Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower stands as an iconic symbol of the city’s modern skyline. Rising 468 meters above the Huangpu River, this distinctive landmark combines futuristic architecture with breathtaking observation decks. More than just a tower, it represents Shanghai’s transformation into a global metropolis. Let’s explore what makes this attraction so special.
Oriental Pearl Tower Facts
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, known as the Oriental Pearl, is Shanghai’s iconic landmark, featuring a unique pearl-inspired design with stacked spheres. Completed in 1994, it offers observation decks, a glass-floored platform, and a revolving restaurant with panoramic city views. The tower also houses cultural attractions including the Shanghai History Museum. Positioned opposite the historic Bund, it perfectly represents Shanghai’s fusion of tradition and modernity.
- Address: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New District, Shanghai
- Established since: 1991
- Completed in: 1994
- Overall Height: 468 meters (1,536 feet)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM)
- Light Show Times: 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM
- Recommended Visit Duration: 3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Height of Observation Decks:
- 351m (1,152ft): Space Capsule
- 267m (876ft): Revolving Restaurant
- 263m (863ft): Sky Galleria
- 259m (850ft): Transparent Sky Walking
- 90m (295ft): Sightseeing Corridor
- 78m (256ft): “Future Shanghai” Multimedia Show
The Oriental Pearl Tower stands proudly at No. 1 Century Avenue in Pudong’s Lujiazui district, nestled between the Nanpu and Yangpu Bridges along the Huangpu River. It faces the historic Bund’s “Architectural Museum” across the water, while surrounded by modern marvels like the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. Nearby attractions include the Shanghai Aquarium, International Convention Center, and the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the area.
Building Structure
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower has a striking multi-tube design, reaching a total height of 468 meters, with its main structure standing at 350 meters. Its innovative architecture relies on three slanting supports and three vertical columns, which provide stability while creating its iconic silhouette. These elements connect a series of spheres at different levels, forming the tower’s distinctive appearance.
The structure features three major spheres: the lower sphere (50m diameter) with entertainment facilities, the upper sphere (45m diameter) housing a rotating restaurant and observation deck, and the top sphere (16m diameter) known as the Space Capsule. Additionally, five smaller spheres (12m diameter each) were originally designed as high-altitude hotels. The varying sizes and functions of these spheres contribute to the tower’s unique aesthetic.
Things to Do at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower, integrating sightseeing, entertainment, and tourism, is a landmark of Shanghai and a popular tourist attraction. Among its structures, the three largest spheres are open to visitors.
Inside these spheres, attractions include the Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall, a revolving restaurant in the sky, a high-altitude VR roller coaster, the “Landmark Paradise · Season 4” experience, and a multi-media interactive show. These diverse offerings make the tower a must-visit destination in Shanghai.
351-Meter Space Capsule
Perched at 351 meters, the Space Capsule is the Oriental Pearl Tower’s highest observation deck, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai. Visitors can admire Pudong’s futuristic skyline and the Huangpu River’s scenic waterfront. Its elevated glass design creates a sensation of floating above the city. This unique vantage point makes it a must-visit for skyline enthusiasts.
267-Meter Revolving Restaurant
The revolving restaurant, situated at 267 meters in the upper part of the tower’s second sphere, covers 1,500 square meters. This buffet-style restaurant offers 360 seats and serves a diverse selection of Chinese, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Western cuisines. Completing a full rotation every two hours, it allows diners to enjoy panoramic views of the Huangpu River through its floor-to-ceiling windows. The combination of fine dining and breathtaking scenery makes it a unique culinary experience.
263-Meter Sky Galleria
At 263 meters (863 feet), the Sky Galleria serves as one of the Oriental Pearl Tower’s main observation decks, offering sweeping 360-degree views of Shanghai. This spacious, light-filled level features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing visitors to admire landmarks like the Bund, Lujiazui skyscrapers, and the Huangpu River. Interactive displays and telescopes enhance the sightseeing experience. As one of the tower’s most popular vantage points, it provides an ideal setting for photography and cityscape appreciation.
259-Meter Transparent Sky Walking
At 259 meters (850 feet), the Transparent Sky Walk offers a thrilling high-altitude experience on the outer perimeter of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Visitors can walk on a glass-floored observation deck with nothing but transparent panels between them and the city below—creating a heart-pounding sensation of floating above Shanghai.
95-Meter High Altitude VR Roller Coaster
This attraction, located at the 95-meter level of the Oriental Pearl Tower’s lower sphere, is China’s first and Shanghai’s highest indoor VR roller coaster.
