Written by
Anthony
Standing tall in Shanghai’s vibrant Lujiazui financial district, Shanghai Tower is truly a modern wonder. Soaring to 632 meters (2,073 feet), it holds the title of China’s tallest building and ranks third in the world. Construction started back in 2008 and was completed in 2016, creating an impressive landmark that now dominates Shanghai’s skyline.
But Shanghai Tower is much more than just its height. With 127 floors above ground and 5 underground levels, it’s a vertical city that brings together office spaces, luxury hotels, shopping centers, observation decks, and entertainment venues. Covering over 578,000 square meters, it’s a perfect blend of cutting-edge design, sustainable architecture, and modern functionality. Recognized with numerous international awards, including LEED Platinum certification, Shanghai Tower showcases China’s rapid rise in architectural innovation and global urban development.
1993: Shanghai’s government proposed the Lujiazui plan, including three skyscrapers (Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the future Shanghai Tower) to create a landmark cluster.
March 2005: The Lujiazui Z3-2 plot (Shanghai Tower site) was officially listed for public bidding.
April 2005: Invitations were sent to several major companies like Sun Hung Kai and Hutchison Whampoa to bid for the project.
September 2005: The bidding process was suspended and eventually terminated.
September 2006: A new round of project bidding was organized by Shanghai authorities.
November 2007: A joint venture was formed by Lujiazui Group, Shanghai Construction Group, and Shanghai Urban Construction Investment to develop the project.
December 2007: The project company was officially established and design evaluation meetings were held.
November 29, 2008: Construction of the main foundation piles began.
July 18, 2009: Foundation pile work was completed.
February 9, 2010: Excavation of the main building’s foundation pit was finished.
March 29, 2010: The massive foundation slab was poured in a single continuous operation.
August 2, 2012: Installation of the exterior curtain wall glass began.
December 31, 2012: Construction of the underground passage system started.
August 3, 2013: The final steel beam of the main structure was installed, reaching 125 floors and 580 meters.
July 10, 2014: Concrete pouring for the roof slab was completed.
August 3, 2014: Steel structure work was fully topped out.
October 29, 2014: Exterior lighting tests began.
November 19, 2014: Curtain wall glass installation completed on the tower crown from 556m to 632m.
April 2015: Gas pipeline connections were finished, enabling full utility access.
September 30, 2015: The entire building was fully lit up for the first time.
March 12, 2016: Full construction of Shanghai Tower was officially completed.
April 27, 2016: Partial trial operations began; podium and underground levels opened to the public.
December 22, 2016: The tower’s weather warning system was activated for the first time.
January 1, 2017: The tower started broadcasting real-time weather alerts from its rooftop screens.
April 26, 2017: The “Top of Shanghai Observatory” on the 118th floor officially opened to visitors.
Shanghai Tower is not just a skyscraper—it’s a full vertical city. Rising 632 meters with 127 above-ground floors and 5 underground levels, it is China’s tallest building and one of the world’s tallest. The tower serves multiple purposes, including offices, luxury hotels, commercial spaces, and observation decks. In addition, the tower features a 7-story podium, with 5 levels above ground and 2 underground, standing 38 meters tall. Altogether, Shanghai Tower offers a massive total floor area of about 578,000 square meters, including 410,000 square meters above ground and 168,000 square meters below. It sits on a 30,368-square-meter plot and integrates about 33% green space into its design, blending modern architecture with environmental consciousness.
The Shanghai Tower is divided into 8 vertical zones and 1 observation zone, each topped with equipment and refuge floors. The lower sections house retail and conference facilities, while most middle zones serve as office spaces. Higher levels include luxury hotels and observation decks, with additional equipment zones at the very top. The tower also features 5 underground levels for parking and commercial use.
Located on the B5 level, Baoku Vault is a secure underground vault certified by UL. It offers safe storage for private valuables, corporate backups, and financial institutions.
Located on B2 and at the 118th-floor observation area, this store sells over 1,000 uniquely designed souvenirs ranging from stationery to fashion, home goods, and toys—all carrying the distinct Shanghai Tower branding.
On the first floor, this exhibition space features rotating cultural displays, including the “Silk Road Dunhuang” exhibit and immersive showcases like The Three-Body Problem.
Located on B1, this interactive exhibition showcases the tower’s design DNA through multimedia displays covering Shanghai’s skyline evolution, supertall construction, and architectural innovations.
Standing at the main entrance lobby, this 3.08-meter bronze sculpture by artist Chen Yifei brings a 1930s Shanghai woman to life, capturing old Shanghai’s charm with a qipao dress, birdcage, and hand fan.
