Iconic Skyscrapers in Shanghai: Best Places to See the Shanghai Skyline

Written by Veronica | Updated December 29,2025

Shanghai is the largest and one of the most famous cities in China. Thanks to its advantageous location, it is the largest commercial and financial center in China and an important international port city in the Western Pacific. The most iconic image of Shanghai has to be its skyline with skyscrapers above the Huangpu River.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, Shanghai, especially the Shanghai skyline, receives lots of attention globally. This article will be your comprehensive guide to the Shanghai skyline, its towering skyscrapers and landmarks, the best places and time to see it.

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• A Historical Overview of Shanghai Skyline
• Architectural Marvels: Iconic Skyscrapers in Shanghai
• At a Glance: Comparison of Shanghai’s Iconic Skyscrapers
• Lujiazui: The Modern Marvel and Contrast to The Bund
• Best Places to See Shanghai Skyline
• Best Time to See Shanghai Skyline
• Future of the Shanghai Skyline
• FAQs about the Shanghai Skyline
• Explore Shanghai’s Timeless Charm with China Xian Tour

A Historical Overview of Shanghai Skyline

The first boom for constructions in Shanghai took place during the 1920s and 1930s. Shanghai had already been a cultural and financial hub back then with many international offices permitted for foreign investments. You can still see some of these buildings today in Shanghai; their western architectural style stands out among the rest of the buildings.

During WWII, many buildings were damaged or ruined. The Shanghai skyline that you see today when you travel to Shanghai was built post-war, during the economic reforms in the 1980s. The city went through the second construction boom. Most of the famous skyscrapers in Shanghai came to being during that time.

Architectural Marvels: Iconic Skyscrapers in Shanghai

1. The Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, at 468 meters (1,535 feet), used to be the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai. It is such an iconic landmark of the city that it is said to define the Shanghai skyline. It takes the center stage in all the pictures of Shanghai skyline because of its unique design and appearance. The Oriental Pear Tower is one of the top attractions of Shanghai today.

The tower has three observation decks in total. The highest observation deck is called the “Space Module” at a height of 350 meters (1,148 feet). You’ll have an incredible panorama of the city below you. The other two decks are at 263 meters and 259 meters. And on the second ball of the tower is the highest revolving restaurant in Asia, at a height of 263 meters.

• Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm
• Architect / firm:Designed by Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
• Year of completion:Topped out late 1993, opened 1995.
• Unique engineering/architectural features: The most iconic feature of the tower would be itsthree massive columns which are actually planted deeply into soft river-bank soils. To support its 11-sphere design, designers have applied multiple steel and concrete structural elements, and this has also given it a unique looking.
• Approximate observation-deck price: Roughly US$25–40 (≈ ¥180 – ¥250).
• How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to “Lujiazui” (陆家嘴站) exitand take a short walk to No.1 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai.

2. Jin Mao Tower

Jin Mao Tower is the fourth tallest building in Shanghai at 420.5 meters (1,380 feet). It combines elements of traditional Chinese architecture with modern design. There’re 88 floors housing offices, the hotel Grant Hyatt Shanghai, and an observation deck on the top floor, known as the “Skywalk 88.” It offers a 360-degree views of the city and the Huangpu River.

• Location: No. 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Opening Hours: 8:30am to 9:30pm
• Architect / firm:Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in collaboration with Chinese partners.
• Year of completion:Building completed in 1999, with full operations by 1999. 
• Unique engineering/architectural features:To address the challenges brought by the poor soil, it is built on 1,062 high-capacity steel piles and driven 83.5 m into ground. It uses composite concrete and steel columns, and with all these firm designed, it also possesses an advanced wind & earthquake engineering.
• Approximate observation-deck price: Around US$15–20 (≈ ¥120) for the 88th floor deck.
• How to get there:Metro Line 2, exit at Lujiazui station. Take a short walk No. 88 Century Avenue, Pudong.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center

The second tallest of skyscrapers in Shanghai is the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), often referred to as the bottle-opener by locals because of its trapezoidal aperture at the top. It is the third tallest building in China and the fifth in the world at a height of 492 meters (1,614 feet) with 101 floors.

The tallest observation deck of the SWFC is called “Skywalk 100,” located on the 100th floor. Two other decks are the “Sky Arena 94” at 423 meters and “Sky Walk 97” at 439 meters.

• Location: No. 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm
• Architect / firm:Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). Developed by Mori Building Company.
• Year of completion: 2008
• Unique engineering/architectural features: It usesa diagonally-braced frame with outrigger trusses, which reduces the building’s total weight by ~10%. It also has one of the highest glass-floored observation decks in the world.
• Approximate observation-deck price: Access to its upper deckswould cost around US$20–25 (≈ ¥150).
• How to get there: Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui station. Take a short walk to No. 100 Century Avenue, Pudong.

4. Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is the giant of Shanghai skyline. It is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Its observation deck on the 118th floor is called the “Top of Shanghai.” Ascend above the city for the best views on your Shanghai tour.

Location: No. 501 Middle Yincheng Road, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Opening Hours: 8:30am to 10pm

• Architect / firm:Designed by Gensler. Structural engineering by Thornton Tomasetti.
• Year of completion: Construction finished in 2015, opened to public in 2016.
• Unique engineering/architectural features:It features a double-skin façade (two glass curtain walls) which is designed for energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Approximate observation-deck price: Around US$24–25 (≈ ¥180) for the main deck (118th floor).
• How to get there: Metro Line 2, Lujiazui station. Walk to No. 501 Middle Yincheng Road (or Dongtai Road) in Pudong.

