Shanghai Tickets

Visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower: Your Complete Guide

How to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower offers multiple observation levels at 90, 263, 259, and 351 meters, each revealing different perspectives of Shanghai's skyline. Between the glass-floor skywalk, the 10,000-square-meter Shanghai History Museum at ground level, and optional VR attractions, the tower packs several experiences into one visit. Crowds and elevator queues can add 1-3 hours during peak times, so pre-booking and strategic timing make the difference between a rushed visit and a memorable one.

Navigating your way

The tower has one main entrance, but multiple observation levels and attractions mean you'll need a clear route to avoid backtracking and maximize your ticket value.

The Oriental Pearl Tower rises from a single entrance plaza on Century Avenue. Security screening leads to the elevator lobby where you choose your destination level. Standard tickets (Two-Ball) access the 263-meter main observation deck, 259-meter glass skywalk, 90-meter outdoor platform, 78-meter multimedia show, and ground-floor Shanghai History Museum. Premium tickets (Three-Ball) add the 351-meter Space Capsule at the tower's peak.

Enter via main entrance 👉

Single entrance on south side facing Century Avenue. All visitors pass through airport-style security (bag X-ray and metal detector). Pre-booked QR code tickets skip ticket counter queues.

Follow the elevator system 👉

High-speed double-deck elevators reach 263 meters in 40 seconds. From there, descend via spiral stairs or elevator to 259-meter glass floor, then continue to lower levels. The 351-meter Space Capsule requires a separate elevator queue from the 263-meter deck.

Museum as your exit route 👉

The Shanghai History Museum sits at ground level and typically serves as the final stop before exiting. Budget 45-60 minutes here. Unlike observation decks, the museum rarely feels crowded.

Download the official map 👉

Limited English signage inside. Save offline maps or download the tower's app (available on iOS/Android). Floor plans show elevator locations and attraction positions clearly.

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Snapshot visit

1.5 hours

Main entrance → 263m observation deck → 259m glass skywalk → Exit

A fast track to Shanghai's skyline views with the signature glass-floor thrill, perfect for tight schedules.

Standard visit

2-3 hours

Main entrance → 263m deck → 259m glass floor → 90m outdoor platform → 78m multimedia show → History Museum → Exit

Covers all included attractions at a comfortable pace without rushing, seeing everything your ticket offers.

Complete experience

3-4 hours

Main entrance → 263m deck → 351m Space Capsule → 259m glass floor → VR attractions → 90m platform → History Museum → Exit

The full tower exploration including premium levels and entertainment zones.

Sunset package

4-5 hours

Arrive 4pm → History Museum first (1 hour) → Ascend 5:30pm → 263m for golden hour → 259m glass floor → Night views

Experience three lighting conditions in one visit: daylight cityscape, sunset transition, and illuminated night skyline for maximum value.

Handy tips

  • Book timed-entry tickets online to skip 15-60 minute ticket counter queues; same-day slots sell out during holidays.
  • Revolving restaurant package bypasses elevator queues entirely via dedicated lift—worth the 170 yuan premium during peak crowds.
  • Check Shanghai's AQI before visiting; above 150 means poor visibility. Post-rain days offer clearest conditions for photography.
  • The 351-meter Space Capsule disappoints most visitors—landmarks appear too distant. Save 100-200 yuan and stick with the 263-meter deck.
  • Arrive at 4pm for triple value: explore the museum while crowds thin, then ascend for sunset and night views on one ticket.
  • Lighters are confiscated at security: Leave them at your hotel. Large bags require mandatory check-in at entrance lockers.
  • Visit weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 8-9:30am) for near-empty observation decks and 15-minute total wait times.

Explore the Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower's observation levels, glass skywalk, museum, and entertainment zones each offer distinct ways to experience Shanghai's past and present.

263-meter main observation deck

Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal 360-degree panoramas of the Bund, Pudong skyscrapers, and the Huangpu River below.

