The city falls away below, the river bends toward dusk
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 7 tickets from 240 reviewed.
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2 hr
Soar to the 118th floor of China's tallest tower for 360° skyline views above the clouds.
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24 hr
Soar to the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower for 360° skyline views from 546 meters above the city.
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Soar to the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower for sweeping city views, plus a digital photo guide for stunning skyline shots.
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2 hr
Dine 119 floors above the city after a record-breaking elevator ride to China's tallest tower.
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8 hr
Discover Shanghai's five must-see sights in one seamless private day with guide, tickets, and lunch included.
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At 632 metres, the Shanghai Tower observation deck on the 118th floor is reached by the fastest elevator in commercial service, climbing at roughly 20.5 metres per second.
The twisting glass spiral, completed in 2015, rotates 120 degrees from base to crown — a form engineered to shed the typhoon winds that batter Pudong each summer.
The building rose on reclaimed marshland in Lujiazui, beside the Jin Mao Tower and the World Financial Center, completing a trio that traces three decades of the city's vertical ambition. Today its double-skin facade and rainwater systems make it one of the tallest sustainable towers on earth. Visitors weighing skip-the-line entry, priority access, or a guided tour come for the same reason: above the Huangpu River, the megacity resolves into pattern. The Shanghai Tower observation deck remains Pudong's defining vantage point.
"Above the Huangpu River, the megacity resolves into pattern."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Shanghai Tower Observation Deck tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive between 08:30 and 10:00, before the tour groups, when the morning haze is thinnest. You pass the entrance at 501 Yincheng Middle Road, scan your mobile voucher, and step into the elevator that carries you to the 118th floor in under 55 seconds — your ears popping once on the way up.
You pause at the glass, tracing the Huangpu River as it loops past the Bund. You pick out the Jin Mao Tower below you, then the Oriental Pearl spiking through the morning light. With a priority-access ticket you skip the queue at security entirely. You circle the deck slowly, the city sliding beneath your feet, before riding back down toward the lobby and the bright street.
Begin at basement level 1 with the interactive Growing Skyline exhibit, which traces Shanghai's urban development from 1844 through the completion of Shanghai Tower; tickets are scanned here.
Board the world-class sightseeing elevator, which accelerates to 20.5 metres per second and reaches the 118th floor in approximately 55 seconds; a screen on the elevator door displays the city rising past you.
Explore the Top of Shanghai observation deck at 546 metres, with 360-degree panoramic views through curved floor-to-ceiling glass. Seek out the Sky Mirror photo installation, the Wishing Tree, and the Sky Post Office to send a uniquely stamped postcard.
Take a break at the Café in the Clouds on the 119th floor, where coffee and light meals are served with continuous skyline views. No reservation required, but arrive off-peak to secure window seating.
Reserve a slot at the self-service machine on the 119th floor for the Damper Light Show on the 126th floor, combining the 1,000-ton tuned mass damper with an immersive laser and projection experience.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Shanghai Tower Observation Deck tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
The primary viewing level sits at 546 metres above ground, making it the highest indoor observation deck in Shanghai and among the ten highest in the world; its curved floor-to-ceiling glass follows the tower's aerodynamic spiral profile.
Billed as the world's highest art space at a vertical height of 583 metres, this two-floor venue wraps an immersive laser, projection, and light show around the tower's 1,000-ton tuned mass damper — the only publicly accessible damper exhibition of its kind on the planet.
Operating at approximately 546 metres, this is officially the world's highest functioning post office; postcards are stamped with a unique altitude postmark and dispatched via China Post, taking 1–3 weeks to reach international destinations.
The dedicated observation elevator accelerates to 20.5 metres per second and covers the full ascent to the 118th floor in approximately 55 seconds; an LED display on the elevator door streams a time-lapse of Shanghai's skyline transformation from 1844 to the present as the cabin rises.
Opened in August 2019 and designed by Wutopia Lab, this 2,259-square-metre bookstore at 239 metres altitude holds approximately 60,000 titles across translucent stacked shelves described as a "white abstract mountain"; purchasing a café item unlocks access to the outdoor terrace overlooking the Lujiazui skyline.
Every Shanghai Tower Observation Deck tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Skip-the-line Most popular
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck Ticket
|
— | 2 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €33 | Book → |
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Standard Entry
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck Ticket
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— | 24 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €40 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Ticket with Photo Guide
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €45 | Book → |
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Premium Combo
Shanghai Tower: Lunch or Dinner on the 119th Floor
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— | 2 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €74 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Shanghai Top 5 Highlights: All-Inclusive Private Day Tour
|
— | 8 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €150 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.
Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.
Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Shanghai Tower Observation Deck tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Corner of Yincheng Middle Road and Huayuanshiqiao Road, base of Shanghai Tower, Pudong
The ticket office and QR-code scanning desks are at the northwest corner of the building's base; look for the illuminated Shanghai Tower signage.
Open in Google MapsTake Metro Line 2 or Line 14 to Lujiazui Station; use Exit 6 or Exit 9A and walk south for approximately 7–10 minutes. The tower is clearly visible from the station.
