Shanghai Tower

Visiting Information

Overview

Shanghai Tower is a 632-meter (2,073 ft) megatall skyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. It is the world’s third-tallest building by height to architectural top and the tallest building in China. The tower has 128 stories and a total floor area of 380,000 square meters, featuring offices, retail spaces, a luxury hotel, and the world’s highest observation deck within a building.

Historical Background

The construction of Shanghai Tower began in November 2008 and was completed in 2015. It was designed by the American architectural firm Gensler and developed by Shanghai Tower Construction and Development Co., Ltd. The tower represents the culmination of Shanghai’s economic growth and modernization over the past few decades, symbolizing the city’s status as a global financial hub.

Architectural Features

Shanghai Tower boasts several innovative architectural features:

• Twisted form: The tower twists 120 degrees as it rises, reducing wind loads on the building by 24%.
• Double-skin facade: An inner glass wall and an outer layer of transparent glass create an atrium that insulates the building.
• Sky gardens: The space between the two facade layers houses several floors of public green spaces and atria.
• Sustainable design: The building incorporates numerous green technologies, including wind turbines and rainwater collection systems.
• High-speed elevators: It features the world’s fastest elevators, capable of speeds up to 20.5 meters per second.

Cultural Importance

Shanghai Tower has become an iconic symbol of modern China and Shanghai’s rapid development. It represents China’s economic prowess and technological advancement on the global stage. The tower also serves as a cultural landmark, hosting various exhibitions, events, and providing a platform for visitors to experience Shanghai’s history and future vision.

Surrounding Attractions

Shanghai World Financial Center: This 492-meter skyscraper features a distinctive aperture at its peak and offers its own observation deck. It’s home to offices, hotels, and conference centers, showcasing another aspect of Shanghai’s modern architecture.

Jin Mao Tower: An 88-story landmark that combines traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern design. It houses offices, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel, and an observation deck, offering a different perspective of the city.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower: This unique tower with its distinctive pink spheres is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. It offers observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a small museum about Shanghai’s history.

Lujiazui Central Green Space: This large public park in the heart of Lujiazui provides a refreshing green space amidst the skyscrapers. It’s an excellent spot for relaxation and viewing the surrounding architectural marvels.

IFC Mall: A high-end shopping center at the base of the Shanghai World Financial Center, offering luxury brands, fine dining, and entertainment options.

Photography Opportunities

Shanghai Tower offers numerous photography opportunities:

• Panoramic city views from the observation deck on the 118th floor
• The Bund and Huangpu River views
• Sunset and night scenes of illuminated Shanghai skyline
• Architectural details of the twisted facade and surrounding skyscrapers
• Interior shots of the atrium and sky gardens
• Time-lapse opportunities of changing weather and light conditions

Modern Importance

Shanghai Tower plays a significant role in modern Shanghai:

• Economic hub: Houses numerous multinational corporations and financial institutions
• Tourism magnet: Attracts millions of visitors annually, boosting local tourism
• Technological showcase: Demonstrates China’s engineering and architectural capabilities
• Sustainable building model: Sets standards for green skyscraper design in China
• Cultural venue: Hosts various exhibitions and events, promoting cultural exchange
• Urban planning icon: Influences future urban development in Shanghai and beyond

FAQ

• What is the Shanghai Tower famous for?
  Shanghai Tower is famous for being the tallest building in China and the third-tallest in the world. It’s renowned for its unique twisted design, sustainable features, and having the world’s highest observation deck in a building.
• What’s inside the Shanghai Tower?
  Shanghai Tower contains offices, retail spaces, a luxury hotel, restaurants, and the Top of Shanghai Observatory. It also features sky gardens, conference facilities, and the world’s fastest elevators.
• Is the Shanghai Tower free?
  No, the Shanghai Tower is not free to visit. There is an entrance fee to access the observation deck and other public areas. As of 2024, the standard adult ticket price is 180 CNY.
• Is the Shanghai Tower worth visiting?
  Yes, the Shanghai Tower is worth visiting for its breathtaking views of Shanghai, innovative architecture, and the experience of being in one of the world’s tallest buildings. The observation deck offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city.
• What to do in the Shanghai Tower?
  Visitors can enjoy the Top of Shanghai Observatory, explore the sky gardens, dine at high-altitude restaurants, visit exhibitions about the tower’s construction and Shanghai’s development, and experience the super-fast elevators.
• How do I get to the Shanghai Tower in the local city?
  In Shanghai, you can reach Shanghai Tower by taking Metro Line 2 or Line 14 to Lujiazui Station and using Exit 6. It’s a short walk from there. Alternatively, you can take buses 81, 82, 85, or 316 to Lujiazui Station.
• How to visit the Shanghai Tower?
  To visit Shanghai Tower, purchase tickets at the on-site ticket office or book in advance online. Head to the designated elevator for the observation deck. It’s recommended to visit during clear weather and consider timing your visit for sunset or evening views. Allow at least 1-2 hours for your visit, and be prepared for security checks upon entering.