What to look out for: The Bund's colonial architecture, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower

259-meter glass skywalk

Step onto China's first transparent floor corridor, looking straight down 850 feet to Lujiazui's streets through reinforced glass panels.

What to look out for: Straight-down city views, reflections of tower spheres in glass

351-meter Space Capsule

The tower's highest observation point offers exclusive summit access with futuristic theming, though distant views and compact space.

What to look out for: Horizon-to-horizon Shanghai sprawl, Yangtze River bend on clear days

Shanghai History Museum

Walk through recreated 1920s-1930s Shanghai streets with wax figures, scale models, and vintage storefronts spanning 10,000 square meters.

What to look out for: 1:50 Bund scale model, colonial-era street scenes, vintage trams

90-meter outdoor observation platform

Open-air deck with wire mesh barriers provides fresh breeze and lower-angle skyline views with nearby street activity visible.

Revolving restaurant (267 meters)

Dine while the floor completes a 360-degree rotation every 90 minutes, combining skyline views with Chinese and international buffet.

VR roller coaster & 5D theater

Virtual reality "flight" through Shanghai and motion theater with wind effects add family-friendly entertainment between observation levels.

Choosing the right ticket

Choosing the right Oriental Pearl Tower ticket depends on how much time you have, whether you want to avoid queues, and your tolerance for crowds.

  • Standard entry (199 yuan) gives full access to the 263-meter main deck, 259-meter glass floor, 90-meter outdoor platform, 78-meter multimedia show, and Shanghai History Museum. Walk-up buyers face 15-60 minute ticket counter waits plus 10-60+ minute elevator queues depending on crowds. Pre-booked skip-the-line tickets secure timed entry and let you scan QR codes at the entrance gate, cutting ticket queue time but not elevator waits.
  • Premium tickets (299-399 yuan) add the 351-meter Space Capsule, but most visitors report this isn't worth the 100-200 yuan premium—views from that height make Bund landmarks appear too distant to appreciate details.
  • Revolving restaurant packages (368-418 yuan) include tower admission plus buffet meal at the 267-meter rotating restaurant. The real value here is the dedicated restaurant elevator that bypasses main elevator queues entirely—saving 30-90 minutes during peak periods. Book dinner slots at 5pm or 7:30pm to watch day transition to night during your 90-minute rotation.
  • Combo tickets pair the tower with Shanghai Tower observation deck, Huangpu River cruises, or Shanghai Ocean Aquarium next door, streamlining multi-attraction days with modest savings.

Ticket comparison table

Ticket typeWhat's includedBest forPrice range

Entry ticket (Two Sphere)

263m + 259m + 90m + 78m + History Museum

Complete experience at lowest cost; expect queues

199 yuan

Premium ticket (Three Sphere)

All Sphere levels + 351m Space Capsule

Summit completionists; distant views

299-399 yuan

Restaurant package (lunch)

Two Sphere access + lunch buffet at 267m + dedicated elevator

Skip elevator queues; casual daytime dining

368 yuan

Restaurant package (dinner)

Two Sphere access + dinner buffet at 267m + dedicated elevator

Sunset dining with queue avoidance

418 yuan

Tower + River Cruise combo

Two Sphere + 50-min Huangpu River cruise

Experience skyline from above and water level

280-350 yuan

Oriental Pearl Tower timings & best time to visit

AttractionTimingsLast entry

Main observation levels

Daily, 8am – 9:30pm

8:30pm

Shanghai History Museum

Daily, 8am – 9pm

8:30pm

Revolving restaurant

Daily, 11:30am – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm

Reservation required

VR attractions

Daily, 9am – 8:30pm

8:15pm

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) see lightest crowds, especially mornings before 10am when waits average 15-35 minutes total. Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently quietest year-round. Saturdays bring peak weekend crowds with 1-2 hour waits between 11am-3pm. Sundays start busy and remain crowded through early afternoon. Friday evenings attract locals and early weekend arrivals. Late afternoons after 5pm on weekdays offer reduced crowds as day visitors depart. For minimal waits, arrive at 8am opening Tuesday-Thursday.

