Shanghai Jinmao Tower: Challenge the Tallest Skywalk in the World

Written by Clementine | Updated December 29,2025

Jin Mao Tower is at 88 Century Avenue, in the new Pudong area of Shanghai, specifically in the Lujiazui finance and trade zone. To the south it looks toward the Pudong Zhangyang Road trade zone – the new Pudong area is to the east. Shanghai and the Huangpu River appear to the west and the 100,000-square-meter central green space is north.

A notable structure in Shanghai’s Pudong, the Jin Mao Tower joins Western construction approaches with Chinese pagoda design. Office spaces, a hotel rated five stars, a convention centre, places for recreation and shopping areas coexist within this tall, mixed-use building. During a Shanghai tour, you should never miss this attraction, as it is where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city skyline.

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• Fast Facts about Jin Mao Tower
• Why is the Jinmao Tower Famous?
• Why Choose Jin Mao Over Other Towers?
• Jin Mao Tower Structural Design
• Must Try Experiences in Jin Mao Tower
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get to Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQs about Jin Mao Tower
• Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour

Fast Facts about Jin Mao Tower

• Location: 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Chinese name: 金茂大厦
• Height:5 meters
• How many floors does it has:88
• When was the Jin Mao Tower built: 1994
• Architect: Adrian Smith
• Tickets: 120 yuan for adult ticket, 288 yuan for Skywalk and 88th sightseeing floor; Skywalk single ticket: 288 yuan per person
• Opening hours: 08:30-21:30
• Best time to visit: all seasons
• Recommended visiting time:half an hour

Why is the Jinmao Tower Famous?

The Jin Mao Tower is a tower-shaped structure that is 88 stories tall, 420.5 meters high, and about 24,000 square meters in size. Its total construction area is 290,000 square meters.

From the glass curtain wall of the building you can get a wide view of the modern urban scenery on both sides of the Huangpu river and the magnificent view of the Yangtze river estuary. Taking the tower’s high-speed elevator, you can reach the 88th floor in just 45 seconds. As the symbol of Shanghai, Jinmao tower is a fusion of science and technology of contemporary architecture and history, and it is also a representative work of high-rise buildings of China in the 20th century.

Why Choose Jin Mao Over Other Towers?

The first reason is that from Jin Mao Tower, you can take the best photos of the nearby two skyscrapers, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower. Because it is located in the center of the three buildings and its height is lower.

Besides, its beautiful design will feast your eyes. Its outlook imitates the ancient Chinese tower, and its atrium is like a time tunnel when illuminated by the lights. Same as the other two buildings, you can also overlook the prosperous Pudong New Area and Huangpu River in the sightseeing hall. But the skywalk outside the sightseeing hall is a very unique and challenging experience. It is the world’s highest outdoor fully transparent skywalk without a guardrail. And compared with the other two skyscrapers, its ticket is also lower, making it a cost-effective choice.

Jin Mao Tower Structural Design

The interior decoration of the entire building was designed by a company from the United States. The 1st – 2nd floors are the splendid lobby of the business area, and the 3rd -50th floors are column-free office areas. The 51st – 52nd floors are the center for the electromechanical equipment, and floors 53rd-87th is the luxury five star hotel–Grand Hyatt Shanghai which was named “the highest hotel in the world” by the Guinness World Records in 2000.

The 88th floor, one of the famous high-altitude observation platforms in Shanghai, is the sightseeing hall, where visitors can not only enjoy one of the best view in Shanghai, but also overlook the atrium of the hotel here. The 28 banisters of the loop corridor that is 27 meters in diameter are illuminated by neon lights, which looks shiny and is called “time tunnel” by the architects.

Concerning its outer image, to create a blend of current and ethnic styles, the designers went to all the renowned ancient pagodas in China, including the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in Dali, and Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou. They eventually decided to apply ancient Chinese pagodas as the design reference.

Must Try Experiences in Jin Mao Tower

Different Floors to Explore

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 88th floor, and then have a wonderful leisure time on the 87th floor where both cafe and art gallery are available. The gallery has collected many exquisite Taihu lake stones, and the most precious one is valued at nearly 200,000 yuan. Besides, the afternoon tea of Grand Hyatt Shanghai is the best in Shanghai, and guests can taste many creative and delicious desserts.

There are 79 elevators in Shanghai Jin Mao Tower, among which two super high-speed observation elevators can take 35 people once vertically and run 9.1 meters per second. These two elevators can transfer tourists from the first floor to the 88th floor in only 45 seconds, making people feel unprecedented speed experience.

Try A Skywalk

Jin Mao Tower has an interesting and challenge project called Jinmao Skywalk on the 88th floor for visitors, which is the tallest outdoor skywalk of the super-tall building in the world. It is 6 meters from the ground with a glass skywalk of 60 meters long and 1.2 meters wide and 340.6 meters from the ground. Visitors here can take about 20 minutes to do a Jinmao Skywalk by themselves and get a wide view of the modern urban scenery on both sides of the Huangpu river. This experience will no doubt leave an unforgettable memory for visitors traveling Shanghai.

Enjoy A Drink at the Rooftop Bar

The Cloud 9 Lounge, located on the 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower in Lujiazui, was once the highest bar in the world. It’s a great place to see Shanghai while enjoying cocktails and Asian snacks.

Have an Unique Photo with the Tower

Shanghai is home to many well-known photo locations. Among the great locations to photograph, the street near Jin Mao Tower sees many visitors. This results from the view it has, allowing one to capture Shanghai’s three famous buildings – Shanghai Centre, Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jin Mao Tower – in one image.

Spend a Romantic Night at the Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt is located in the Jin Mao Tower, which occupies floors 53 to 87 of the 88-story building. It has eight restaurants and bars. The Grand Hyatt’s location is ideal, paired with 548 luxury guestrooms, each of which are decorated in a new style of contemporary art, providing views of the magnificent Shanghai skyline.

√ Related reading: How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai: Your Ultimate Guide

Best Time to Visit

We highly recommend that the best time to visit Jinmao tower is a Sunny day or at night. Because the visibility is very clear during the sunny day, so it is conducive for tourists to view and take photos and have a better tourism experience. It is also a good choice to enjoy the charming night view of Shanghai at the sightseeing hall on the 88th floor.

Tips: Visitors had better avoid the official holiday in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays to ease the pressure of their work.

It may take a relatively long time to queue up for the elevator to the sightseeing hall. If you want to save time, it is better to visit there at opening time (8:30 AM) or after dinner (after 7:00 PM).

Official Holidays in China

How to Get to Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai

• By bus:Visitors can take No.82, 85, 314, 795, 798, 799, 971, 992 and Lujiazui Jinrongcheng Line 4 and get off at the Lujiazui Subway Station, then walk toward the east about 300 meters along the Century Avenue. You can also take Sightseeing Line 2 or Lujiazui Jinrongcheng Line 2 and get off at the Jinmao Tower Station.
• By subway: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station, then walk about 300 meters can get to the Jinmao Tower.

Related reading: 15 Shanghai Facts You Need to Know Before You Go

Nearby Attractions

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower:The height of Shanghai’s “Oriental Pearl Tower” is 468 meters. It was once the tallest tower in China and the tallest TV tower in Asia. It complements the Bund’s collection of international-style buildings across the river.
• Yuyuan Garden:The Yuyuan Garden is one of the five major classical gardens in Shanghai and a gem of the classical gardens in the Jiangnan region. It was originally a private garden owned by a Ming Dynasty official.

FAQs about Jin Mao Tower

What architectural style is the Jin Mao Tower known for?

It is known for its perfect combination of modern skyscraper with Chinese traditional tower-shaped architectural style.

How do visitors get tickets for the observation deck?

You can book on-site or through the online platform, such as Ctrip.

What is the famous 33-story circular atrium inside the Jin Mao Tower, and where is the best place to view it?

It is the atrium of Grand Hyatt Shanghai and the best place to see it is the sightseeing hall on the 88^th floor.

Does the tower feature a revolving restaurant, and where is the famous Cloud 9 Lounge located?

There is no revolving restaurant. The Cloud 9 Lounge is on the 87^th floor.

How far in advance should I purchase tickets, especially if I want to do the Skywalk experience?

At least one day earlier is needed.

Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour

To ensure your Shanghai tour goes smoothly, it is necessary to book the tickets for the scenic areas in advance in consideration of its popularity. China Xian Tour can offer the service for you. In addition, our tailored trip also includes the hotels, driver and guide and can meet all the needs of tourists. So your travel experience will be satisfying and care-free. Just contact with our travel consultant now to ask for recommendations and talk about your Shanghai tour together.