Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Visiting Information

Overview

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is an iconic landmark in Shanghai, China. Standing at 468 meters (1,536 feet) tall, it was once the tallest structure in China. The tower is known for its unique design featuring 11 spheres of varying sizes, which has made it a symbol of modern Shanghai and one of the city’s most recognizable structures.

Historical Background

Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1991 and was completed in 1994. It was designed by Jiang Huan Cheng of the Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co. Ltd. The tower was built to serve as both a television and radio transmission tower for the city, as well as a tourist attraction. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest structure in China and the third tallest TV tower in the world. The tower’s design was inspired by a Tang Dynasty poem about the sound of a pipa, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, falling on a jade plate.

Architectural Features

• Spheres: The tower’s most distinctive feature is its 11 spheres of various sizes. The largest sphere, called the “Space Module,” has a diameter of 50 meters and is located at 350 meters high. The top sphere is 14 meters in diameter and sits at 454 meters. These spheres are connected by three gigantic columns, each 9 meters in diameter.
• Observation Decks: The tower features multiple observation decks at different heights, offering panoramic views of Shanghai. The highest observation deck is in the top sphere at 350 meters. There’s also a rotating restaurant at 267 meters that makes a complete rotation every hour.
• Glass Floor: One of the most thrilling features is the glass-bottomed observation deck at 259 meters, allowing visitors to look straight down to the ground below.
• Lighting System: The tower is equipped with an advanced LED lighting system that can create various colorful displays, making it a spectacular sight at night.

Cultural Importance

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower has become a symbol of Shanghai’s rapid modernization and China’s economic rise. It represents the blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern architectural techniques. The tower has been featured in countless photographs, films, and television shows, making it instantly recognizable worldwide as a symbol of Shanghai. Its presence in the Pudong skyline serves as a testament to Shanghai’s transformation from a colonial port city to a global financial hub.

Surrounding Attractions

• Shanghai World Financial Center: Located nearby, this 492-meter skyscraper features the world’s highest observation deck. Its distinctive rectangular prism shape with a trapezoid aperture at the top has earned it the nickname “The Bottle Opener.”
• Shanghai Tower: The tallest building in China and second tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters. It features the world’s highest observation deck and fastest elevators. Its unique twisted form and double-layered glass facade make it an architectural marvel.
• The Bund: Located across the Huangpu River, this waterfront area features a variety of architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It offers a stark contrast to the modern Pudong skyline and is a popular spot for photography.
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in Asia, it houses over 15,000 marine creatures from over 450 species. The highlight is the 155-meter underwater tunnel, offering close-up views of sharks, rays, and other sea life.

Photography Opportunities

• Observation Deck Views: The various observation decks offer unparalleled views of Shanghai’s skyline. Photographers can capture panoramic shots of the city, including the winding Huangpu River and the historic Bund area. The glass-bottomed observation deck provides unique downward-facing photo opportunities.
• Night Photography: The tower’s illumination at night creates stunning photo opportunities. The changing colors and patterns of the LED lighting system make for dynamic and eye-catching images, especially when reflected in the Huangpu River.
• The Bund Viewpoint: One of the most popular spots to photograph the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is from the Bund across the river. This vantage point allows photographers to capture the tower as part of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, especially beautiful during sunset and at night.
• Interior Architecture: The unique interior design of the spheres, including the space-themed exhibits and the glass floor, offer interesting subjects for architectural and abstract photography.

Modern Importance

• Broadcasting Hub: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower continues to serve its original purpose as a major broadcasting hub for Shanghai. It transmits television and radio signals across the city, playing a crucial role in the city’s communications infrastructure.
• Tourist Attraction: As one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, the tower attracts millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the city’s tourism industry. It offers both educational value through its exhibits and entertainment through its observation decks and revolving restaurant.
• Cultural Icon: The tower has become a symbol of modern China and Shanghai’s economic success. Its image is widely used in promotional materials for the city and appears frequently in media representations of Shanghai, reinforcing its status as a global metropolis.
• Urban Planning Showcase: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, along with its neighboring skyscrapers in Pudong, serves as a showcase of Shanghai’s urban planning and development. It demonstrates how the city transformed what was once largely agricultural land into a world-class financial district in just a few decades.

FAQ

• What is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower famous for?
  The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is famous for its unique architectural design with multiple spheres, its status as a symbol of modern Shanghai, and the panoramic views it offers of the city.
• What’s inside the Oriental Pearl TV Tower?
  Inside the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, you’ll find multiple observation decks, a revolving restaurant, a space-themed exhibition, a glass skywalk, and a small museum about Shanghai’s history.
• Is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower free?
  No, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not free. There are entrance fees for visiting the observation decks and other attractions within the tower.
• Is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower worth visiting?
  Yes, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is worth visiting for its stunning views of Shanghai, unique architecture, and cultural significance. It’s especially impressive at night when illuminated.
• What to do in the Oriental Pearl TV Tower?
  In the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views from various observation decks, walk on the glass skywalk, dine in the revolving restaurant, visit the Shanghai History Museum, and explore space-themed exhibits.
• How do I get to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in the local city?
  In Shanghai, you can reach the Oriental Pearl TV Tower by taking Metro Line 2, 9, or 10 to Lujiazui Station and exiting from Exit 1. You can also take buses 81, 82, 85, 774, 870, or 971, or simply take a taxi to “Dongfang Mingzhu”.
• How to visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower?
  To visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, purchase tickets at the tower or book in advance online. Choose which levels you want to visit. It’s recommended to visit late afternoon to experience both day and night views. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit.