Your Exclusive Guide to the Dazzling 632m Shanghai Tower
Despite having revealed the majority of its interior, there's still something rather mysterious about the Shanghai Tower. So, we decided to investigate! Taking an 18 meter-per-second super high-speed elevator, we spent the day thoroughly exploring Shanghai Tower from it's 632m top to the private vault 25m underground.
Having watched the sunset at the height of 552m and experienced all 18 exciting things to do in this building, here we recommend the four ways for you to explore yourselves. You'll be able to find a recommended sightseeing route at the end of this article too.
Floor Distribution
126F 632 Summit
125F Trip of Wisdom, High-tech Multimedia Interactive Exhibition
118F-119F Top of Shanghai Observatory
84F-105F the world’s tallest super five-star hotel---J Hotel (not open yet)
68F Maison Lameloise
37F Shanghai Guanfu Museum, Baoku Art Center
5F Conference Center, Garden Cafe·Restaurant
4F- B2 Mall, Dining
1F-3F Shanghai Tower Exhibition Hall
B5 BAOKU Treasury
Standing in the heart of the Lujiazui Financial Zone, Shanghai Tower has always been under the spotlight
Not only is Shanghai Tower China's first skyscraper standing at 600 meters high, it's also the world's second-tallest building - by height to the architectural top (the tallest one in China).
It was also awarded both China’s three-star green building label and America’s LEED Platinum. What’s more, Shanghai Tower has set plenty of world records.
Today we are going to fully explore this skyscraper for you, with a ton of stunning pictures!
Taking the world’s fastest elevator to reach the clouds in 55 seconds
Before ascending to the 126F, we started our adventure by diving into B1
Magical Motion Pictures
As soon as we passed the security check, our eyes were captivated by motion pictures hanging on the wall, reminding us of the magical Harry Potter movies. These pictures display Shanghai's amazing city skyline and even made the queueing process entertaining!
Appreciate the beauty of famous skyscrapers all over the world
After passing the ticket gate, we came to five exhibition areas including: "skyscraper dream", "skyscraper city" and "world famous skyscrapers". These cool interactive devices, alongside awesome high-definition images, will knock your socks off!
Take the escalator to B2F and start your trip to the top of Shanghai now!
The world’s fastest elevators
Shanghai Towers boasts the world's fastest elevators with a speed of up to 18 meters per second. It only takes you 55 seconds from B2 to 118F
Start your skyscraper adventure!
Besides the common sightseeing area on 118F and 119F, we have even explored the mysterious 125F and 126F that just opened for you.
Enjoy the panoramic view of Shanghai standing on the 552m high 119F
The observatories on 118F and 119F reach a height of 546m and 552m respectively, where you will have a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Shanghai’s renowned buildings, natural beauties and ever-changing sky.
If you want to take some extremely stunning photos, you can even bring some little gadgets with you, such as a crystal ball that will encase the whole Shanghai in it!
Our recommended sightseeing time is 5pm so that you can also enjoy a dazzling night view after watching a breathtaking sunset.
126F, the gate to Heaven
If Shanghai Tower is likened to a dragon lying in Shanghai, then Shanghai Eye, located on the 126F that stabilizes the tower, can be very well likened to the eyes of the dragon. Its design inspiration comes from Chinese ancient tales.
On a day with good weather, look up at the skylights and you'll be overwhelmed by the beauty of the sky. As the sunlight goes through the glass and falls onto the Shanghai Eye, you'll experience an illusion that'll have you thinking you're standing in front of the gate to Heaven.
Visiting the 126F requires a reservation. If you want to learn more about the Shanghai Eye, you can visit Trip of Wisdom and High-tech Multimedia Interactive Exhibition on 125F.
20 restaurants at the top of Shanghai
Getting hungry after some exciting exploration? Don’t worry. There are many options for delicious food in the Shanghai Tower too, ranging from French cuisine, British afternoon tea, Japanese Sukiyaki and more.
Cool down with a gelato on 119F
Shanghai Café at Shanghai's peak
You can stop at the café on 119F and grab a cup of coffee or a gelato after a tiring walk. There's a variety of gelato flavors available, including Belgian chocolate, matcha and rum, and each one is only RMB 42.
Address: 119F, Shanghai Tower (no fixed opening hours)
Price: RMB 50 per person on average
Treat yourself with top-notch French cuisine on 68F
Maison Lameloise
This hundred-year-old Michelin restaurant will definitely win over the pickiest of taste buds!
Medium-rare steaks are made of Australian M4 Wagyu fillet, spotted with scallion scraps and accompanied with broccoli.
