Oriental Pearl TV Tower: The Most Photographed Landmark in Shanghai

Written by Clementine | Updated November 12,2025

Standing beside the Huangpu River and at the tip of Pudong Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower (also known as Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower) is one of the iconic cultural attractions and landmarks in Shanghai. It integrates urban sightseeing, fashionable catering, shopping and entertainment, historical display, Huangpu River Cruise, exhibitions and performances, radio and television broadcasting, and other functions.

Going onto the three main spheres of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one can stand at different heights to overlook the magnificent scenery of Shanghai, including the exotic buildings on the Bund, the surging waters of the Huangpu River, and the skyscrapers in Lujiazui. When the lights are bright and dazzling at night, it further becomes one of the popular places for tourists in Shanghai.

The main reasons why the Oriental Pearl Tower is so popular include its unique architectural design and height, rich functions and activities, as well as its symbolic significance in Shanghai. Looking from a distance, the Tower with the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest and the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast forms an unique picture like “two dragons playing with the pearl”. Going inside and up the Oriental Pearl Tower is absolutely one of the top things to do in Shanghai.

Content Preview

• Basic Facts about the Oriental Pearl Tower
• History and Design of the Oriental Pearl Tower
• Must-See Spots inside the Oriental Pearl Tower
• Special Occasions and Celebrations at Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower
• When is the Best Time to Visit?
• How to Get to the Oriental Pearl Tower?
• Essential Travel Tips
• Attractions Nearby the Oriental Pearl Tower

Basic Facts about the Oriental Pearl Tower

• Chinese Name: 东方明珠广播电视塔
• Location: 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, ShanghaiCity
• Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Stop entry time 20:30)
• Time Needed: About 1-3 hours
• Best Viewing Time: at sunset and when the building clusters in the Bundlight up, at night
• Highlights: It is the landmark building in Shanghai, the 6^th tallest tower in Asia and the 9^th tallest in the world.
• Heights: 468 meters
• Designer: Jiang Huanchen and Ling Liben

Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets

• Sky Walking Value Package: RMB199 per adult, including 263m Sightseeing Galleria + 259m Transparent Observatory + 90m Outdoor Observatory + 78m “Updating City” Dynamic Ring Multimedia Show + Shanghai History Museum
• Sky Walking Value Package+ Huangpu River Cruise: RMB 279 per adult, including 263m Sightseeing Galleria + 259m Transparent Observatory + 90m Outdoor Observatory + 78m “Updating City” Dynamic Ring Multimedia Show + Shanghai History Museum + Oriental Pearl Tower Tourism Wharf 45 minute Huangpu River Cruise
• Sky Walking Value Package+ Space Capsule: RMB 299 per adult, including Express Lane to the Tower + 351m Space Capsule + 263m Sightseeing Galleria + 259m Transparent Observatory + 90m Outdoor Observatory + 78m “Updating City” Dynamic Ring Multimedia Show + Shanghai History Museum
• Sky Walking Value Package+ Revolving Restaurant Buffet: RMB 368 per adult for Lunch (11:00-14:00); RMB 418 per adult for Dinner (17:00-21:00) , including Quick Access to the Tower During Meal Time + 267m Revolving Restaurant + 263m Sightseeing Galleria + 259m Transparent Observatory + 90m Outdoor Observatory + 78m “Updating City” Dynamic Ring Multimedia Show + Shanghai History Museum
• Shanghai History Museum (Single Ticket): RMB 35
• Huangpu River Cruise (Single Ticket): RMB 130

Oriental Pearl Tower also offers AR and MR entertainment (Sky Walking Value Package included), with the ticket prices RMB 219 and RMB 247 per adult respectively. At its 95-meter height, you can also experience the fantastic and exciting “VR Roller Coaster”.

