Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building at 632 meters with 127 floors. Located in Lujiazui, it features observation decks offering panoramic city views, along with offices, hotels and retail spaces. Completed in 2016, this architectural landmark has become one of Shanghai’s top tourist attractions.
Shanghai Tower Facts
- Chinese name: 上海中心大厦 (shàng hǎi zhōng xīn dà shà)
- Location: No. 501, Yincheng Middle Road, Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone
- Construction Start: November 29, 2008
- Completion: March 12, 2016
- Opened to Public: April 27, 2016
- Height: 632 meters (2,073 ft)
- Floors: 127 floors above and 5 floors below ground
- Tickets: CNY 180. Trip.com discounts
Shanghai Tower is located in Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone of Pudong, with Shanghai World Financial Center to its east and Jin Mao Tower to its north. As China’s tallest building (632m), it ranks as the world’s second-tallest. The structure occupies a 30,368-square-meter footprint (326,878 sq ft) with 576,000 square meters (6.2 million sq ft) of floor space. It features 5 basement levels, 127 above-ground floors, and a 5-story podium.
Shanghai Tower’s Engineering Marvels
Shanghai Tower Construction
Shanghai Tower’s innovative spiral design (1-degree twist per floor) reduces wind loads by 24%, crucial for typhoon-prone Shanghai. Its foundation uses 980 piles (86m deep) supporting a 6m-thick concrete base. The double-skin facade creates a thermal buffer zone (1-10m wide) that saves energy while offering public space. Three interconnected systems stabilize the tower: a 27m concrete core, steel “super columns,” and 14-story belt trusses that segment the building vertically. A 1,000-ton damper minimizes sway (up to 1m during storms).
Shanghai Tower Elevators
The tower features 106 elevators, including 7 double-deck elevators and 3 ultra-high-speed sightseeing models. Designed by Mitsubishi, these record-breaking elevators reach the 119th-floor observatory (546m) in just 55 seconds at 18 m/s (world’s fastest). Their energy-saving technology reduces power consumption by 30% using regenerative converters and pressurized cabins.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Reach China’s highest observation decks at 546m (118F) and 580m+ (125-126F) via the world’s fastest elevators (55 seconds). Enjoy 360° views of the Bund, Huangpu River, and Lujiazui skyline. The 125-126F “Shanghai Eye” features a wind damper exhibition space for art shows and concerts. Don’t miss the B1 exhibition hall showcasing skyscraper history before ascending. Facilities include souvenir shops and an aerial post office.
Divisions & Functional Areas
As one of the world’s most multifunctional skyscrapers, Shanghai Tower integrates five key functional zones:
- 24-hour Class-A offices for multinational corporations and financial institutions;
- ultra-luxury hotel accommodations (including the renowned J Hotel) with premium amenities;
- high-end retail spaces featuring luxury brands and fine dining;
- recreational facilities that transform Lujiazui into a vibrant 24/7 district;
- world-class conference facilities including a 2,000 sqm (21,528 sq ft) multifunction center and 1,000 sqm (10,764 sq ft) pillar-free banquet hall in the podium.
Designed for 24/7 activity, it transforms Lujiazui from a business district into a vibrant lifestyle hub.
How to get to Shanghai Tower
By Metro:
Take Metro Line 2 or Line 14 and get off at Lujiazui Station. Get out from Exit 6 and walk 500 meters (550 yards) south.
By Bus:
- Tourists may prefer the convenient City Sightseeing Bus Line 2 which stops at Jin Mao Tower (300m walk).
- Take bus 583 or 939 and disembark at Huayuan Shiqiao Road/Dongtai Road stop, just 88 meters from the tower.
- Take bus 791, 870, 961, 985 or Lujiazui Financial City Loop Line to Lujiazui Huanlu Dongtailu Station and then walk there.
By Ferry:
Take ferry Dongjin Line or Dongfu Line and get off at Dongchang Road, then walk to the skyscraper.
Shanghai Tower Ticket
Book Shanghai Tower Tickets Now| Shanghai Tower Price for the Observation Deck | Adult: CNY 180 Children between 1 and 1.4 meters (3.3 and 4.6 feet): CNY 90 Free for children under 1 meter. |
| Top of Shanghai + Sky 632 Art Space | All areas mentioned above plus the 125th and 126th floors for the Sky 632 Art Space. Adults: 268 CNY Children: 168 CNY (height 1.0–1.4 meters) Seniors: 198 CNY (age 60 and above) Free Entry: Children under 1 meter or age 3 and below |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 – 22:00; ticket sale stops at 21:30 |
Tickets can be purchased through multiple channels:
- Online Booking: Available via the official WeChat account “ShanghaiTowerObservatory” or authorized platforms including Trip.com discounts.
- Onsite Purchase: Tickets are available at the ground floor ticket office, though queuing may be required during peak hours.
FAQs About Shanghai Tower
A typical Shanghai Tower visit takes 1-2 hours to enjoy the observation decks, with extra time needed for special exhibits or dining.
Your CNY 180 admission includes only the 118F/119F observation decks (with panoramic views), while higher floors (125-126F), restaurants, and shops require separate payments or are freely accessible.