Lujiazui Observation Decks

Lujiazui, Shanghai's iconic financial district, offers several world-class observation decks providing breathtaking views of the city. This comprehensive guide covers major viewpoints, transportation, dining options, and essential tips for visitors.

Choose One Tower, Then Enjoy the Riverfront

For a first visit, choose one observation deck and give the rest of the outing to the district at ground level. Repeating lift queues at several towers leaves less time to see the waterfront from a different perspective.

• Oriental Pearl: choose it when the sphere-shaped landmark and transparent corridor are the main attraction. Compare the levels included in your ticket.
• Shanghai Tower: choose it for a high-level city panorama. The observation-deck ticket, bookstore visit and dining options are separate decisions; do not assume one purchase includes all three.
• Jin Mao: choose it when the 88th-floor view and the building's tiered architecture interest you. The outdoor skywalk is an additional experience, not the standard indoor visit.

Build a simple outing around your chosen tower → a seated meal or break → the riverside promenade. From the Pudong waterfront, look back toward the Bund's historic buildings. If cloud hides the upper floors, keep the river walk and meal, and reconsider the paid ascent before purchasing. Use current pedestrian directions between stops rather than treating the skyline's apparent closeness as a walking route.

Getting There

Metro Access

The most convenient way to reach Lujiazui is via:

• Line 2/14 Lujiazui Station
• Notable exits:
  • Exit 2: Oriental Pearl Tower, Ocean Aquarium
  • Exit 6: Three Towers escalator views
  • Exit 8: Jin Mao Tower access
  • Exit 9A: Shanghai Tower, Duoyun Bookstore

Bus Routes

Multiple bus lines serve the area:

• 583, 791, 870, 961, 985, 314

Driving

Parking available at:

• IFC Mall Parking
• Super Brand Mall Parking Note: Parking fees are relatively high in this area

Major Observation Decks

Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔)

• Height: 263 meters (Second Sphere)
• Hours: 9:00-21:00
• Admission:
  • Adults: ¥199
  • Children: ¥99
• Key Features:
  • 259m transparent observation corridor
  • 360° glass walkway
  • Rotating restaurant
  • Shanghai History Museum
  • VR experiences
  • Multimedia shows

Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)

• Height: 632 meters (World's 2nd tallest building)
• Hours: 8:30-22:00
• Admission:
  • Adults: ¥180
  • Family (1 adult + 1 child): ¥270
• Highlights:
  • World's fastest elevator (18m/s)
  • Highest observation deck in Shanghai
  • Duoyun Bookstore (朵云书院)
  • 119th floor dining options

Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心)

• Height: 492 meters
• Hours: 8:30-21:30
• Admission: ¥180
• Features:
  • 100th floor glass walkway
  • 97th floor observation deck
  • 94th floor exhibition hall

Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦)

• Height: 420.5 meters
• Hours: 8:30-21:30
• Admission: ¥120
• Features:
  • 88th floor observation deck
  • Traditional Chinese architectural elements
  • Skywalk experience (additional fee)

Shopping Destinations

IFC Mall (国金中心商场)

• Location: Next to Oriental Pearl Tower
• Highlights:
  • Luxury brands: Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci
  • Fine dining restaurants
  • Michelin-recommended venues
  • Art exhibitions and fashion shows

Super Brand Mall (正大广场)

• Features:
  • 10 floors above ground, 3 underground
  • International retail brands
  • IMAX theater
  • Global dining options
  • Seasonal themed zones
• Notable Restaurants:
  • Linjia (临家)
  • Jin Lou (锦楼)
  • Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰)

Dining Highlights

Michelin-Recommended Restaurants

• Shiheyuan New Beijing Cuisine (柿合缘・新京菜)
  • Location: IFC Mall L4
  • Signature dishes:
    • Fish Head in Duan Style (段式绝味鱼头)
    • Grilled Lamb (炙子羊肉)
  • Average cost: ¥400/person

Traditional Shanghai Cuisine

• Shanghai Xiao Nan Guo (上海小南国)
  • Location: China Development Bank Building, 4th Floor
  • Must-try dishes:
    • White-cut Chicken
    • Braised Pork (外婆红烧肉)
  • Average cost: ¥198/person

Photography Tips

Best Photo Spots

1. Donghai Road Intersection

   • Perfect for capturing all three towers
   • Best for low-angle shots

2. Lujiazui Pedestrian Bridge

   • Elevated viewpoint
   • Frame shots using bridge railings

3. Riverside Promenade

   • Bund views
   • Sunset photography
   • Night skyline shots

Night Photography Tips

• Use a tripod for stability
• Optimal timing: 7:00 PM onwards
• Recommended camera settings:
  • Lower ISO
  • Longer exposure time
  • Small aperture (f/8-f/11)

Essential Tips

1. Best Visiting Times

   • Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
   • Sunset hours for photography
   • Clear weather days for best visibility

2. Weather Considerations

   • Check forecast before visiting observation decks
   • Bring sun protection in summer
   • Layer clothing in spring/autumn

3. Safety Notes

   • Follow observation deck guidelines
   • Keep belongings secure
   • Stay aware in crowded areas

English route maps

Use these diagrams to compare routes, zones, floors, and visit order. Operating routes can change, so follow current signs and staff instructions on the day.