History and Design of the Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower was built in July 1991 with the total investment of 830 million yuan. It was put into use in October 1994 and officially opened to the public in May 1995. The Tower has the ability to transmit 9 sets of wireless TV and 10 sets of FM radio programs, and can cover the entire area of Shanghai and neighboring provinces within a radius of 80 kilometers.On September 29, 2024, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower welcomed its 100,000,000 tourist – Peter Bauer from Germany.

With a total height of 468 meters, the Oriental Pearl Tower is famous for its unique design. Its design inspiration comes from the ancient Chinese poem “Big pearls, small pearls falling onto a jade plate”. From top to bottom, the tower is connected by 11 spheres of different sizes, creating a visual rhythmic beauty.

With a total construction area of 100,000 square meters, the Oriental Pearl Tower integrates modern technology and oriental culture. The body of the Tower is supported by three slant support and three columns, combining square, tower base, lower sphere, five small spheres, upper sphere, space capsule, transmission antenna mast and other parts to form a unique multi-cylinder structure.

How Many Floors Does the Oriental Pearl Tower Have?

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower has 25 layers in total, distributed in 5 different regions. The tower base has three floors and serves as the lobby and elevator hall. The lower sphere has four floors and is mainly an indoor amusement park. Here, you can basically see clearly the whole picture of Shanghai. The five small spheres are actually five high-altitude hotels, with a total of five floors.

The center elevation of the upper sphere is 272.5 meters, with nine floors. There are office areas and entertainment facilities here, including Asia’s tallest revolving restaurant, observation platforms, etc. There are astronomical telescopes around. The space capsule is 342 meters above the ground, divided into four floors. Tourists can only walk on the sightseeing floor, while the conference floor is used for business activities.

Must-See Spots inside the Oriental Pearl Tower

The Tower features a 351m Space Capsule, 267m Revolving Restaurant, Shanghai History Museum, 263m Sightseeing Galleria, 259m Transparent Observatory and other facilities.

Shanghai History Museum – Underground Floor

Visitors here can learn about Shanghai’s past, present and future. If you want to know something about history of Shanghai, Shanghai History Museum is a best place which shows the historical changes of Shanghai from 700 years ago to now. It covers an area of about 10,000 square meters, and gathers more than 100 wax figures. It is an innovative museum integrating history, culture, appreciation and entertainment.

78m “Updating City” Dynamic Ring Multimedia Show

What’s more, there is a 78-meter creative moving multimedia show called “78m ‘Updating City’ Dynamic Ring Multimedia Show”, which shows the beautiful vision that people will live in harmony with the nature in the next 70 years. The show is located in the lower half of the tower’s largest sphere, covering about 1,200 square meters. It lasts around 25–40 minutes and is included in most combo tickets. Visitors who’ve already entered the tower can also purchase a separate ticket for CNY 40, or choose a CNY 180 package that includes the Oriental Pearl Tower Sky Walking Value Package E Ticket and the show.

90m Outdoor Observatory

The 90-meter Outdoor Observatory has a spacious, open-air platform that allows visitors to step out to feel the breeze and enjoy a more direct connection with the cityscape. Though not the highest viewing point, it still offers a unique angle for viewing or taking picture of the Huangpu River and surrounding urban areas. It’s especially appealing to those who prefer outdoor panoramas and fresh air while having an indoor sightseeing.

98m Entertainment Sphere

The 98-meter level, also known as the Entertainment Sphere, provide visitors with a range of fun interactive experiences, including a 5D cinema, a thrilling VR roller coaster, an arcade game center and more. These attractions are popular among both kids and adults, as they can offer immersive and exciting break during your Oriental Pearl visit. Please note that all activities here are not included in standard observation or combo tickets.

Sky Walking and Sightseeing (259, 263, and 351 meters)

You can go to the 259 meters Transparent Observatory – the only 360 degree completely transparent observatory in the world, which is composed by 72 pieces of tempered glass with the circumference of 150 meters. Enjoy the panoramic view of Shanghai in the unique way of “walking in the air”. The 263 meters Sightseeing Galleria allows you to look down the two sides of the Pujiang River and deeply understand Shanghai’s vicissitudes and rich cultural heritage.