Peak season vs low season

Peak season (May, July-August, October) brings summer heat and school holidays with 1-3 hour total wait times on weekends. Golden Week (October 1-7) sees the year's heaviest crowds—2-3+ hour waits are common with tickets selling out by afternoon. Low season (November-March except Chinese New Year) offers quieter weekday visits with under 30-minute waits. Chinese New Year week (late Jan/early Feb) disrupts the pattern with domestic tourism surge rivaling summer peaks. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) balance clear weather with manageable crowds.

For the best experience, aim for weekday mornings (8-10am) during spring or autumn, or late afternoon (4-5pm) to catch sunset and night views in one visit.

Where is the Oriental Pearl Tower located?

Location: The Oriental Pearl Tower stands in Lujiazui, Pudong's financial district, directly opposite the historic Bund across the Huangpu River.

Address: No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200120, China | Find on Maps

Closest landmark: Shanghai Tower, 500m away

How to get there

Buses at Jiangxi Road bus stop in Shanghai, China.

By metro: Take Line 2 or 14 to Lujiazui Station, Exit 1. Walk 300 meters (2-4 minutes) toward the pink spheres.

By bus: Routes 81, 82, 85, 314, 774, 789, 795, 870, 939, 971, 993, Tourism Line 2. Exit at Lujiazui Station stop (200m from tower).

By ferry: Dongchang Road Ferry from the Bund's East Jinling Road Pier. 5-minute crossing, then 800-meter walk (10-12 minutes) north along riverside.

Travel time: 15 minutes from People's Square via Metro Line 2 direct; 25 minutes by bus; 15 minutes by ferry including walk.

Couple sitting in the back seat of the car

Routes: From West Shanghai/Hongqiao: Yan'an Road Elevated Highway → Yan'an Road Tunnel → Century Avenue. From Pudong Airport: S1 Yingbin Expressway → S20 Outer Ring → Century Avenue exit.

Travel time: 15-25 minutes from People's Square; 35-50 minutes from Hongqiao Airport; 50-70 minutes from Pudong Airport (traffic dependent).

Peak hours: Avoid 8-10am and 5-7pm weekdays when river tunnels bottleneck.

Parking: Limited on-site (Gate 8, 15 yuan/hour). Fenghe Road Underground Parking (100m away, 15 yuan/hour, 300+ spaces) is your best option.

Oriental Pearl Tower Entrances

Entrance nameLocationCrowds & wait times

Main entrance

South side, facing Century Avenue plaza

15-60 minutes ticket queue (pre-booked QR codes skip this); 10-60+ minute elevator queue depending on crowds

Restaurant entrance

Same building, separate elevator bank

Near-zero wait; dedicated elevator bypasses main queues entirely

Facilities

🎧 Audio guides: Available in limited languages; rental at main entrance lobby (30-50 yuan).

🎒 Luggage storage: Mandatory check-in for large bags at entrance security checkpoint; free service.

🚻 Restrooms: Located at ground level, 263-meter deck, and 90-meter platform; accessible facilities available.

🛍️ Gift shops: Souvenir stores at ground level and 263-meter observation deck; tower-shaped ice cream sold only at 263m.

🍴 Cafés & kiosks: Small cafe at 263-meter deck serves coffee and snacks; ground-floor Starbucks available.

📱 Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available in common areas; connection quality varies by level and crowds.

💰 ATM: Located in adjacent Super Brand Mall (600m) and IFC Mall (700m); limited cash-only vendors inside tower.

Accessibility

General facilities

Admission follows standard pricing with no specific disability discounts. Wheelchair users enter through the same main entrance with dedicated security checkpoint lanes to the left of standard metal detectors. Priority queuing available. Notify staff at entrance for assistance. All major observation levels (263m, 259m, 351m) accessible via elevators. The 259-meter glass floor includes solid-floor alternative paths around perimeter for wheelchair users and those uncomfortable on glass.