Spread across levels 1 and 2, the office lobby features 50-60 meter high ceilings, with artistic installations like the Heart Landscape glass mural, Fish Joy ceramic works, and the Shanghai Girl bronze sculpture.
At transfer levels on floors 22, 37, 52, and 68, sky lobbies house fitness centers, dining, museums, and beautiful indoor gardens.
22nd Floor: Fitness, dental care, executive dining, and coworking lounges.
37th Floor: The Guanfumuseum and China’s highest classical Ming-style garden, Banmu Garden.
52nd & 68th Floors: Bookstores and Michelin-starred restaurants.
A stunning miniature Ming Dynasty-style Chinese garden located at 37F, combining pavilions, flowing streams, and oriental aesthetics inside a modern skyscraper.
Also on 37F, this Western-style garden designed by Dutch architect Alfonso Wolbert showcases pillars and motifs representing eight ancient lost civilizations, reminding visitors of humanity’s fragile heritage.
Located at 37F, the museum hosts permanent exhibitions on ceramics, goldware, sculpture, and cross-cultural art, blending historical education with high cultural value.
At 52F, this bookstore offers panoramic river views, books, drinks, and a peaceful cultural space above the clouds.
On the 38th floor, visitors can explore fine Chinese craftsmanship from nearly 100 national masters, covering 5,000 years of artisanal tradition, as well as enjoy rotating exhibitions and workshops.
Between floors 86 and 98, J Hotel offers 165 luxurious rooms (61–380 m²), combining Eastern aesthetics and modern luxury. Personalized butler services, Michelin-level dining, and stunning city views await guests.
Spanning floors 118 and 119, this observation deck features floor-to-ceiling glass walls at 546 and 552 meters, offering 360-degree views of Shanghai’s skyline—one of the world’s highest observation decks.
At 125F, visitors can explore interactive exhibits showcasing the tower’s 1,000-ton damper system that stabilizes the building against strong winds.
Located on the 126th floor, this cultural center offers immersive multimedia shows and music experiences. Its central sculpture, “The Eye of Shanghai,” weighs 7 tons and was inspired by the legendary “Candle Dragon” in Chinese mythology.
The Shanghai Tower podium spans from B2 up to the 5th floor. It houses two major zones: a shopping mall from B2 to the 4th floor and a conference center from the 1st to 5th floor.
Located from B2 to 4F, the Shanghai Boutique Mall reflects the tower’s “vertical city” concept. The mall features a wide variety of businesses, including:
Luxury retail shops
Automotive showrooms
Business lounges and casual dining
Future banking services
Coffee shops
Creative cultural outlets
Branded merchandise and souvenirs
Whether you’re shopping, relaxing, or networking, the mall covers nearly every lifestyle need.
Spanning 1F to 5F, the conference center offers world-class event spaces and services. VIP guests can access private elevators, while a welcoming service philosophy ensures a smooth and comfortable experience for every visitor.
Located on the 2nd floor, the Grand Ballroom covers 2,000 square meters and stands 10.3 meters tall. This pillar-free hall features:
A massive 100 m² P4 LED display
Cutting-edge audio-visual equipment
It’s ideal for major events like:
Corporate annual meetings
Product launches
Industry forums
Auto shows
The ballroom is also uniquely equipped with a circular ramp, allowing cars to drive directly into the event space.
Located on the 5th floor, the Garden Hall offers:
1,148 m² space with 7.5-meter ceilings
A semi-circular layout with an outdoor terrace
A 33 m² P4 LED screen, 20,000-lumen projection, and BOSE surround sound.
Its outdoor terrace opens into Lujiazui’s largest garden, making it a perfect venue for:
Outdoor weddings
Private parties
Special ceremonies
Also on the 5th floor, this luxury meeting room offers:
A 7.58-meter Burmese golden teak conference table
12 master artworks decorating the walls
Separate VIP lounges, private restrooms, and a sunroom
It’s ideal for board meetings and high-level executive gatherings.
Seven circular multi-function rooms are distributed across the 5th floor, offering:
Flexible spaces for breakout meetings or intimate banquets
State-of-the-art video conferencing systems
Live interaction between multiple venues
Outer-ring corridors perfect for coffee breaks and networking sessions
Beneath Shanghai Tower, on level B2, lies the Underground Public Walkway, an essential part of the Lujiazui Central District underground development project.