Hail a taxi or use Didi from anywhere in central Shanghai; ask for Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦) at 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong. Drop-off is at the base of the tower.
Take the Dongjin or Dongfu ferry line from Jinling East Road or Fuxing East Road port on the Puxi side to Dongchang Road port; walk north for approximately 7 minutes.
No formal dress code is enforced at the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are advised, as the viewing floor covers a large area. During summer months Shanghai is hot and humid, so lightweight breathable clothing is recommended; bring a light layer for the air-conditioned interior.
All visitors pass through an airport-style security checkpoint at the building's base: bags are X-rayed and individuals walk through a metal detector. Large backpacks and oversized luggage are not permitted on the observation deck. Allow 10–15 extra minutes during peak hours for security screening.
Personal photography and video is freely permitted throughout the Shanghai Tower observation deck and its viewing galleries. Tripods and professional lighting rigs require prior written permission from tower management. The floor-to-ceiling curved glass creates strong reflections, so a polarising lens or shooting at an angle helps reduce glare. A dedicated photo spot called the "Sky Mirror" on the 118th floor produces popular reflection images.
The Shanghai Tower observation deck is fully wheelchair accessible. High-speed panoramic lifts reach the 118th floor without steps. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the B1 ticketing area. Accessible restrooms are provided on the 118th and 119th floors. Visitors requiring assistance should notify staff at the entrance for priority boarding of the sightseeing elevator.
Mobile phones may be used freely throughout the Shanghai Tower observation deck for photography, video calls, and navigation. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the primary payment methods accepted at all in-tower food, beverage, and retail outlets; international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at major venues. Ensure your device is charged before entering, as charging points are limited on the upper floors.
Children under 1 metre in height or under 3 years of age enter free of charge. The observation deck's wide corridors and low window sills make it manageable with pushchairs and strollers, which are permitted. An interactive multimedia exhibition on B1 tells the story of Shanghai's growing skyline from 1844 onward, engaging for older children. The Wishing Tree on the 118th floor, where visitors write and hang wishes, is particularly popular with younger visitors.
The 119th-floor Café in the Clouds serves hot drinks, pastries, and light meals with panoramic views; no reservation is required but seating is limited during peak hours. Duoyun Books on the 52nd floor offers a café bar with coffee and desserts — purchasing one item unlocks access to the terrace-side seating. Full restaurant dining is available on the 120th floor. Outside food and drink are not permitted on the observation deck itself.
Pets are not permitted inside the Shanghai Tower observation deck or any of the tower's public upper-floor areas. Certified assistance and guide dogs accompanying visitors with disabilities are the sole exception and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation.
The tower's B1 multimedia exhibition hall — included in the standard 180 CNY ticket — uses interactive screens and a timeline display charting Shanghai's skyline evolution from 1844 to the present. An optional upgrade ticket (separate purchase on the 119th floor) grants access to the 125th and 126th floors, where the 1,000-ton tuned mass damper and the immersive Tian Shi 632 Art Space light show are located. Visitors may also send a postcard stamped from the world's highest post office, located within the 118th-floor observation area.
Corner of Yincheng Middle Road and Huayuanshiqiao Road, base of Shanghai Tower, Pudong
The ticket office and QR-code scanning desks are at the northwest corner of the building's base; look for the illuminated Shanghai Tower signage.
Get directions
Line 2, Lujiazui Station, Exit 6, Pudong New Area
A 7–10 minute walk south from Exit 6 leads directly to the tower; the skyscraper is visible from the exit.
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Mild temperatures between 10°C and 25°C and lower humidity give the clearest skyline views; crowds are moderate outside Golden Week.
Cool, crisp air between 15°C and 25°C produces the best long-range visibility across the Huangpu River toward the Bund; October 1–7 Golden Week brings heavy crowds so the first two weeks of November are preferred.
Shanghai's peak tourism season means the Shanghai Tower observation deck is at its busiest; visit at opening (08:30) to beat tour groups and check the AQI before going, as heat haze can reduce visibility.
Visitor numbers are lowest and queues are shortest, but cold temperatures and occasional fog can obscure views; clear post-front days offer unexpectedly sharp panoramas.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Shanghai's summer air quality varies day to day. A post-rain clear day can extend visible range to 40+ kilometres; the free AQI apps (e.g. AirVisual) take 30 seconds to check and can save a wasted visit on a hazy day.
The first entry window sees the fewest tour groups and the sharpest morning light. By 11:00 group bookings begin arriving in volume and elevator wait times increase substantially.
During summer and on weekends, on-site queues for both tickets and elevators can exceed 30 minutes each. Pre-purchasing a timed slot on Klook, Trip.com, or the official site at 180 CNY gets you straight to the scanning desks.
At 546 metres the observation deck is the highest; viewing Jin Mao Tower and SWFC from above first means those lower decks retain their novelty rather than feeling like a step down.
The curved glass creates strong reflections in direct overhead sun. The dedicated Sky Mirror installation on the 118th floor is designed to use that reflection creatively; otherwise, aim for oblique angles or wait for late-afternoon softer light.