Upgraded from the tower’s original indoor coaster with VR technology, it delivers enhanced realism for an immersive thrill ride experience. The combination of physical motion and virtual reality creates unprecedented sensory excitement for visitors.
90-Meter Outdoor Sightseeing Corridor
At 90 meters, the Sightseeing Corridor circles the Oriental Pearl Tower’s lower sphere, offering a unique mid-level perspective of Shanghai. This enclosed walkway features panoramic windows showcasing the Huangpu River and Pudong’s growing skyline at an ideal elevation to appreciate both architectural details and urban vistas.
78-Meter “Future Shanghai” Multimedia Show
At the 78-meter level, the “Future Shanghai” Multimedia Show transports visitors into an immersive vision of the city’s next era. Cutting-edge projections, interactive tech, and kinetic installations depict an ambitious urban evolution—from AI-integrated infrastructure to sustainable vertical landscapes.
The experience centers on a 360-degree holographic theater, where guests stand surrounded by dynamic, futuristic cityscapes. Synchronized lighting and spatial audio heighten the sense of innovation, appealing especially to tech and design enthusiasts.
Ground Level: Shanghai Urban History Development Museum
Located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower, this 10,000-square-meter exhibition showcases Shanghai’s transformation through 1,000+ artifacts, 100+ lifelike wax figures, and immersive multimedia displays. Divided into seven thematic sections, the museum blends historical relics with interactive technology—from recreated streetscapes to holographic vignettes—bringing the city’s past to life.
Light Show
The Oriental Pearl Tower dazzles nightly with a captivating light spectacle at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. Its futuristic facade comes alive with dynamic colors and patterns, reflecting over the Huangpu River. A must-see for photographers and visitors, it elevates Shanghai’s skyline into a glowing masterpiece. Perfect for ending your tower visit with a luminous finale.
Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Price & Opening Hours
Tickets Price
| Ticket Type | Price (CNY) | Included Attractions | Notes |
| Package 1 | 199 | 263m Sky Galleria + 259m Transparent Sky Walk + 78m “Future Shanghai” Show + 90m Sightseeing Corridor + Shanghai Municipal History Museum | Free for children under 1m (3.3ft) |
| Package 2 | 299 | All Package 1 attractions + 351-Meter Space Capsule | Free for children under 1m (3.3ft) |
| Shanghai History Museum Only | 35 | Entry to the Shanghai Municipal History Museum only |
Opening Hours
- Oriental Pearl Tower & Attractions: 9:00 – 21:00 (Last entry at 20:30)
- Shanghai Municipal History Museum: 9:00 – 21:00
How to get to the Oriental Pearl Tower
By Metro
Line 2 → Lujiazui Station (Exit 1) → 3-minute walk to the tower.
By Bus
- Routes 82, 314, 939, Lujiazui Financial City Line 1/3 → Lujiazui Huanlu Fenghelu Station.
- City Sightseeing Bus Line 2 → Oriental Pearl Tower Station.
Tip: Use MetroMan or Shanghai Public Transport Card for seamless travel!
FAQs About Oriental Pearl Tower
Yes! The Oriental Pearl Tower offers free stroller rentals near Gate 1 (ticket office area) with a 200 RMB refundable deposit.
Yes! The Oriental Pearl Tower offers diverse dining options:
- 267m Revolving Restaurant – Buffet with Chinese/Western/Japanese cuisines (360° city views; rotates every 2 hours).
- 351m Space Capsule Café – Light snacks & drinks at the highest observation level.
- Ground Floor Food Court – Quick bites, including local Shanghai snacks and international chains.
Yes, the Oriental Pearl Tower is equipped with facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair ramps, accessible elevators, and adapted restrooms.
Luggage storage is available near the 2-meter level ticket checkpoint. After your visit, return to the ground floor (0m), then go up the external plaza stairs to the 4.2-meter level to retrieve your bags.
The Coca-Cola Happy Restaurant is located in the public plaza area (free access zone) of the Oriental Pearl Tower. No tower ticket is needed if you’re only dining there—just head straight to the restaurant.
The Oriental Pearl Tower’s high-speed elevators (7 m/s) access upper observation decks, while its inclined elevators (2.5 m/s) serve lower levels, balancing speed with panoramic views. Both ensure quick yet scenic vertical transport.
Yes, you can access the Oriental Pearl Tower’s outdoor plaza, shopping mall, and some ground-floor restaurants (like the Coca-Cola Happy Restaurant) without a ticket. However, entering the observation decks (263m, 351m) or the lower sphere attractions requires a ticket.