Located at a height of about 351 meters in the third sphere, the Space Capsule has an interior full of a sense of technology. It provides a broader view and make people feel like they are in the clouds, which is particularly popular among children.

Visitors ascending the Oriental Pearl Tower can simultaneously enjoy the splendid view of “wonder of the world” attractions – three super-high buildings which are over 420 meters high stands side by side. Namely Lujiazui Three-Piece Set (Jinmao Tower, World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower).

Recommended Restaurants in Oriental Pearl Tower

Asia’s Highest Revolving Restaurant (267m)

• Opening hours: 11:00 – 14:00; 17:00 – 21:00
• Average costs: CNY 288+ for lunch and CNY 340+ for dinner

There are many famous and creative restaurants in the Oriental Pearl Tower. The most famous is the Revolving Restaurant, with an area of 1,500 square meters and rotating a circle every 2 hours. Here you can not only enjoy the delicious food from Southeast Asia, Japan, China and European and American countries, but also appreciate the breathtaking view along the Huangpu River at the same time. Definitely an unforgettable experience during your Shanghai tours.

Coca-Cola Happiness Restaurant

• Opening hours: 11:00 – 14:00; 17:00 – 21:00
• Average costs: CNY 200 – 300

This restaurant is also popular with tourists, which is the only one parent-child interactive restaurant of the Coca-cola theme in the world. There is also an interactive amusement area with facilities like merry-go-round. Consumers can enjoy a joyous atmosphere here. About food, it also offers abundant foods from multiple countries, including Chinese, Japanese, Western and Southeast Asian flavors.

No.8 Old Shanghai Restaurant

• Opening hours: 11:00 – 14:00; 17:00 – 21:00
• Average costs: CNY 120 – 200

If you want to taste the authentic Shanghai Cuisine, you can not miss the No.8 Old Shanghai Restaurant. To adapt to the taste of modern people, their cuisine makes some improvement on the basis of traditional flavor. The recommended dishes are Braised Pork, Crystal Shrimp, Old Shanghai Smoked Fish, etc. And compared with the above two restaurants, it is more cost-effective.

Special Occasions and Celebrations at Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is not only a sightseeing spot but also a unique venue for hosting special events, here are some recommended plans:

• Birthday & Anniversary Dinners:If you want find a special place to spend a special day with the people love, then considering book a table at Asia’s highest revolving restaurant (267 m) for a memorable meal with panoramic views.
• Corporate Events:Meeting rooms are available on first, second and 267^th floor, and they can be booked to host product launches, networking events, and gala dinners.
• Holiday Celebrations: During major Chinese festivals (like National Day or New Year’s Eve), the tower often features themed light shows, special menus, if time allows, try explore these celebrations with locals.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is in the evening and in early morning. In the evening, the lights of the Tower are on, making the whole building more attractive in the night and suitable for enjoying the night scenery. Going there in early morning can avoid peak crowds and enjoy a relatively peaceful travel experience. In addition, choosing to visit after 5 pm is also a good option, as you can enjoy different beautiful views during the day and night.

As the famous tourist destination and landmark of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower attracts a great number of tourists home and abroad. If you want to have a great Shanghai travel experience here, it is wise for you to avoid the official holidays in China to start your Oriental Pearl Tower tour.

Tips: Visitors had better avoid the official holidays in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays. As a result, many Chinese tourist attractions are overcrowded and traffic jams are common. Therefore, visiting China at this time will bring tourists a less pleasant travel experience.

Official Holidays in China

How to Get to the Oriental Pearl Tower?

