The Tallest Observatory in Shanghai is Now Open

The Shanghai Tower has been open for some time now, but today it opens up its highest sightseeing observatory yet, on the 118th floor. 

Visitors will be treated to an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama view of the city. To reach the top of this 1000 sqm observatory, visitors must take a high speed elevator ride that lasts just under 1 minute. 

Curious about more details? No problem!

TICKET PRICE: RMB 180

It’s easy to buy tickets online, and you can book up to three months in advance. After booking, you can arrive onsite and pick up your tickets on floor B1. 

SHANGHAI EXHIBITION HALL

Shanghai Exhibition Hall is split between floors B1, B2, 118 and 119. Here you can check out their interactive multimedia exhibits and displays to learn more about Shanghai’s stunning transformation from a humble fishing village to towering metropolis.

EXPANDING SKYLINE

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A visitor favorite is the 100-second animation guests can watch, which vividly shows the Huangpu River’s 175-year transformation.  

CENTRE OF SHANGHAI

Digitally transforming photos show you the history and background of Shanghai architecture.

SKYSCRAPERS

To put the Shanghai Tower in its proper historical context, there’s a record of every ‘tallest building’ in the world since 1885. 

CITY OF SKYSCRAPERS

HD images allow you to explore skyscrapers all around the world.

SKYSCRAPERS ALL AROUND THE WORLD

One interesting fact, the Jeddah Tower is expected to be completed in 2018, which will steal the crown for the world’s tallest building, currently belonging to the Burj Khalifa.

GENE POOL

You can also explore Shanghai Tower’s so-called ‘gene pool’. Here you’ll learn all about the tower, from its planning, ‘birth’ and ‘conception.’

VERTICAL CITY

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Using 3D printing technology, a 1:350 model Shanghai has been created. You can also take photos in front of their green screen and head to floor B2 to collect them.

TO THE TOP!

To get to the top, you first have to take the escalator down to floor B2, and then there’s an elevator that goes up fast… really fast.

WORLD'S FASTEST ELEVATOR

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Shanghai Tower’s elevator is the fastest in the world, reaching top speeds of 18m/second! It only takes 55 seconds to get from the ground floor to the 118th floor, and surprisingly it’s a pretty smooth ride.

546M HIGH

Congrats, you’ve made it! The 546m-high Floor 118 offers panoramic views in every direction.

There’s also a souvenir shop on the 118th floor, so you can buy goodies to show off to all your friends and family back home.

Also on Floor 118, you can go undergo a virtual reality experience. We’ve heard it’s petrifying, but give it a go if you think you’re up for the challenge!

Then on the 119th floor there’s a cafe, where you can sit and relax after the excitement of being on top on the world. 

When you’ve had your fill, take the elevator back to Floor B2 where there’s a huge array of shops for Shanghai-themed souvenirs and unique gifts that you can’t get anywhere else. Don’t forget your photo!

And of course there are some fine dining options before you go.

Some underground tunnels have been built to connect Shanghai’s three biggest landmarks (and of course the Metro): the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai International Finance Centre and Jin Mao Tower.

HISTORY OF SHANGHAI TOWER

From start to finish, it took just 7 years to build the Shanghai Tower. In 2006, 10 companies offered to design the gigantic building, submitting 19 design plans and 21 design models. Gensler, an American design and architecture firm, was the lucky winner chosen to bring their plan to life. 

The first brick was laid on 29 November 2008, its planned height of 632m was hit in 2014, and after that it was just a matter of finishing touches. 

The Shanghai Tower is 140m taller than its closest neighbor’s, and it’s the second tallest building in the world behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

An interesting fact about the Shanghai Tower: In 2014, two extreme sports enthusiasts somehow got around security and climbed all the way to the top. They took a much-publicized commemorative selfie at the top.

Sightseeing

Top tours available 8:30am-10:00pm

(Ticket office open until 9:30pm)

Please note: If you have heart problems, asthma or you’re pregnant, please consult a doctor before riding in the elevator, as it may cause some discomfort.

Metro

Line 2 to Lujiazui station, Exit 6. Walk through F/B2 Shanghai International Finance Centre, and then follow the signs to Shanghai Tower.

Line 2 to Lujiazui station, Exit 6. Head southeast until you reach Shanghai Tower.

Bus

No 538/939/799 bus to Huayuanshiqiao Lu, Dongtai Lu stop.

No 791/870/961/985 bus to Huayuanshiqiao Lu, Dongtai Lu stop.

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