The Oriental Pearl TV Tower — the Centerpiece of Modern Shanghai

Standing by the bank of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has been the outstanding landmark of Shanghai since its completion in 1994.

With a height of 468 meters (1,535 feet), it was the tallest structure in China before it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center in 2007. Now, it is the fifth highest tower in the world.

The Highlights You Should Not Miss

Observation Decks

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower consists of three main full-scope sightseeing spheres. Each of these spheres offers an observation deck. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of Shanghai at different heights.

The highest sphere is called the Space Module at 350 meters (1,148 feet). It is excellent to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city, but it is difficult to see close-up views of attractions, such as the Bund.

The lower sphere has three levels at 259 meters (850 feet) to 267 meters (876 feet). The top level is a revolving restaurant. The lower two levels are viewing platforms. From the main sightseeing floor at 263 meters, you can take an elevator down to a glass-bottomed sightseeing floor at 259 meters.

It is memorable to walk on it and enjoy a 360° view of the Huangpu River and buildings on both sides of the river. Visitors with a fear of heights should avoid this glass floor.

The lowest sphere is called Space City at a height of 90 meters (295 feet).

Click to see The Best Photography Spots in Shanghai.

Shanghai History Museum

Shanghai History Museum is on the ground level. It contains thousands of historical relics, over 100 wax figures, and scaled-down exquisite architectures.

You can learn about the culture of Shanghai, from what it used to be and how it has evolved through time. It's a very nice exhibition for both children and adults, showing the history of the city.

See the top 7 museums in Shanghai.

The Revolving Restaurant

Located in the second big ball of the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower Revolving Restaurant is the highest revolving restaurant in Asia, with a height of 263 meters.

The restaurant offers a buffet lunch and dinner with a wide selection of Chinese and Western delicacies. You can appreciate the full view of the city while enjoying the food.

Here are the prices, for your reference:

• Buffet lunch: 298 yuan per person (11am–2pm)
• Buffet dinner: 328 yuan per person (5pm–9pm)

The above prices include a vast buffet for all tastes, good views, and other attractions within the tower, including the lowest sphere, middle sphere, and the museum.

Click to see the top 6 revolving restaurants in Shanghai.

Travel Essentials for Planning a Trip

• Location: at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong District, opposite the Bund
• Transport: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station.
• Open: 8:30am–9:30pm
• Entrance fee:
  Option A: 220 yuan/person for all three spheres + Shanghai History Museum
  Option B: 160 yuan/person for the 1st and 2nd spheres + Shanghai History Museum
  Option C: 120 yuan/person for the 2nd sphere + Shanghai History Museum
  Option D: 35 yuan/person for Shanghai History Museum
  
• Tips:
1) You are recommended to book your ticket in advance; otherwise, be prepared for long queues for tickets.
2) Check the weather forecast before you go to the tower. The view is not clear if it is foggy.

Nearby Attractions

• The Bund: Symbolic of colonial Shanghai, the Bund has dozens of buildings of various architectural styles.
• Shanghai World Financial Center: Its 100th floor observation deck gives one of the best views of Shanghai.
• Yu Garden ('Happiness Garden') houses a wonderful collection of classic, traditional Chinese buildings and it is an oasis in the bustling city.

Tour the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with China Highlights

If you want to taste the modern flavor of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower should be part of your tour. Here are our most popular tours including this tower:

• 3-Day Essence of Shanghai and Watertown Tour: Tour with us to admire the fabulous view of Shanghai from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
• 8-Day Golden Triangle Tour: Visit the most popular attractions in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

See more of Shanghai's modern wonders during our Shanghai tours. Alternatively, you can contact us to design a tour for you based on your interests and budget.