By Bus

• Take Bus N 82, 314, 939, Lujiazui Financial City Line1, Lujiazui Financial City Line 3, Lujiazui Financial City Loop Line, Pudong 62, Tour Line 8 and get off at the Lujiazui Huanlu Fenghelu Station.
• Take Bus N 81, 85, 313, 774, 779, 798, 992, Lujiazui Financial City Line4 and get off at the Lujiazui Subway Station.
• Take Bus N 583, 870, 961, 985, Pudong 100and get off at the Lujiazui Huanlu Mingshanglu Station.
• Take TourLine 2, 3, 5, 10 and get off at the Oriental Pearl Tower Station.

By Subway

Take Subway Line 2, Line 14 and get off at the Lujiazui Station, then exit from Exit 2.

Essential Travel Tips

• Best Visiting Hours: Go in the early morning to avoid the crowds or after 5:00 PM to enjoy both sunset and night views (Ticket checking stops at 8:00 pm). Also, these two period are especially recommended to visit the tower in summer, as the weather will be cooler and more
• Avoid Holidays:Steer clear of Chinese national holidays such as National Day and Chinese New Year to skip long lines and crowds.
• Book Tickets in Advance:Especially if you want combo packages or revolving restaurant meals, advance booking is highly recommended.
• Choose the Right Ticket: The tower offers a range of ticket package. So remember to check the information carefully (on the official website) and select the one matches your interests the most.
• Allow Enough Time: Plan for at least 1.5–2 hours to explore. Expect much more time if you want to slow-paced move or you want to dine and visit the museum in the tower.
• Nearby Attractions: Consider combining your visit with other Pudong highlights like the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Jinmao Tower, or a Huangpu River night cruise.

Attractions Nearby the Oriental Pearl Tower

The Bund

Facing the Oriental Pearl TV Tower across the Huangpu River, it is 1.5 km long and one of the landmarks of Shanghai. Here stand 52 classical revival buildings with distinct styles, known as the “Exotic building clusters in the Bund of Shanghai”. The Bund at night is brightly lit, showcasing the prosperity and charm of Shanghai.‌

Yu Garden

It is a classical Jiangnan garden, first built in 1559 (Ming Dynasty), located in Shanghai “Old City”. With its unique Wu Yue architectural style and complete layout, it combines the artistic characteristics of southern Chinese gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties – “quiet, beautiful, and exquisite”.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Just located northeast of Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong Lujiazui core area, it is one of the largest artificial seawater aquariums in the world. The Aquarium has the longest underwater tunnel in Asia and over 450 rare marine animals from the four oceans.

FAQs about Oriental Pearl Tower

Why is the Oriental Pearl Tower famous?

Oriental Pearl Tower is famous for its symbolic meaning of Shanghai’s progress towards becoming an international metropolis, its unique outlook whose design originates from a Tang poem and its diverse functions.

Can you go up the Oriental Pearl Tower?

Of course. It has set the viewing platforms in different heights.

How many observation decks does the tower have, and which one offers the best experience?

There are a total of three observation decks: 351m Space Capsule is the highest and most futuristic, 263m Sightseeing Galleria is the main sightseeing layer, and 259m Transparent Observatory offers you a feel of walking in air. Each offers different experience, you can choose based on your likes.

Is the transparent floor (glass-bottom) deck included in the standard ticket, and is it worth the visit?

It is usually included in most ticket packages and definitely worth visiting.

What is the best time of day or evening to visit the tower for the best views and to avoid crowds?

Usually, the sunset time is the most beautiful. To avoid crowds, visiting after 19:00 is better.

How does the view from the Oriental Pearl Tower compare to the views from the Shanghai Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)?

The advantages of Oriental Pearl Tower are its classic location and perspective of the international architectures of the Bund in Puxi and the skyscraper cluster of Pudong in the same frame. While Shanghai Tower and SWFC are higher, so they offer a wider view, where you can overlook all the buildings in Lujiazui, including Oriental Pearl Tower.

How far away is the Oriental Pearl Tower from The Bund?

They face each other across the Huangpu River and the straight-line distance is only 1 km.

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