Written by
Anthony
The Oriental Pearl Tower isn’t just a building—it’s the symbol of modern Shanghai.
Rising boldly in the heart of Pudong, it blends futuristic design with Eastern elegance.
It’s more than a TV and radio tower; it’s a place where architecture, culture, and technology come together.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, the tower tells the story of how far the city has come, standing as a proud icon of Shanghai’s international charm.
Located in Lujiazui, the city’s bustling financial district, the tower sits right along the Huangpu River.
It faces the historic Bund across the water, where old European-style buildings line the riverside.
Among the many skyscrapers in the area, the Oriental Pearl Tower still stands out—both for its unique shape and for its perfect view of the skyline.
It’s one of the best places to see Shanghai’s blend of old and new.
The tower’s story began in 1991, when construction broke ground.
It took three years to build and officially opened to the public in 1995.
At the time, Shanghai needed better TV and radio signal coverage—but the tower quickly became much more than that.
Built on tough ground with bold engineering, it was the tallest building in China when it opened.
It marked the beginning of Shanghai’s supertall skyline and helped launch the city into the modern age.
| Feature | Detail | Feature | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Height | 468 meters (with antenna) | Top Floor Height | Approx. 351 meters |
| Construction Period | 1991–1994 (Opened 1995) | Number of Spheres | 11 (various sizes) |
| Elevators | 14 Otis elevators | Elevator Speed | 2.5m/s – 5m/s |
| Sky Capsule | 351 meters | Main Observation Deck | 263 meters |
| Glass Walkway | 259 meters | Open-Air Platform | 90 meters |
| Multimedia Show Level | 78 meters | VR Roller Coaster | 95 meters |
| Revolving Restaurant | 267 meters | Opening Hours | 9:00–21:00 (Last entry 20:30) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2–3 hours | Light Show Times | 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 PM |
| Metro Access | Line 2 & 14 (Lujiazui Station) |
The Oriental Pearl Tower rises to an impressive height of 468 meters (1,535 feet), including its antenna.
Its top observation deck sits around 351 meters high, offering breathtaking views over Shanghai.
When you look up from the ground, the tower stretches into the clouds—its sheer size and shape make it one of the most striking landmarks on the skyline. It’s not just tall—it’s unforgettable.
What truly sets the Oriental Pearl Tower apart is its unique structure.
The tower is made up of 11 differently sized spheres, arranged vertically to create a rhythmic, flowing shape.
This design was inspired by a line from ancient Chinese poetry—“large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate”—a beautiful metaphor for Shanghai’s vibrant rise through time.
Supporting this structure are three massive slanting columns and three vertical pillars.
Together, they form a balanced, stable base that blends engineering and art.
The angled supports don’t just keep the tower steady—they also give it a sense of energy and movement, making the whole structure look bold, yet graceful.
Lujiazui’s soft soil made construction a challenge, but engineers found a smart solution.
The tower was built using deep foundation systems combined with steel pipe sheet piles.
These techniques anchor the structure firmly into the earth, allowing it to stand strong even on tricky terrain.
The Oriental Pearl Tower even shares some of its underground engineering ideas with the nearby Jin Mao Tower—a great example of teamwork in high-rise innovation.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is equipped with 14 high-performance Otis elevators, including double-deck sightseeing elevators that can carry more passengers at once.
This helps reduce waiting times and keeps the flow moving, especially during peak hours.
One of the highlights?
The inclined sightseeing elevator—a rare feature that breaks away from traditional vertical movement.
Riding it offers a fun, tilted view as you glide up along the angled leg of the tower, adding a touch of thrill to the journey.
Depending on which elevator you take, the ride moves at 2.5 to 5 meters per second, getting you to the top in a flash.
But the speed doesn’t mean you miss the view.
Thanks to glass-sided cabins, you can watch the interior structure change as you rise—spheres getting smaller, beams crossing, the tower narrowing.
It’s a visually dynamic experience that builds anticipation before you even reach the observation decks.
The entire journey feels like an ascent through both architecture and atmosphere.
