Shanghai Tower

Shanghai
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About this experience

Shanghai Tower stands as China's tallest building and the world's third tallest, reaching 632 metres into the skyline of Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district. Its distinctive spiral design twists as it rises, a form that reduces wind loads by 24% while creating one of the city's most recognisable silhouettes. Beyond its architectural innovation, the tower incorporates sustainable features including rainwater recycling systems and wind turbines that power parts of the building.

You'll reach the observation deck via the world's fastest elevators, travelling at 20.5 metres per second in a double-deck cabin that makes the journey as memorable as the destination. From the 118th floor, panoramic windows frame views across the Huangpu River to the Bund, while the cityscape of towers and neighbourhoods spreads in every direction. Upgrade your ticket to include access to the 126th-floor Sky632, where you can watch the damper light show that illuminates the tower's tuned mass damper—the engineering mechanism that keeps this skyscraper stable.

What to expect

Your visit begins at ground level, where you'll board one of the tower's record-breaking double-deck elevators. The ascent to the 118th floor takes under 60 seconds, climbing at 20.5 metres per second while digital displays track your progress. The sensation is smooth but swift, and the speed makes this part of the experience memorable in itself.

Once you step onto the observation deck at 632 metres, floor-to-ceiling windows provide 360-degree views across Shanghai. You can spot landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower nearby, while the historic Bund sits across the Huangpu River. If you've selected the upgraded ticket, you'll also access the 126th floor to see the damper light show, where coloured lights illuminate the massive tuned mass damper that stabilises the tower during high winds.

Highlights

  • Observation deck on the 118th floor at 632 metres, China's highest viewpoint
  • World's fastest elevators reaching speeds of 20.5 metres per second
  • Panoramic views across Shanghai, the Huangpu River, and the Bund
  • Spiral architecture that twists upward and reduces wind resistance by 24%
  • Sky632 damper light show on the 126th floor (with upgraded ticket)
  • Green building features including rainwater recycling and integrated wind turbines
  • Open daily from 08:30 to 21:30

Things to note

  • Arrive before sunset to see Shanghai in daylight and watch the city lights come on after dark
  • The elevator ride takes less than a minute but your ears may pop due to the rapid ascent
  • Bring a camera or phone with good low-light capability for evening visits
  • Clear days offer the best visibility across the city and surrounding areas
  • The observation deck can get busy during peak hours and weekends

What visitors say

4.6

2,997 reviews

Amos Chen

Amos Chen

2 months ago

Standing at the top of Shanghai Tower really puts the scale of the city into perspective. The elevator ride itself is an experience — incredibly fast and smooth — and within seconds you’re looking down at a completely different version of Shanghai. The observation deck offers a unique view compared to other skyscrapers nearby. Instead of just wide-open scenery, you get this layered, vertical cityscape with surrounding towers almost at eye level, which feels both futuristic and slightly surreal, especially at night. The interior design is modern and spacious, and the whole visit feels well organized without being rushed. It’s not just about the height — it’s about how the building makes you feel small while the city feels endless. If you want to truly understand Shanghai’s scale and ambition, this is the place to do it.

Nonnel

Nonnel

4 months ago

Well worth the visit. I have done both Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Tower and recommend this one. The viewing area is nicer and has a cafe with food/drinks. A fun fact is that the elevator is the fastest in the world. The hanging counter-weight was amazing to see. You can actually see it moving because of the winds force on the building. Heads up, it does have a weird show about 'nature'.

Mind Set On Travel

Mind Set On Travel

2 months ago

Such an amazing view from 118 floors up. The elevator journey was very quick and max speed was 18m/sec. A complete circular view of the city. One can see all the boats on the river and even relax on floor 119 and have a refreshment or even had a bite to eat on the Cafe.

Neumath

Neumath

3 months ago

Shanghai Tower was truly one of the highlight in the city of Shanghai. It is the tallest building in China standing at 630m and one of the tallest in the world, it is a masterpiece that immediately leaves you in wow moment even before you get inside the building. It has a modern design and futuristic. The experience becomes even more joyful once you enter. The lifts were so fast and smooth, journey to the observation deck was so quick from ground floor. Within seconds, you are on top of the building, amazing panoramic views of Shanghai. The view of the city skyline, the River view, and the surrounding high rise buildings are an absolutely beautiful, both during the day and at night. The deck is very spacious, clean, and properly organised for the visitors to move around comfortably and enjoy the views from different angles. The glass walls offer clear visibility, making it perfect for photos and videos. Staff members are friendly, professional, and helpful, which is overall positive. This Tower is not just about height, it represents innovation, engineering excellence. I highly recommend adding Shanghai Tower to your itinerary for an unforgettable and inspiring experience. Climbing up during the day gives clear view, at night go to the Bund area and see the buildings, it’s fully lit and some buildings even got some projection lights.

Onlysterbsli

Onlysterbsli

5 months ago

Visiting the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck was truly an amazing experience! The elevator ride alone is incredible — one of the fastest in the world, smoothly taking you to the 118th floor in under a minute. When you step out, you’re greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai — from the twisting Huangpu River to the futuristic skyline of Pudong and the historic Bund across the water. The deck itself is beautifully designed, clean, and well-organized, with plenty of space to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The displays and exhibits give great insight into the building’s design and Shanghai’s rapid development. Watching the sunset from up here and seeing the city lights come alive is absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this is one of those experiences you shouldn’t miss. A true highlight of Shanghai and worth every minute!

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Top of Shanghai Observatory at 118th Floor + 126th-Floor Sky632 Damper Light Show

Located opposite the Bund, Lujiazui is the heart of China's budding financial sector and the only specifically designated financial development zon...

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