Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai's iconic futuristic TV tower offering stunning city vistas, a history museum, and a revolving restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother experience
Oriental Pearl Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shanghai's iconic futuristic TV tower offering stunning city vistas, a history museum, and a revolving restaurant.
"The Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit for its amazing view and unforgettable city vibe."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by booking via Trip.com or Klook instead of buying on-site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking, especially if you encounter queues. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Vistas
Observation Decks
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai's dynamic skyline, especially stunning at night.
Glass Floor Thrills
Glass-floored observation area
Dare to walk on the transparent floor for a unique, albeit scary, perspective of the city below.
Revolving Restaurant Dining
Revolving Restaurant
Enjoy a meal with a constantly changing backdrop of Shanghai's magnificent cityscape.
Unique Architectural Design
Exterior
Marvel at the iconic, futuristic design of the tower, a true engineering masterpiece.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Better Views
Ticket Savvy for Savings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by booking via Trip.com or Klook instead of buying on-site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking, especially if you encounter queues. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Best Photo Spots
The Bund offers iconic shots of the tower, especially at night. :camerawithflash:
⬆️ View from Level 2
Many find the view from the second level sufficient and more affordable. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by booking via Trip.com or Klook instead of buying on-site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking, especially if you encounter queues. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Best Photo Spots
The Bund offers iconic shots of the tower, especially at night. :camerawithflash:
⬆️ View from Level 2
Many find the view from the second level sufficient and more affordable. :ticket:
🌃 Night Views are Magical
The tower truly shines at night with its colorful, changing lights. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oriental Pearl Tower as a must-see Shanghai landmark, highlighting its unique architecture and breathtaking panoramic views, especially at night. While the experience can be marred by long queues and crowds during peak times, many find the views from the middle sphere sufficient and recommend booking tickets online for better value.
"This is an important landmark that is highly recommended if you are in Shanghai. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai from above. The view from the top is even more beautiful, especially at night. The only downside is that you won't be able to see the Pearl Tower. The elevator queue can be quite long, depending on whether you visit on a weekday or a holiday. There are several souvenir shops downstairs."
CHALERMKIAT PAIROJ
"A Stunning Experience at the Oriental Pearl Tower 🌃
I visited the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai at the end of February 2025, and it was truly unforgettable. The weather was quite cold, but I actually loved it — the cool air made the whole atmosphere feel calm and refreshing.
The tower itself is absolutely gigantic and a total eye-catcher. You can’t help but be amazed by its unique design and impressive height. It dominates the skyline in the most elegant way!
What truly took my breath away was seeing the tower at night — the lights are absolutely stunning. It glows beautifully, changing colors and standing out as one of the highlights of the city. It felt magical just being there and taking it all in.
If you’re ever in Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit — both for the amazing view and the unforgettable city vibe."
natassha khan
"I visited Venus and inquired about the prices, but then I discovered that trip.com offers a better deal for the same tickets. So, make sure to check online before making a commitment. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunset, which is the perfect time to explore the tower. You can also visit the top level, although it may be a bit pricey. Personally, I believe the view from the second level is more than sufficient."
Pasindu Ranasinghe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oriental Pearl Tower is easily accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. From there, it's a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city.
Yes, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a prominent landmark and visible from many parts of the city, especially along the Bund. Its unique design makes it unmistakable.
From Pudong International Airport (PVG), you can take Metro Line 2 directly to Lujiazui Station, which is the most cost-effective option. Alternatively, taxis and airport shuttles are available.
While you can't dock directly at the tower via ferry, taking a ferry across the Huangpu River from Puxi (The Bund) offers fantastic views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Pudong skyline.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Oriental Pearl Tower, but it's generally recommended to use public transport due to potential traffic congestion in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on which levels you wish to access. A standard ticket to the middle sphere is around RMB 160-200, while access to the highest 'Space Capsule' level can cost upwards of RMB 399. Booking online often provides discounts.
You can purchase tickets at the official ticket counters on-site, but it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance through platforms like Trip.com or Klook to secure better prices and potentially skip long queues.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is typically open daily from around 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry usually around 9:00 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
There is no strict dress code for visiting the observation decks. However, for dining at the revolving restaurant, smart casual attire is generally recommended.
Yes, purchasing higher-tier tickets, such as the RMB 399 ticket for the Space Capsule, often includes priority access to elevators, significantly reducing wait times.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Besides the observation decks offering panoramic views, you can experience the thrilling glass-floored skywalk, visit the Shanghai Municipal History Museum at the base, and dine at the revolving restaurant.