At the very top of the tower sits the Sky Capsule at 351 meters, offering 360-degree panoramic views with no visual obstructions.
At night, it’s pure magic—the glowing skyline of Lujiazui, flowing traffic trails, and the shimmering lights across the Huangpu River combine into a breathtaking sea of lights.
It’s one of the best spots in Shanghai for night photography, giving visitors the chance to capture stunning urban landscapes from above.
This is the main viewing level and a favorite for most visitors.
From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of both Pudong and Puxi.
But there’s more than just the view—interactive exhibitions, multimedia displays, and city planning models help tell the story of Shanghai’s rapid transformation.
It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing and learning that adds depth to your visit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, step onto the 259-meter glass walkway—a circular, transparent corridor that wraps around the tower.
Looking straight down, you’ll see streets, cars, and people far below, giving the thrilling sensation of walking on air.
It’s a bold test of courage and a social media favorite for jaw-dropping photos.
Unlike the high-altitude decks, the 90-meter open-air terrace lets you feel the breeze and get an up-close look at the tower’s engineering—massive columns, slanted supports, and industrial elegance.
From this mid-level viewpoint, you can better observe the Lujiazui skyline layout, hear the hum of the city, and enjoy a quieter but still immersive perspective.
One of the most immersive highlights is the “Rise of Shanghai” multimedia show at 78 meters.
Using dramatic projection mapping, synchronized lighting, and stirring music, the show brings Shanghai’s journey from a fishing village to a global metropolis to life.
It’s a quick but powerful experience that wraps history, emotion, and innovation into a light and sound spectacle.
Located 95 meters above ground, the indoor VR roller coaster is a must-try for thrill seekers.
It combines real-world speed and turns with immersive virtual reality effects.
Once you strap on the headset, you’ll find yourself racing through fantasy worlds while the coaster twists and dives in sync.
It’s a next-level adrenaline experience that feels far beyond your average ride.
If you’re looking for a romantic or memorable meal, the revolving restaurant at 267 meters is hard to beat.
It serves a buffet of international and local dishes—from sushi and steak to classic Shanghai cuisine—all while slowly rotating 360 degrees every two hours.
As you dine, the skyline shifts around you, offering ever-changing views of the city below.
Located within the tower, the Shanghai Urban History Museum brings the city’s rich story to life.
With over 1,000 artifacts, lifelike wax figures, immersive re-creations of old streets, and multimedia displays, the museum walks you through Shanghai’s journey from a fishing village to a global powerhouse.
It’s a fascinating and educational stop that adds cultural depth to your visit.
Inside the lower spherical structure, you’ll find a hotel with uniquely designed rooms—some offering stunning views of the Huangpu River.
At the base of the tower, a shopping and dining zone features souvenir shops, creative gift boutiques, and snack stalls with local and international food.
Whether you’re hungry, hunting for gifts, or need a place to stay, the Oriental Pearl Tower has you covered.
Every evening at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM, the Oriental Pearl Tower comes alive with a timed light and music show.
The lights dance to the rhythm, shifting through vibrant colors and patterns that light up the skyline.
The entire display turns the tower into a glowing dream, attracting crowds who stop to watch this magical nighttime experience.
It’s one of the best times to visit if you want unforgettable photos or simply soak in the city’s night energy.
Outside of the scheduled shows, the tower is still a dynamic visual landmark.
Its exterior features LED light projections that change throughout the night. Sometimes, the tower displays iconic Shanghai imagery—like the Bund or modern skyline.
Other times, it shows animated light art that flows across the surface.
Whether you’re viewing from the Bund, a river cruise, or nearby skyscrapers, the light sculpture effect is stunning and always camera-ready.
The tower is generally open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last entry at 8:30 PM.
However, hours may vary depending on the season or special events.
Before your visit, it’s a good idea to check the official website or a reliable travel app for the latest schedule to avoid any surprises.
To fully enjoy everything the Oriental Pearl Tower has to offer, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours.
Start with the Shanghai History Museum at the base to get a sense of the city’s roots.
Then, move upward—exploring the main observation decks, glass skywalk, and VR attractions.
This route gives you a smooth flow from culture to thrill, making the experience more meaningful and fun.
The tower is worth visiting year-round, with each season offering a different vibe:
Spring brings a fresh green cityscape.
Summer pulses with energy and warm skies.
Autumn adds golden leaves and crisp air.
Winter gives a quieter, more serene feel.
That said, night visits are especially magical. When the light shows begin, the whole city transforms into a glowing wonderland.
If you love city lights and dreamy skyline views, evening hours are the perfect time to go.
The easiest and most efficient way to reach the Oriental Pearl Tower is by Metro Line 2 or Line 14.
Just hop off at Lujiazui Station, and the tower is right outside the station.
This method helps you avoid traffic jams and gets you there quickly.
Keep in mind that rush hours can be crowded, so plan accordingly if you’re not a fan of packed trains.
Several public bus lines stop near the tower, and some are part of Shanghai’s scenic tour routes, offering great views of the city along the way.
For a more immersive experience, sightseeing buses with live guides are a great option—they provide fun stories and background info about the places you’ll pass.
Buying tickets online in advance—either through official platforms or travel apps—is highly recommended.
Not only can you get discounts, but you’ll also skip long lines at the entrance.
Here are the main ticket options:
Double Sphere Ticket (¥199) – Includes access to two main observation levels. Great for most visitors.
Triple Sphere Ticket (¥299) – Takes you all the way to the top for the full panoramic experience. (P.S. Almost all local travelers think it’s not worth it.)
Some packages also include Huangpu River cruises, giving you the chance to enjoy the tower from the water.
If that sounds appealing, look for combo deals when booking!
The Oriental Pearl Tower sits at the heart of Lujiazui, surrounded by some of Shanghai’s most iconic sights.
After your tower visit, here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
The Bund – Just across the river, this historic waterfront is lined with elegant European-style buildings. When the lights come on at night, the contrast with Pudong’s modern skyline is truly magical.
To make the most of your visit, here’s a flexible sightseeing route:
Day 1:
Morning: Start at the Oriental Pearl Tower—explore the observation decks, museum, and fun attractions inside.
Afternoon: Walk over to The Bund and enjoy river views and the historical architecture.
Evening: Head to Nanjing Road for shopping and dinner under the city lights.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit Yu Garden to soak in classical Chinese garden charm.
Afternoon: Explore the First National Congress Site to learn about the city’s revolutionary past.
Evening: End your day in Lujiazui CBD, marveling at the skyscrapers and enjoying a riverside stroll or rooftop drink.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is renowned for its unique architecture, blending modern technology with traditional Chinese aesthetics. As a symbol of Shanghai, it offers breathtaking views of the city, iconic observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a rich historical exhibit in the Shanghai History Museum.
Yes, visitors can enter the Oriental Pearl Tower. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available in two options: ¥199 for access to the bottom and middle spheres, or ¥399 for all three spheres, including the top.
The Oriental Pearl Tower was completed on October 1, 1994, making it nearly 30 years old. Since then, it has remained a symbol of Shanghai’s modern skyline and a must-visit destination.
The Oriental Pearl Tower features two types of elevators with different speeds. The high-speed elevator operates at 7 meters per second, while the inclined elevator runs at 2.5 meters per second. Both provide efficient access to different observation levels for visitors.
The Oriental Pearl Tower stands 468 meters tall and consists of 25 floors, spread across five main sections: three floors in the tower base, four floors in the lower sphere, five floors across the smaller spheres, nine floors in the upper sphere, and four floors in the space capsule.
The lighting schedule varies by season:
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Hi there!
Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
This site is a one-person project I run part-time. I research and publish all the content myself, and the translations are currently done by machine (Google Translate). Balancing accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages is a real challenge.
If you spot any errors, I recommend switching to the English version using the button at the bottom left. I’ll continue working to improve the translations over time.
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— Anthony 2025.6.18
