When searching Shanghai on the internet, you must have seen its most iconic image – the futuristic Pudong skyline along the Huangpu River. If you’re planning a travel to Shanghai, this is the place you wouldn’t want to miss out. For capturing the classic view, the Bund is the top photography spot. It is more recommended to visit at night, when the architectural complexes are illuminated by dazzling lights and the skyline reaches its peak.
The Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower are the four representative skyscrapers. This article will be your comprehensive guide to these towering skyscrapers, including the best places and time to see the skyline.
Content Preview
At a Glance: Comparison of Shanghai’s Iconic Skyscrapers
Building |
Height |
Floors / Key Deck |
Architect / Firm |
Main Engineering Feature |
Approx Observation-Deck Price (USD) |
Oriental Pearl Tower |
468 m (1,535 ft) |
Space Module ~350 m |
Shanghai Modern Architectural Design |
Three-column foundation + multiple spheres |
~US$25–40 |
Jin Mao Tower |
420.5 m (1,380 ft) |
Deck on 88th floor (~340 m) |
Skidmore Owings & Merrill |
Deep steel piles + wind/quake resistance |
~US$15–20 |
Shanghai World Financial Center |
492 m (1,614 ft) |
Deck at ~1555 ft (100th floor) |
Kohn Pedersen Fox |
Diagonal frame + outrigger trusses |
~US$20–25 |
Shanghai Tower |
632 m (2,073 ft) |
Main deck 118th floor |
Gensler |
Twisting form + double-skin façade + sustainability |
~US$24–25 |
Related reading: Tallest Skyscrapers in China
How to spend 3 days in Shanghai? This 3-day guided Shanghai tour shows you the exact way to catch the essence of this fascinating city.
Architectural Marvels: Iconic Skyscrapers in Shanghai
1. The Oriental Pearl Tower – 468 Meters (1,535 Feet)
The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Shanghai skyline photos because of its unique design and appearance.
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 enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. 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: 9 am to 9 pm
- 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 its three 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 look.
- Approximate observation-deck price: Roughly US$25–40 (≈ ¥180 – ¥250).
- How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to “Lujiazui” (陆家嘴站) exit and take a short walk to No.1 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai.
2. Jin Mao Tower – 420.5 Meters (1,380 Feet)
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: 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
- 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 the ground. It uses composite concrete and steel columns, and with all these firm designes, it also possesses dvanced 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 on No. 88 Century Avenue, Pudong.
3. Shanghai World Financial Center – 492 Meters (1,614 Feet)
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: 11 am to 9 pm
- Architect/firm: Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). Developed by Mori Building Company.
- Year of completion: 2008
- Unique engineering/architectural features: It uses a 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 decks would 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 – 632 Meters (2,073 Feet)
Shanghai Tower is the giant of the 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: 8:30 am to 10 pm
- Architect/firm: Designed by Gensler. Structural engineering by Thornton Tomasetti.
- Year of completion: Construction finished in 2015, opened to the 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.
Perfect for time-limited travelers, explore Shanghai's modern skyline and heritage including the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, and World Financial Center.
Best Time and Places to See Shanghai Skyline
Best Places to See Shanghai Skyline
1. The Bund: A Classic Panoramic View of Shanghai Skyline
Facing the skyscrapers across the Huangpu River, the Bund offers a direct view of the skyline, especially along the stretch from the Customs Building to the Peace Hotel. Standing at the observation deck opposite the Customs Building, you will easily capture a standard postcard shot. But it is also the most crowded area.
To avoid crowds, walk southward to Shiliupu Wharf. This site allows you to take in the iconic skyscrapers alongside cruise ships gliding across the Huangpu River – a perfect blend of stillness and motion.
Tips: For a better shooting position, we recommend arriving at the Bund before 17:30. Before appreciating the skyline, you can also stroll along this iconic walkway to explore the historical buildings of old Shanghai, each in a distinct architectural style. It also creates a striking contrast with the modern Shanghai city skyline in the background.
2. Huangpu River Cruise: A Unique Perspective from Water
From the water, you will enjoy the skyline from the only “mobile viewpoint”. During the Huangpu River Cruise, frame not only the amazing modern skyline in Pudong Area, but also the international architectural complex in the Puxi Area, a perspective that is impossible to experience from the riverside.
Both daytime cruises and night cruises are available. Daytime cruises are recommended for families and architecture enthusiasts, because there are fewer tourists and you can observe the details of buildings on both banks more clearly. While for photographers and couples, night cruises are better, which allow you to marvel at the illuminated buildings and their reflections on the river surface. Remember to bring a light coat to protect yourself from the strong wind at night.
Here is the detailed information of Shiliupu Pier signature cruise route:
- Route: Shiliupu Pier → Binjiang Avenue → Shanghai Tower → International Conference Center → Oriental Pearl Tower → North Bund → Waibaidu Bridge → International Architectural Complex → Return to Shiliupu Pier
- Travel time: about 45 minutes
- Price: CNY 110 – 120/USD 16 – 18 for daytime cruises and CNY 140 – 150/USD 21 – 22 for night cruises
3. Observation Decks of Shanghai Skyscrapers: View from the Heart of Skyline
Another great option for seeing 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 at night. In contrast to admiring the skyline from a distance, you are at the heart of the cityscape now.
At the highest “Top of Shanghai” observation deck, you can look out over the other three skyscrapers closely and also enjoy a panoramic view of the city thousands of feet in the air! It’ll be an unforgettable part of your China tours.
4. Waibaidu Bridge
Compared with the other spots, Waibaidu Bridge is relatively lesser-known to visitors, making it the best shooting spot to avoid crowds. Located at the north end of the Bund, the bridge is China’s first steel bridge built in 1907. The most classic photo is to frame the skyline within the steel structure of the bridge. You can get this fresh perspective when standing in the middle of the bridge.
Another recommended spot for tourist photos is the viewing platform on the south side of the bridge. Take a keepsake photo here to capture both you on the bridge and the skyline behind you.
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 at 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.
A China tour will not be complete without a visit to Shanghai, the "Magic City", and "Pearl of East" of China. Shanghai is an inclusive city for different cultures, histories, ideas, and people of ...
A Historical Overview of Shanghai Skyline
The first boom for construction in Shanghai took place during the 1920s and 1930s. Shanghai had already been a cultural and financial hub back then with many foreign companies having established offices there. 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 you see today was largely built after the war, during the economic reforms in the 1980s. The city went through the second construction boom. Most of the famous skyscrapers in Shanghai came into being during that time.
With as many as 194 skyscrapers already, Shanghai skyline is far from complete. Even more ambitious construction projects are underway to build some of the world’s tallest structures. Travel to Shanghai to witness one of the most futuristic cities in the world.
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 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 all the time. So contact us now and be ready to get the most unforgettable memories of Shanghai.
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 lie shockingly 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 of the most iconic skylines in the world.
Should I book observation deck tickets in advance?
Yes. 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 River, which is also a rewarding scenic trip.