The Sky Post Office on the 118th floor stamps cards with a unique altitude postmark. Cards are delivered via China Post and take 1–3 weeks internationally — a more memorable souvenir than a keyring.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
The 420.5-metre pagoda-inspired skyscraper offers an 88th-floor observatory at approximately 120 CNY; its tiered exterior is a hallmark of 1990s supertall design.
Known locally as the "Bottle Opener" for its trapezoidal aperture, the 492-metre SWFC features a 100th-floor glass-floored skywalk and stays open until 23:00.
The 468-metre broadcast tower with its distinctive twin spheres is one of Shanghai's most recognisable silhouettes; its lower sphere contains a glass-floored observation capsule.
A riverside promenade along the Huangpu River offering unobstructed face-on views of The Bund's historic Beaux-Arts waterfront; best visited at dusk as the Bund buildings illuminate.
A six-storey luxury shopping and dining complex directly connected underground to Lujiazui metro; anchored by Din Tai Fung and an Ole supermarket, it is a practical pre- or post-visit stop.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Tickets purchased through third-party platforms typically allow full cancellation up to 24 hours before the selected entry slot. On-site tickets purchased at the 180 CNY standard rate are non-refundable once issued.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Occupies floors 86–98 of Shanghai Tower itself; 165 rooms and 34 suites with seven restaurants and bars; guests are already inside the attraction.
Located in the IFC complex at 8 Century Avenue; 285 rooms with direct views of the Lujiazui skyline and underground mall access.
Occupies floors 79–93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center at 100 Century Avenue; the hotel lounge sits above the main observation deck floors.
Practical business-oriented hotel near Lujiazui metro with clean rooms and competitive rates; convenient for early morning visits to the tower.
Several Hanting Express and Jinjiang Inn properties cluster around Dongchang Road station (Line 2), offering budget accommodation within two metro stops of Shanghai Tower.
The Shanghai Tower observation deck is open every day from 08:30 to 22:00, with last admission at 21:30. These hours apply on all seven days of the week, including public holidays, though it is advisable to check the official site at shanghaitower.com.cn before visiting.
The standard adult ticket for the 118th floor observation deck costs 180 CNY per person. An optional upgrade adding access to the 125th and 126th floors (Tian Shi 632 Art Space and damper light show) is available as a separate on-site purchase from the 119th floor.
The best window for the Shanghai Tower observation deck is between 08:30 and 10:00, when tour groups have not yet arrived and morning air is typically clearer. Weekdays (particularly Tuesday through Thursday) are noticeably quieter than weekends. In summer, checking the air quality index before your visit is worthwhile, as heat haze can reduce visibility.
Take Metro Line 2 or Line 14 to Lujiazui Station and exit from Exit 6 or Exit 9A; it is a 7–10 minute walk south to the tower entrance. Bus lines 807, 939, and 985 stop at Lujiazui Ring Road Dongtai Road, within sight of the building. Taxis and Didi can drop off directly at the tower base.
Yes, the Shanghai Tower observation deck is fully wheelchair accessible. High-speed lifts service all upper public floors with no steps, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at no charge from the B1 ticketing area. Accessible restrooms are available on the 118th and 119th floors.
Children under 1 metre in height or under 3 years of age are admitted free of charge. Older children pay the standard adult rate of 180 CNY. Pushchairs and strollers are permitted throughout the tower and on the observation deck.
Personal photography and smartphone video are freely permitted across the entire Shanghai Tower observation deck. Tripods and professional lighting equipment require advance written approval from tower management. The Sky Mirror photo installation on the 118th floor is a dedicated spot designed for creative reflection shots.
The standard 180 CNY Shanghai Tower observation deck ticket includes entry to the B1 multimedia exhibition hall, the high-speed sightseeing elevator, the 118th floor viewing gallery, and access to the 119th floor. The Sky Post Office, Wishing Tree, and interactive installations on the 118th floor are also included.
Third-party platform tickets (such as those from Klook or Trip.com) typically allow full cancellation up to 24 hours before the chosen entry slot for a complete refund. Tickets purchased directly at the on-site ticket office at the 180 CNY rate are non-refundable once issued.
Prohibited items include firearms and sharp weapons, flammable liquids, lighters, explosive devices, drones, professional tripods without permits, oversized luggage, and outside alcohol. Pets are not permitted except for certified guide dogs. Security X-ray screening and metal detection apply to all visitors at the building entrance.
The 119th floor Café in the Clouds serves hot drinks, pastries, and light meals directly adjacent to the observation level; no reservation is needed but seating fills quickly at peak times. A full dining restaurant operates on the 120th floor. Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the observation deck.
The three closest landmarks to combine with a Shanghai Tower observation deck tour are the Shanghai World Financial Center (5 min walk, 100th-floor glass skywalk), Jin Mao Tower (8 min walk, 88th-floor observatory), and the Oriental Pearl Tower (12 min walk, iconic twin-sphere broadcast tower with internal observation levels). The Binjiang Avenue riverside promenade (10 min walk) is free and offers the best face-on view of The Bund waterfront.
