Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center

Written by GavinUpdated Jan. 17, 2024

On a trip to Shanghai, a highlight is to visit is the Shanghai World Financial Center. It is the world's tenth tallest building, and the fifth tallest in Chinese mainland[2016].

The 100th floor observation deck gives one of the best views of Shanghai.

Features

  • 492 meters tall (1,614 feet), 101 floors above ground and 3 floors below
  • 100th floor observation deck
  • Cost: 1.2 billion USD
  • Built: 2007
Shanghai World Financial CenterShanghai World Financial Center from the bottom up

Until 2014, it was the tallest building in Shanghai. There is a popular observation deck on the 100th floor at 1,555 feet for sightseeing and a Hyatt Regency luxury hotel.

On a visit, you can also see nearby the 88 story Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai Tower that towers 400 feet higher than the Shanghai World Financial Center. These three buildings sit in a cluster next to the Pudong River in the Lujiazui financial district.

History

The Shanghai World Financial Center project was designed by the Kohn Pedersen Fox architectural firm, and the construction was managed by the Mori Building Corporation of Japan. Multinational corporations funded the project.

It actually took the developers 11 years to finish the building. It officially opened in 2008, and it was generally considered to be the best skyscraper that was built in the world in 2008.

Part of the reason for the delay was a controversy about the opening at the top of the building. In the original design, the opening was a circle. But people objected because it looked like a Japanese rising sun symbol over the city, so instead this trapezoid shape was built. This is how it got its nickname "The Bottle Opener."

Tourist Highlights

There is a mall at ground level with fine restaurants, and you'll find bars and restaurants in the Hyatt Regency between floors 79 to 93.

There are three observation decks on floors 94, 97, and 100.

The 100th floor has a viewing gallery 55 meters long — the third highest observation deck in China, after the Canton Tower and Shenzhen IFC, and fourth highest in the world (the Burj Khalifa's is highest) [2016].

Riding the elevators might be a small thrill. They move people from the first floor to 95th floor in a minute with a speed of 10 meters per second

Touring Tips

  • See our private Shanghai tours for your way to discover the Shanghai World Financial Center.
  • Observation deck prices: 94th floor is 110 RMB, 97th floor is 110 RMB, and 100th floor is 150 RMB. The ticket price to visit all three observation floors is 180 RMB.
  • The 100th floor deck is recommended because there is a 55-meter-long viewing gallery with a sky walk made of glass where you can look down through the floor to the scenery below.
  • The night lights and dusk sunset scenes are amazing, but in rainy and foggy weather you can see little.
  • There may be an hour wait for the 100th floor observation deck, but you can see the view from the windows of the 91st floor for free in a relaxed fashion from the 100 Century Avenue Restaurant and Bar. Drinks are comparatively inexpensive (about 8 USD).

Travel Essentials

  • Address: Shanghai WFC (上海环球金融中心), Financial Trading District Z4-1, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai
  • Subway transport: Subway Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. Take Exit 6 and walk about 10 minutes to the Shanghai WFC.

Discover Shanghai for Yourself

The Shanghai SkylineThe Shanghai skyline before the Shanghai Tower, when the WFC was tallest.

See Shanghai's modern wonders and classic ancient side.

  • 5-Day Hangzhou, Wuzhen, and Shanghai Tour includes going to the Shanghai World Financial Center.
  • See Shanghai's ostentatious skyline including the Shanghai WFC from the best vantage points on our Shanghai tours.
  • Contact us to include going up the new building or to stay in the J-Hotel.

Further Reading

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Save Your Time

Save Your Time

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning.
  • Seamless coordination
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • Well-trained elite 20% of guides.
  • 20% vacancy on vehicles.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China