At a Glance: Comparison of Shanghai’s Iconic Skyscrapers

Related reading: Tallest Skyscrapers in China

Lujiazui: The Modern Marvel and Contrast to The Bund

The Lujiazui area (east bank of the Huangpu River) has long become the emblem of Shanghai’s rapid modernisation. It is a riverbank which was once dominated by old colonial-era trading houses, and today, it stands out with its cluster of ultra-tall skyscrapers, and that’s why people would say Lujiazui can best tell China’s contemporary financial and commercial power.

The The Bund on the opposite side then attracts people with more historical buildings which have been standing there since 1920s–30s. Walking along The Bund is like having a journey through time, and when looking across the river at Lujiazui, you’ll feel like the future is unfolding before your eyes in a tangible and touchable way.

Best Places to See Shanghai Skyline

1. The Bund

Taking a walk along the Bund is certainly one of the best things to do in Shanghai. It is an iconic walkway along Huangpu River. Across the river, you can see all the famous Shanghai skyscrapers. It is one of the best places to see Shanghai skyline.

To the west, there are many historical buildings of old Shanghai, a total of 33 in different styles. The area was once a financial and foreign trade center. These colonial-styled buildings create a sense of time with the modern Shanghai city skyline in the background.

2. Huangpu River Cruise

Huangpu River is known as “the mother river of Shanghai.” You can get up close to Shanghai skyline and the river by boarding a Huangpu River Cruise. See the rich history of the city on one side of the bank and the amazing modern developments on the other. The cruise usually takes about 50 minutes.

3. Observation Decks of Shanghai Skyscrapers

Another great option for seeing the Shanghai skyline is from the top of the skyscrapers. Most of the prominent skyscrapers offer public access to their observation decks, usually both in the day and night. Enjoy a panoramic view of one of the world’s greatest cities thousands of feet in the air! It’ll be an unforgettable part of your China tours.

4. Waibaidu Bridge

Compared to the other spots, Waibaidu Bridge is relatively lesser known to visitors. It is a landmark of old Shanghai, the earliest and largest steel bridge in the city. It spans across the Suzhou Creek, where it joins the Huangpu River. You can find Waibaidu Bridge in a quieter part of the town, at the north end of the Bund.

Here you’ll have a fresh perspective of the Shanghai skyline with less crowds. It’s a great spot to photograph the iconic skyscrapers. You may run into couples taking their wedding photos here.

5. Rooftop Restaurants and Bars

If you want to enjoy the view along with some delicious food or drinks, there’re a number of rooftop restaurants and bars near the Bund or Nanjing Road. They offer excellent views with high-end dining options and services. However, these venues tend to be quite pricey and require reservations in advance.

Best Time to See Shanghai Skyline

Although views of the Shanghai skyline are not affected by seasons, it’s important to note that the city will be very crowded with visitors during public holidays or weekends. Popular attractions like the Bund and Nanjing Road will be packed with people. For the best view and experience, weekdays and early mornings are recommended.

The Shanghai skyline is equally attractive in the day and night. On a fine day, you can see the skyscrapers reflecting the sun against a clear blue sky. And in the night, the buildings in Lujiazui light up the sky with colorful beams. See the lights reflected in the Huangpu River. Sunset is also a popular time to see Shanghai skyline. You can witness as the sky turns from orange to dark and the lights come on.

Future of the Shanghai Skyline

With as many as 194 skyscrapers already, Shanghai skyline is far from completion. Even more ambitious construction projects are underway to build some of the world’s tallest structures. Go on a trip to Shanghai to witness the most futuristic city in the world.

FAQs about the Shanghai Skyline

What makes the Shanghai skyline unique?

The skyline is known for its sharp contrast between the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui and the old-time architecture of the Bund, and they are shockingly lying just opposite on the two sides of Huangpu River. And to look deeper, you’ll see the mix of eras, density of futuristic towers, and breathtaking reflection on the river, all of these features have together made it one the of most iconic skyline in the world.

Where is the best free place to see the skyline?

The Bund promenade offers the best free view of the Lujiazui skyline. And the area nearby Waibaidu Bridge can offer you a quieter experience.

Which tower has the highest observation deck?

Shanghai Tower. At its 632 meters, there’s the highest observation deck on the 118th floor, and this deck is even higher than both the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Should I book observation deck tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets are often cheaper and easier to get online through platforms like Trip.com. Booking early helps secure good time slots, especially at sunset or on weekends.

How do I get from the Bund to Lujiazui?

Take Metro Line 2 from East Nanjing Road or Yuyuan Garden to Lujiazui Station, or enjoy a short ferry ride across the Huangpu Rive, which is also a rewarding scenic trip.

Explore Shanghai’s Timeless Charm with China Xian Tour

Except for serving as the financial and commercial center, Shanghai’s dense historical and cultural heritage has given this city another layer of charm. To explore the most of Shanghai’s highlights, you can have a customized tour with China Xian Tour. We have the most professional guides that can make your journey stress-free and relaxing for all the time. So contact us now and be ready to get the most unforgettable memories of Shanghai.