Close-up of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, showcasing its unique design against modern skyscrapers.
Vibrant Shanghai night skyline featuring Oriental Pearl Tower and modern skyscrapers.
Night view of the Shanghai skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower and International Convention Center.
All attractions

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Shanghai, China
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Close-up of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, showcasing its unique design against modern skyscrapers.

Photo by Gu Bra

Few places in Shanghai spark the imagination like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This landmark blends futuristic design with the steady pulse of local life. Defined by its two massive spheres and rocket-like form, the tower stands not just as a TV and radio hub, but as a symbol of modern China—vibrant, ambitious, and endlessly photogenic. Standing tall on the banks of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl offers more than spectacular city views. It connects visitors with Shanghai’s rapid growth and the stories that shaped today’s skyline.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
198 CNY

Contact Information

Location
Address
1 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120
Phone

Planning your visit

A visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower calls for a little planning, especially for those hoping to catch the best light or avoid the rush. The tower sits in the heart of the Lujiazui financial district, surrounded by shimmering glass buildings and lively plazas. Crowds arrive fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Buying tickets ahead helps, but patience goes a long way during peak hours. Weather changes fast in Shanghai, so indoor attractions in the tower offer relief on wet or hazy days. Below is a quick guide to help structure the perfect visit.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons; clear days between October and April give the best skyline views.
  • How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. The tower is a five-minute walk from Exit 1. Taxis and bus routes are plentiful; on fine days, try the ferry across the river from the Bund.
  • Accessibility: Elevators serve all main levels, making the tower friendly for families with children, strollers, or anyone with mobility issues.
  • Average visit duration: Plan for two to three hours, more if you linger over dinner or linger in the museum exhibits.

Must see stuff

Entering the Oriental Pearl TV Tower isn’t just about scaling dizzying heights; it’s about stepping into different eras of Shanghai. From the Shanghai History Museum at the base, to neon-lit observation domes higher up, the tower packs surprises on every floor. Travelers crisscross steel catwalks in the lower sphere, wind up spiral staircases, and finally drift into dramatic, glass-bottomed decks. At sundown, the tower glitters with LED shows, while the riverside promenade glows with visitors taking in the skyline’s light show. Key attractions call for more than just a glance.

  • Key sights: The Space Module (top sphere observation deck), 259-meter Sightseeing Floor (with a transparent glass skywalk), and futuristic elevators that climb at eye-popping speed.
  • Unique experiences: Walking the glass skywalk for a view straight down to the pavement; a revolving lunch or dinner in the 267-meter-high restaurant; interactive exhibits in the Shanghai History Museum.
  • Photo-worthy spots: The 259-meter observation deck provides sweeping panoramas of both the Pudong skyline and the historic Bund. Evening light displays are magical from either inside or the riverside below.
  • Cultural nuggets: The tower’s design echoes ancient Chinese concepts (pearls on a jade plate) and celebrates Shanghai’s shift from shipping port to modern metropolis. The museum’s ghostly recreations of old Shanghai streets give context to the glass and steel above.

Tips for your visit

Every traveler discovers small lessons in the tower’s twisting corridors or while queuing for an elevator. Long lines form at the observation decks in late mornings and early evenings—so heading early or staying late is often rewarding. While locals share the elevator with international visitors, polite queuing and patience keep things pleasant. Indoor attractions protect against drizzle or sticky summer heat, but bringing a light layer helps on air-conditioned decks. Below are some tips to make every visit smooth and memorable.

  • When to avoid crowds: Arrive right at opening or after 7 PM; try midweek instead of weekends.
  • What to bring: A camera or phone with a wide-angle lens, water, comfortable walking shoes, and a little cash for snacks or museum extras.
  • Local etiquette: Hold doors for seniors and use quiet voices on lifts and in the museum; snapping photos is fine but flash is discouraged.
  • Safety and comfort: Guard against vertigo on glass sections; kids should hold hands near railings. Elevator rides can get crowded, but staff direct the flow kindly and efficiently.