Address: 68F, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-68816789
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-11pm; weekends, 6:30pm-11pm
Price: RMB 2,200 per person on average
Enjoy afternoon tea on the 5F
Garden Café Restaurant
The garden patio on the fifth floor bridges the café and the VIP lounge together and serves as the "green lung" of the Shanghai Tower.
Now Garden Café·Restaurant has just launched a new British afternoon tea package, where you can eat authentic British scones and Scotch eggs in a beautiful hanging garden!
If you want to throw a party, the VIP lounge beside the patio is also a good choice. Sitting by the surrounding French windows, sipping a glass of wine while talking to your friends - it's a great way to relax after a day’s work.
Address: 5F, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-20656911
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am-10pm
Price: RMB 120 per person on average
Set lunch: Monday to Friday, 11:30am-2pm RMB 88 per person
Garden afternoon tea: Monday to Sunday, 1:30pm-4:30pm RMB 288 per set
VIP lounge block booking: RMB 50,000 per half day
Cantonese cuisine fit for business on 4F
Jade Garden
If you're a fan of Cantonese cuisine, this is where you want to be. With elegant and luxurious decor, royal blue embroidered table linens are paired with silver cutlery - every piece custom-made by Maxim's Catering Limited in Hong Kong.
In addition to the Hong Kong-style dim sum, they also offer signature 101 fruit mille-feuille, where the freshest fruit is paired with crispy puff pastry and thick cream.
Address: 4F, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-68706699
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm, 5:30-10pm; weekends, 10am-3:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Price: RMB 320 per person on average
Jinpu Hui
Designed by famous designer Jaya Ibrahim, the construction of this restaurant took three years.
The classic elegance of the interior contrasts well with its modern art elements; cold wooden flooring and a warming chandelier create a cozy atmosphere together too.
Address: 4F, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-58855757 021-68865757
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm
Price: RMB 330 per person on average
Japanese cuisine and seafood on 3F
Xunyecai Japanese Restaurant
Here you can try the signature sukiyaki from 100-year-old Japanese restaurant Asakusa Imahan in their extremely romantic and elegant environment.
Their sukiyaki is made of high-quality Australian M12 Wagyu and two different super thick soup bases. Eggs also add to the tender and silky taste.
Address: L3-4, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-68685066
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Price: RMB 300 per person on average
Zuihui Huang
As another buzzworthy restaurant among Shanghai gourmands, the decor here is of classical Chinese style. In addition to the dining hall, they also have nine private rooms that can accommodate 8-15 people, ensuring complete privacy.
Focusing on seafood, it offers the great groupers and geoducks. You can also try awesome Wagyu and delicate Cantonese dim sum here.
Address: L3, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-33830017 021-33830727
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Price: RMB 480 per person on average
Cheap eats on B2
Paradise Dynasty
Differing from the ordinary steamed bun stuffed with pork, this restaurant offers eight kinds of steamed bun with different stuffings such as pork, loofa, goose liver, black truffle, cheese, crabmeat, garlic and chilli. Juicy stufffings wrapped in a thin and chewy wrapper will definitely make your mouth water.
Address: B2-3, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-58303068
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am-10pm. Last order time 9:30pm
Price: RMB 120 per person on average
Paradise Classic
This is another branch of Paradise Dynasty focusing on Southeast Asia-style food. Most dishes are added with condiments such as shrimp paste, ginger and curry.
Address: B2-3, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-58308386
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am-10pm. Last order time 9:30pm
Price: RMB 120 per person on average
Meizhou Dongpo
Shanghai’s first branch of Meizhou Dongpo is located in Shanghai Tower featuring authentic Sichuanese cuisine.
Address: B2, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-61632376
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday to Saturday, 10am-9:30pm
Price: RMB 120 per person on average
Wode
Wode offers freshly baked bread, coffee and fruit tea of different flavors. You can grab one or two fluffy croissants on your way to work!
Address: B2-11, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-50905119
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am-9pm
Price: RMB 50 per person on average
Food Republic
There are many options for cheap eats in Food Republic, including Japanese smoked eel over rice, Carl's Jr. and Taiwan’s steamed rice with red-cooked pork.
Address: B2, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 021-58481035
Price: RMB 30-45 per person on average
Cool electric cars and exciting exhibitions await you!
Have a look at the cool electric cars in NIO House and exhibition on the first floor. You can also ascend to the 37F to visit Shanghai Guanfu Museum and Baoku Art Center.
Fantastic Nio House on the first floor
This Nio House just opened on July 28th. NIO is a global start-up automobile manufacturer based in China, specializing in designing and developing high-performance, premium electric autonomous vehicles. Different from the delicate decor of another NIO House in HKRI TAIKOO HUI, the one in Shanghai Tower has its own individual design.