Length: About 340 meters
Total area: Around 5,500 square meters
Maximum width: Approximately 15 meters
This underground corridor seamlessly connects Shanghai Tower with several major landmarks:
Jin Mao Tower
Shanghai World Financial Center
Shanghai IFC
Shanghai Metro Line 2
96 Plaza
Together, these buildings form Lujiazui’s iconic “Golden Triangle.” Beyond the surface streets and elevated walkways, this hidden passage creates an underground network that links some of Shanghai’s most important skyscrapers, shopping centers, and transport hubs. It’s not just a walkway — it’s the lifeline that ties the entire financial district together, offering visitors easy, weather-proof access to many attractions.
The design of Shanghai Tower rises in a graceful spiral, as if breaking through the earth like a dragon soaring into the sky — a powerful symbol of modern China’s rapid ascent. The tower’s shape embodies both bold modernism and deep cultural heritage.
Inspired by the flowing curves of the nearby Huangpu River, the architects used asymmetry and organic lines to mirror Shanghai’s urban fabric. The vertical layout also draws from traditional Chinese architectural elements, especially the city’s famous Shikumen (stone gate houses), where semi-private courtyards and alleys serve as social spaces. By stacking these “lanes” vertically, Shanghai Tower transforms familiar local features into a futuristic vertical city.
This blend of cultural identity and cutting-edge design allows Shanghai Tower to represent not only an engineering marvel but also a landmark deeply rooted in Shanghai’s unique history and vibrant lifestyle.
Shanghai Tower’s foundation combines open-cut and reverse construction techniques. The main circular pit has a diameter of 123.4 meters and a depth of 31.2 meters. Its protective diaphragm walls are 1.2 meters thick and 50 meters deep, topped with a 6-meter-thick base slab—one of the largest of its kind globally.
The tower features stacked circular floor plates that gradually taper as they rise. Utility and refuge floors are placed between sections, with each atrium soaring about 80 meters high. The double curtain wall system includes an inner circular glass wall and an outer triangular twisted facade that rotates approximately 120° as it rises, enhancing wind resistance and energy efficiency.
Shanghai Tower uses a hybrid “mega frame–core–outrigger truss–concrete” structure for stability:
Mega Frame: Composed of 8 massive steel-concrete columns, 4 corner columns, and 8 ring trusses, these components distribute both vertical and lateral loads efficiently, protecting the tower from wind and earthquakes.
Core Tube: A steel-reinforced concrete core with composite shear walls provides rigidity. Its shape transitions from a square base to a cross-like form at higher levels, allowing better load transfer and seismic performance.
Outrigger Trusses: Positioned at six vertical locations, these trusses connect the core to exterior columns, reducing sway and inter-floor displacement under high wind conditions.
Radial Trusses: They support the mechanical equipment and hang the external curtain wall panels, distributing loads back to the primary structure.
The facade is made of over 20,000 glass panels, with 7,000 unique shapes. V-shaped grooves in the panels emphasize the tower’s spiral form while reducing wind pressure by over 32%. The curtain wall can also flex during extreme wind or seismic events, moving up to 25 cm safely.
Shanghai Tower features dynamic LED lighting with themed light shows for weekdays, weekends, holidays, and special events. Over 2,000 square meters of LED screens on the crown create breathtaking skyline displays synchronized with nearby landmark buildings.
Shanghai Tower sets new standards in green architecture:
Vertical Gardens: Indoor gardens, Chinese-style courtyards, and Western landscapes bring nature into the skyscraper.
Wind Turbines: Vertical-axis wind turbines at the top harvest energy efficiently even at high altitudes.
Rainwater Recycling: Advanced filtration systems clean and reuse rainwater for non-potable purposes.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling: Ground source heat pumps reduce energy consumption by 40% compared to traditional HVAC systems.
Green Construction: Recycled materials, waste reduction, and low-emission construction practices minimized the environmental footprint.
Distributed Energy System: On-site power generation improves efficiency and reduces transmission losses.
Heat Recovery: Captured heat warms hotel water systems, further conserving resources.
Smart Lighting: Light sensors automatically adjust brightness, cutting electricity use by 30–40%.
Variable Air Volume (VAV): Modern air control systems fine-tune ventilation, improving comfort while saving energy.
The podium of Shanghai Tower is wrapped in a golden exterior and was built using reverse construction techniques. Its basement structure is supported by dual-purpose diaphragm walls that are 1.2 meters thick and extend 48 meters deep. The base slab is 1.6 meters thick. Ultra-deep bored piles serve as key foundation elements, with precise vertical alignment closely monitored after each excavation layer. After foundation completion, steel columns were encased in concrete to form permanent structural supports, ensuring long-term stability.
