghai’s and China’s rapid economic growth and modernization. It represents the city’s ambition to become a global financial hub and stands as a testament to architectural and engineering prowess. The building has become an integral part of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, featured in countless photographs and films, and has significantly contributed to the city’s image as a modern, international metropolis. As a popular tourist destination, it offers both local and international visitors a unique perspective on Shanghai’s urban landscape and development.

Surrounding Attractions

• Shanghai Tower: Located adjacent to the SWFC, the Shanghai Tower is currently the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world. Its unique twisted design and sustainable features make it a marvel of modern architecture. Visitors can enjoy its observation deck, offering even higher views of Shanghai.
• Jin Mao Tower: Another iconic skyscraper in the vicinity, the Jin Mao Tower combines traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern design. Its observation deck and skywalk provide alternative views of the city, and the building houses the Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel.
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower: This distinctive tower with its spherical modules is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. It offers multiple observation levels, a revolving restaurant, and a small museum showcasing Shanghai’s history.
• Lujiazui Central Green Space: This large public park provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, and getting a ground-level view of Pudong’s impressive skyline.

Photography Opportunities

• Observation Deck Views: The SWFC’s observation decks offer unparalleled opportunities for cityscape photography. From here, photographers can capture panoramic views of Shanghai, including both the historic Bund area and the modern Pudong skyline. The different levels allow for varied perspectives, especially during sunset or at night when the city lights create a stunning visual spectacle.
• Architectural Details: The unique design of the SWFC itself provides excellent subjects for architectural photography. The trapezoidal aperture, in particular, offers interesting framing possibilities, especially when photographed from ground level or neighboring buildings.
• Skyline Shots: While the SWFC offers great views from within, it’s also a key element in Shanghai’s skyline. Photographers can capture stunning images of the building from various vantage points around the city, such as from the Bund, surrounding parks, or neighboring skyscrapers.
• Interior Architecture: The building’s interior, particularly in the observation deck areas and the hotel, offers opportunities for capturing modern architectural details and design elements. The interplay of light, glass, and steel can create striking images.

Modern Importance

• Economic Symbol: The Shanghai World Financial Center stands as a symbol of China’s economic power and Shanghai’s status as a global financial hub. It houses numerous international financial institutions and companies, playing a crucial role in facilitating business and economic growth in the region.
• Architectural Innovation: The building’s design and construction techniques have contributed significantly to the field of supertall skyscraper architecture. Its solutions for wind resistance, elevator systems, and mixed-use space allocation continue to influence skyscraper design worldwide.
• Tourism and City Branding: As one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, the SWFC plays a vital role in the city’s tourism industry. It attracts millions of visitors annually, contributing to the local economy and helping to brand Shanghai as a modern, world-class city.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Despite its massive size, the SWFC incorporates various sustainable design elements. Its energy-efficient systems and use of space in a vertical city concept demonstrate approaches to sustainable urban development in densely populated areas.

FAQ

• What is the Shanghai World Financial Center famous for?
  The Shanghai World Financial Center is famous for its distinctive trapezoidal aperture at the top, its former title as Shanghai’s tallest building, and its observation decks offering panoramic views of the city.
• What’s inside the Shanghai World Financial Center?
  Inside the Shanghai World Financial Center, you’ll find office spaces, a luxury hotel, shopping malls, restaurants, conference facilities, and three observation decks at different heights.
• Is the Shanghai World Financial Center free?
  No, the Shanghai World Financial Center’s observation decks require an entrance fee. However, the ground floor areas and shopping mall are free to enter.
• Is the Shanghai World Financial Center worth visiting?
  Yes, the Shanghai World Financial Center is worth visiting for its stunning views of Shanghai, unique architecture, and the experience of being in one of the world’s tallest buildings.
• What to do in the Shanghai World Financial Center?
  In the Shanghai World Financial Center, you can visit the observation decks, dine at high-altitude restaurants, shop in the mall, or simply admire the building’s architecture from inside and outside.
• How do I get to the Shanghai World Financial Center in the local city?
  In Shanghai, you can reach the Shanghai World Financial Center by taking Metro Line 2 or Line 4 to Lujiazui Station and using Exit 6. Several bus lines also stop nearby, or you can take a taxi and ask for “Shanghai Huanqiu Jinrong Zhongxin.”
• How to visit the Shanghai World Financial Center?
  To visit the Shanghai World Financial Center, purchase tickets for the observation decks at the ground floor ticket office or in advance online. It’s recommended to visit in the late afternoon to enjoy both daytime and nighttime views. Allow about 1-2 hours for your visit, and consider combining it with visits to other nearby attractions in the Lujiazui area.