The NIO circle on the ceiling echoes with the circle bench on the floor, and the bench can even be moved in the tracks of the NIO circle in a train-like manner. In addition to the display of NIO ES8, you can also experience the VR auto racing zone.
Address: 1F, Shanghai Tower
Tel: 4009996699
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-10pm
Explore stunning Dunhuang Grottoes on 1-3F
Cave No.220 of the Mogao Grottoes
The current exhibition of the Dunhuang Grottoes in Shanghai Tower is absolutely worth a visit. Other than a ton of precious cultural relics on display, the exhibition also features top-scale reproductions of three Dunhuang Grottoes, representing three different time periods: cave No.29 of the Yulin Grottoes (Western Xia dynasty), cave No.220 of the Mogao Grottoes (early Tang), cave No.285 of the Mogao Grottoes (Western Wei dynasty).
cave No.285 of the Mogao Grottoes
It is said that this is the first time cave No.29 has been on public display. Given that the real cave No.220 and cave No.285 have been restricted in Dunhuang, why not explore replicas of these caves in cool Shanghai Tower instead?
Exhibition Time: 10 months, starts from April 28th, 2018
Address: 1-3F, Shanghai Tower Exhibition Hall
Price: RMB 30 / children; RMB 120 / students and elderly' RMB 180 / adults
Enjoy traditional arts over the clouds on 37F
Shanghai Guanfu Museum
The entrance of this museum is a piece of art itself. The floor is painted with blue-and-white porcelain inlaid with a 2-km-long copper wire; it's so delicate-looking that you won't want to step on it.
There is also a wall depicting 660 rarely-used Chinese characters.
Address: 37F, Shanghai Tower
Hours: Monday, 10am-5pm. Ticket sales stop at 4pm.
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Ticket sales stop at 5pm.
Closed on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the following three days.
Price: RMB 100 / adults; RMB 50 / the elderly, students, soldiers and teachers; free for children under 1.3m and the elderly over 80 years old.
BAOKU Art Center
Olive Plaza
BAOKU Art Center is composed of two hanging gardens, namely Chinese Half Garden and western Olive Plaza, as well as a gallery boasting a large Cloisonné floor.
Half Garden: Hidden in modern Shanghai Tower, this classical Chinese landscaping garden is indeed an urban Shangri-la. It is also the world’s highest garden in the air, certificated by World Record Association.
Bricks from the Ming and Qing Dynasty, pavilions made of rare wood, a variety of precious plants…there's so much to explore. Unfortunately, Banmu Yuan is only open to its members now.
Covering an area of 480 square meters, this Cloisonné floor is a marvel in itself. You'll need to put shoe covers on if you visit wearing heels!
BAOKU Treasury, the safest private vault on B5
BAOKU Treasury is a third-party storage service supplier certified by UL (Underwriter Laboratories Inc.) outside the US.
The experience in BAOKU Treasury is just like the Mission Impossible movie. You will be required to enter the password and palm print at the same time. Perhaps the strictest security check you have ever gone through!
There are five different sizes of safe here and the shortest lease is 15 years. With 24-7 security guards, surveillance and environmental monitoring, BAOKU Treasury will keep your treasured objects safe.
Our exclusive tour guide
Are you ready to explore for yourself? Take a look at our guide below.
Address: No. 501 Yincheng Zhong Lu, Pudong New District
How to get there:
1. Take subway Line 2 and stop at Lujiazui. Take exit No.6.
2. Take the ferry to Dongchang Lu and then walk about 800m
3. If driving, there is an RMB 8 parking fee per hour.
Ticket price:
Adults: RMB 180 per person
The elderly/students/soldiers/the disabled: RMB 120 per person
Children (1-1.4m): RMB 90 per person
Fast pass ticket: RMB 360 per person
Chinese tour guide: RMB 400 per party (1 hour)
English tour guide: RMB 600 per party (1 hour)
Hours: 8:30am-10pm. Ticket sales stop at 9:30pm
Tel: 021-2065 6999
Tour Route
Suggested sightseeing time: 4pm-8pm
Enter Shanghai Tower around 4pm and visit B1 first. Take the elevator up at around 5pm. Sunsets in summer occur around 6pm, so you'll be able to experience three different views (daytime, sunset, evening) in one visit!
WONTEDDY FAMILY Exhibition on B2
Suggested route: B1—B2—ascending elevator—118F—119F—118F—descending elevator—B2 Top of Shanghai Store
Note: No backtrack except on 118F and 119F