The podium’s excavation pit covers a large and irregular area, with significant width in the east-west direction. Structural columns maintain consistent alignment across different levels. Highly accurate horizontal control systems were used to ensure structural consistency across all floors, even in the extensive underground parking garage and utility areas.
A distinctive circular corridor runs through the podium’s five-story conference center. At its narrowest, it measures nearly 5 meters wide. The walls feature textured strip designs, reminiscent of flowing musical notes. The floor showcases light-colored terrazzo in large, sweeping arcs, creating a clean and elegant appearance. The spacious pre-function lobby features towering art installations inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night, symbolizing Shanghai’s ever-evolving skyline along the Huangpu River.
The underground boulevard beneath Shanghai Tower features a bold, futuristic design inspired by the Huangpu River’s gentle curves. Its terrazzo flooring uses flowing blue tones to mimic water, directly evoking the rhythm and movement of the river. The walkway’s curving layout intentionally guides foot traffic, creating a natural sense of flow for visitors.
The ceiling lighting imitates dappled sunlight streaming through a tree canopy, while the overall space design draws inspiration from the earliest human dwellings—caves. This blend of natural elements with modern architecture gives the underground passage a distinctive sense of both comfort and innovation.
At 125 stories above ground, Shanghai Tower’s most impressive secret is the world-class tuned mass damper nicknamed the “Shanghai Eye.” This massive pendulum weighs 1,000 tons and helps stabilize the skyscraper against strong winds and typhoons. Suspended by twelve 25-meter-long steel cables, the damper moves gently in the opposite direction of wind sway, reducing building vibrations by up to 43%.
Thanks to this cutting-edge, China-developed eddy-current damping system, even during powerful storms like Typhoon Bebinca, over 90% of occupants barely feel any shaking. With a maximum swing of up to 2 meters, the system ensures both safety and comfort at extreme heights — a true engineering marvel keeping China’s tallest building standing steady.
Shanghai Tower is not only an architectural wonder but also a vibrant hub for cultural and public events:
2015: The tower received its prestigious LEED-CS Platinum Certification for green building excellence.
2016:
Hosted matchmaking and friendship events, offering exclusive inside access to China’s tallest building.
The 4th UK-China High-Level People-to-People Dialogue was held in the Garden Hall on Level 5.
The Shanghai International Photography Festival opened on the Boulevard Level B2, focusing on Shanghai’s skyline.
2017:
Guinness World Records presented Shanghai Tower with its official certification at Level 8.
The WorldSkills Organization visited for site evaluation and collaboration.
2019: Celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China with a dedicated exhibition.
2021:
Hosted the “Great Journey” historical exhibition at the 118th floor observation deck.
Launched the book Personal Experience and Glory on Level 119.
Opened the world’s highest firefighting experience center on National Fire Safety Day.
The CCTV Spring Festival Gala segment Flowing Clouds and Water was filmed at the top of the tower.
2022:
Calligraphy master Xu Mei taught children how to write ancient oracle bone script at Duoyun Bookstore on Level 52.
2024:
The first-ever Shanghai Tower Women’s Vertical Marathon was held, with 500 female athletes from around the world racing to the top.
Since its conception, Shanghai Tower has received numerous prestigious awards, highlighting its architectural innovation, engineering excellence, and cultural significance:
2012: Awarded China’s Three-Star Green Building Design Label by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
2015: Earned the LEED-CS Platinum Certification for sustainable building.
2016:
Won the MIPIM People’s Choice Award.
Received the China High-Rise Building Innovation Award for its suspended curtain wall system.
Featured in Architectural Record‘s 125 Most Important Buildings since its founding.
Honored with the 2016 Outstanding Structure Award by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).
Awarded the American Architecture Prize (AAP) Design of the Year.
Named the “Best Tall Building Worldwide 2016” by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).
Titled “World’s Most Beautiful Skyscraper 2015” by Emporis.
2017: Won China’s prestigious Luban Prize for construction excellence.
2018: Received the 15th Zhan Tianyou Award for Civil Engineering.
2019:
Awarded the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Progress Grand Prize.
Received the BOMA Global Innovation Award.
Listed among the CTBUH’s 50 Most Influential Tall Buildings Worldwide.
Won China’s National Quality Engineering Gold Award.
2020: Named one of Shanghai’s Top Ten New Landmarks.
2022: Included in the “100 Great Buildings of New Era China” list.
2023: Its Party-Building Exhibition Hall was designated a Shanghai Patriotism Education Base.