For many, the glass floor is a thrilling and slightly scary experience, offering a unique perspective of the ground far below. It's a popular feature for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Located at the base of the tower, the museum offers a glimpse into Shanghai's past with dioramas and exhibits depicting the city's development. It's a good way to learn about the city's history before ascending.
A typical visit to the observation decks can take 1-2 hours, depending on queue times. If you plan to dine at the revolving restaurant, allow an additional 1.5-2 hours for the meal.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops located at the base of the tower where you can purchase mementos of your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The revolving restaurant offers a unique dining experience with stunning, ever-changing views of Shanghai. While the food quality is generally considered decent for the price, the main draw is the panoramic scenery, especially during sunset.
The revolving restaurant typically offers an international buffet with a variety of cuisines. Free-flow Tsingtao beer is often included with the buffet.
Dinner at the revolving restaurant can be pricey, often around RMB 399 per person, but it includes buffet access and sometimes drinks. Booking through platforms like Klook might offer package deals.
Yes, the Lujiazui area surrounding the tower has numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants in nearby skyscrapers, offering a wide range of cuisines.
Typically, dining at the revolving restaurant includes access to certain observation levels. However, it's best to confirm the specific ticket inclusions when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and nighttime offer the most dramatic and beautiful photographic opportunities as the tower lights up and the city skyline twinkles.
The Bund on the opposite side of the Huangpu River provides iconic, unobstructed views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the entire Pudong skyline.
Yes, you can take photos from the observation decks, but it can be challenging to get clear shots due to crowds and reflections on the glass, especially during peak hours.
Drone usage is generally restricted in major urban areas like Shanghai, especially around prominent landmarks. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the tower's scale and surrounding skyline. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography at night, but be mindful of crowds. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother, consider purchasing tickets online in advance to minimize wait times, which can be challenging with young children. Weekday visits are generally less crowded. While the revolving restaurant can be a treat, exploring the numerous casual dining options in the surrounding Lujiazui area might be more practical for families with picky eaters.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to potentially find slightly lower prices or fewer crowds. Instead of dining at the revolving restaurant, explore the many local eateries and street food vendors in the surrounding areas for more affordable and authentic culinary experiences.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside the tower, capturing clear shots from the observation decks can be tricky due to reflections and visitor traffic. Experiment with different angles and times of day. The glass floor offers unique, albeit challenging, photographic opportunities for those brave enough to capture the dizzying perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The Oriental Pearl Tower's Design
+1The tower's construction involved intricate planning and execution. The use of a central concrete pillar combined with the spherical structures creates a distinctive silhouette against the Shanghai skyline. This architectural feat has made it a symbol of Shanghai's rapid development and modernity. The tower's height of 468 meters makes it one of the tallest structures in China, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding metropolis.
Beyond its structural integrity, the Oriental Pearl Tower also houses advanced broadcasting facilities, serving as a crucial transmission tower for radio and television signals. This dual functionality as an observation tower and a functional broadcasting hub underscores its importance to the city. The engineering behind its stability and functionality is a testament to modern architectural innovation.
+1Experiencing the Views: Observation Decks and Glass Floors
For the truly adventurous, the tower features a transparent glass-floored observation area. Walking on this surface, suspended hundreds of meters above the ground, offers a unique and exhilarating perspective. It's a popular spot for photos and a test of courage for many visitors. While it can be a bit scary, the thrill of seeing the city directly beneath your feet is an unforgettable experience.
While the middle sphere is highly recommended, the highest level, known as the 'Space Capsule,' offers an even more elevated perspective. This premium experience often comes with priority access and a higher price tag. Some visitors feel the view from the middle sphere is sufficient, while others prefer the extra height and exclusivity of the top level.
Dining with a View: The Revolving Restaurant
While the food at the revolving restaurant is generally described as decent, with an international buffet featuring various cuisines, the real star is the view. It's a popular choice for special occasions or for travelers looking to combine sightseeing with a memorable meal. Be prepared for a higher price point, but many feel the experience justifies the cost.
It's advisable to book your reservation in advance, especially for dinner, as the restaurant can get busy. Arriving a bit before your reservation time can help secure a good table and allow you to witness the transition from day to night. The inclusion of free-flow drinks, like Tsingtao beer, can add to the value of the dining package.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit