Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai Tower Observation Deck, located on the 118th and 119th floors of the Shanghai Tower (China’s tallest building at 632 meters), offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Shanghai’s skyline. Opened in 2016, this futuristic attraction blends cutting-edge architecture with immersive technology, featuring the world’s fastest double-decker elevators (18 m/s) and a transparent glass floor 546 meters above ground. As part of the Lujiazui financial district, it symbolizes Shanghai’s emergence as a global metropolis, juxtaposing historic riverfront neighborhoods with towering skyscrapers.
Historical Overview
Construction of the Shanghai Tower began in 2008, designed by Gensler Architects to withstand typhoons and earthquakes with its twisted spiral form. The observation deck’s launch in 2016 marked a milestone in China’s vertical urbanism, coinciding with the tower’s LEED Platinum certification for sustainability. Key events include hosting the 2017 Fortune Global Forum and the 2019 Shanghai International Film Festival’s "Sky Cinema" screenings. In 2020, it introduced AI-guided augmented reality tours, enhancing visitor engagement.
Structural Layout
1. The deck spans two levels:118th Floor (Main Observation Deck):Indoor & Outdoor Viewing: Floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air terrace (weather permitting) with telescopes.
Interactive Displays: Touchscreens detailing Shanghai’s growth and landmarks.
Sky Café: Light refreshments with skyline views.
2. 119th Floor (VIP Experience):Transparent Glass Floor: A 1.7-meter-wide see-through panel for adrenaline-pumping selfies.
Sky Walk Museum: Artifacts from the tower’s construction and virtual reality (VR) skydiving simulators.
Major Attractions
World’s Fastest Elevators: Ascend 546 meters in 55 seconds with light shows and soundscapes.
Sky Walk 119: The 1.7m glass floor section, where visitors "float" above Pudong’s streets.
AR Sky Tour: Use tablets to overlay historical scenes (e.g., 1920s Bund) onto the live view.
Time-Lapse Theater: A 10-minute film compressing Shanghai’s dawn-to-dusk transformation.
Sky Mailbox: Postcards stamped with a special "Top of Shanghai" postmark.
Suggested Itineraries
- Quick Visit (1 Hour):
1F Lobby → 118F Elevator → 118F Indoor/Outdoor Decks → 119F Glass Floor → 1F Exit.
Highlights: Skyline views and glass floor thrill.
- Classic Route (1.5–2 Hours):
1F → 118F Elevator → 118F Interactive Displays + Café → 119F Glass Floor + VR → 1F Sky Shop.
Highlights: Tech-driven exhibits + souvenir hunting.
- Deep Dive (3 Hours):
1F → 118F Elevator → 118F Time-Lapse Theater + AR Tour → 119F Glass Floor + Sky Walk Museum → 118F Sky Café (lunch) → 1F Postcard Station.
Highlights: Immersive storytelling + dining with a view.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the 1F ticket office, but slots sell out fast during holidays.
- Prices:
Standard Ticket (118F): ¥180 (adults), ¥90 (children 1–1.4m).
Combo Ticket (118F + 119F): ¥220 (adults), ¥120 (children).
VIP Package (Priority Access + Café Voucher): ¥380.
Free: Children under 1m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (Exit 6), 5-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 583, 799, 939, or 985 to Lujiazui Hub.
By Taxi: Direct to “Shanghai Tower” (上海中心大厦).
Departure: Exit via the 1F plaza for the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium or Super Brand Mall.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–3 PM; visit during sunset (5–7 PM) for golden-hour photography or at night for the neon-lit skyline.
Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are packed; weekdays before 10 AM or after 4 PM are ideal.
Weather: Clear days after rain offer the best visibility (check Shanghai’s AQI for haze).
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (queues for elevators may require standing).
Bring a jacket (higher floors are chilly).
Photography allowed (no tripods or drones).
Prohibited items: Outside food, large bags, and selfie sticks.