As the final jewel in the crown of Lujiazui’s super-tall skyline, Shanghai Tower plays a vital role in shaping Shanghai’s status as a global financial powerhouse. It serves not only as a hub for finance but also as a vertical city, combining offices, hotels, convention centers, retail spaces, and observation decks all within one soaring structure. Together with Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower forms a signature “tripod” skyline that defines the heart of Lujiazui’s financial district.
Beyond its architectural height, Shanghai Tower represents China’s bold step forward in blending modern engineering with cultural identity. Its innovative design prioritizes public space, sacrificing private floor area to create vibrant, accessible areas for visitors and workers alike. This approach moves beyond purely commercial ambitions, reflecting a modern vision of urban development that values public interaction and cultural experience.
At 632 meters tall, Shanghai Tower stands as the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world — a historic milestone as China’s first skyscraper to surpass 600 meters. It showcases the remarkable progress made in Chinese construction technology, design innovation, and modern urban planning since the country’s reform and opening-up era. The tower is not just a building; it’s a powerful symbol of China’s rising influence, technical expertise, and architectural creativity.
Shanghai Tower is located in the heart of Lujiazui Financial District, at 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It stands alongside two other iconic skyscrapers—Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center—forming the famous “tripod” skyline of Pudong.
By Metro:
Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, exit at Exit 6, and follow signs through the IFC Mall to reach Shanghai Tower.
Alternatively, take Metro Line 14 to Lujiazui Station and exit from Exit 9A for a short walk.
By Bus:
Multiple bus lines serve the nearby area, including 01, 798, 783, 799, 992, Tunnel Lines, and others that stop at Century Avenue, Dongfang Hospital, and East Chang Road.
By Ferry:
Take the ferry to Dongchang Road Pier, then transfer to Bus 339 to reach the tower.
By Foot:
Walk about 5 km from Shanghai International Cruise Terminal (approx. 20 minutes).
You can also access it easily from the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.
By Car:
Shanghai Tower has a 3-level underground parking garage with 1,800 parking spaces and several EV charging stations. Entrances are located at Yincheng Middle Road, Lujiazui Ring Road, and Huayuan Shiqiao Road.
Start your visit by purchasing tickets at the “Top of Shanghai” ticket office located at the northwest corner of the tower (near Yincheng Middle Road and Huayuan Shiqiao Road). After passing through the exhibition area on Basement Level 1, visitors descend to Basement Level 2 to board the high-speed elevators that will whisk you to the 546-meter observation deck in just 55 seconds.
Shanghai Tower holds multiple world records for its elevators:
Fastest Elevator (OB3): 20.5 meters per second.
Highest Elevator (FLH): 578.5 meters.
Fastest Double-Decker Elevators (8X & 6X): 10 meters per second.
In total, 106 Mitsubishi elevators operate inside the tower, designed for both efficiency and energy-saving.
Pricing:
Adult ticket: ¥180 (includes access to both the exhibition hall and 118th-floor observation deck)
Operating Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last admission at 7:30 PM)
Discounts & Free Admission:
Children (≤1 meter tall or ≤3 years old): Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
Children (1.0m–1.4m) & Students (under 23 with valid student ID): ¥120
Seniors (≥60 years old): ¥120
Military Personnel & Disabled Visitors: ¥120 (with valid ID)
Plan 14 days in Yunnan with a classic route plus Yubeng, covering cities, lakes, snow mountains, Tibetan culture, costs, and tips.
Discover the 1989 Earth Snake zodiac meaning and 2026 forecast, including personality, career, wealth, love, health, lucky elements, and practical advice.
A calm and supportive 2026 forecast for people born in 1940, focusing on health, family harmony, financial stability, and a peaceful, well-balanced retirement year.
The average monthly salary in China is around ¥5,790 (private) to ¥10,342 (public), varying widely by city, industry, and job role.
Learn what yin and yang mean, how the symbol developed, why balance is dynamic, and how the concept shaped Chinese philosophy and culture.
Explore Lhasa’s sacred temples, local culture, and travel tips. Discover when to go, how to get there, where to stay, and what to see in Tibet’s holy city.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
We’re looking for experienced, part-time local guides to serve international travelers.
Requirements:
• Fluent in at least one foreign language
• 3–5 years guiding international visitors
• Able to operate in multiple regions in China
• Competitive and reasonable pricing
• Proven customer reviews or testimonials
• Professional, reliable, and responsive
• Flexible availability for custom trips
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.
I truly appreciate your understanding. And if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment — it means a lot to me.
— Anthony 2025.6.18