Physical disabilities

Free wheelchair loans available at entrance security checkpoint with ID deposit. All observation decks feature wide corridors and level surfaces with no steps between elevator exits and viewing windows. Accessible restrooms on ground level and 263-meter deck. Between 263-meter and 259-meter levels, both spiral stairs and elevator exist—staff direct wheelchair users to elevator access. The 90-meter outdoor platform accessible via elevator.

Hearing impairments

Limited specialized services for hearing-impaired visitors. No hearing loops or sign language tours currently offered. Information displays throughout observation decks include visual content and English text. Staff at entrance and ticket counters can provide written assistance when requested. Recommend visiting with companion who can relay audio announcements about elevator departures and safety instructions.

Visual impairments

Escort services not formally offered but staff will assist from entrance to elevators upon request. No tactile tours or braille materials currently available. The Shanghai History Museum includes some audio descriptions in Chinese only. Recommend visiting with sighted companion. Guide dogs permitted with advance notification—contact tower management 2-3 days before visit to arrange entry clearance.

Visiting with family

  • Baby facilities: Baby changing stations located in ground-level restrooms near main entrance and at 263-meter observation deck restrooms.
  • Stroller access: Elevators accommodate strollers throughout tower. Glass floor at 259 meters has solid paths if pushing stroller feels unstable on glass. Stroller parking available near security checkpoint entrance.
  • Kid-friendly dining: Coca-Cola themed restaurant at ground level offers 258 yuan buffet with playground area. Children 1.0-1.4m tall pay half price. Snack kiosks at observation decks sell child-friendly items.
  • Height requirements: Children under 1 meter tall enter free with adult ticket holder. VR Roller Coaster requires minimum 1.3m height; children 1.3-1.4m need adult accompaniment.
  • Family rest areas: Benches and seating areas throughout observation decks. Shanghai History Museum offers quieter environment for breaks between high-energy observation level visits.

Rules and restrictions

  • Entry requires dated ticket; all visitors pass through airport-style security screening with bag X-rays and metal detectors.
  • Lighters, matches, and flame-producing items strictly prohibited and confiscated at security with no return.
  • Large backpacks and luggage exceeding standard daypack size must be stored in free lockers at entrance checkpoint.
  • Photography allowed throughout tower including observation decks and museum; flash photography permitted; tripods restricted on glass floor.
  • Outside food generally restricted though sealed water bottles usually permitted; food and drinks available for purchase at multiple levels.
  • Re-entry not permitted once you exit tower premises; plan to complete entire visit in single session.
  • Smoking and e-cigarettes prohibited throughout all tower areas including outdoor observation platforms.
  • Service animals allowed with advance notification; other pets prohibited except certified assistance animals.
  • Children must be supervised at all times especially on glass floor and outdoor platforms; no minimum age for entry.
  • The 78-meter revolving floor multimedia show may cause dizziness; visitors can request to skip this level.

Where to shop

Oriental Pearl Tower Souvenir Shop (Ground level)

Tower-shaped keepsakes, postcards, model replicas, and Shanghai-themed merchandise. Open 8am-9pm daily.

Sky Shop (263-meter observation deck)

Compact store featuring premium tower-branded items including the signature tower-shaped ice cream available only at this level. Open 8am-9pm daily.

Shanghai History Museum Gift Counter (Ground level exit)

Books about Shanghai history, vintage-style postcards, and reproduction artifacts from 1920s-1930s era. Open 8am-8:30pm daily.

Where to eat

Revolving Restaurant (267 meters)

Chinese and international buffet while floor completes 360-degree rotation every 90 minutes. Lunch 368 yuan/person (11:30am-2pm), dinner 418 yuan/person (5pm-9pm). Reservations required; book 24-48 hours ahead for window seats. Dress code: casual-smart.

Coca-Cola Happy Restaurant (Ground level)

Themed buffet restaurant with playground for children. 258 yuan/person adult, 1.0-1.4m children half price. Open 11am-9pm daily. Good for families wanting convenient meal without leaving tower premises.

Sky Café (263-meter observation deck)

Coffee, soft drinks, packaged snacks, and light refreshments. Quick service for break during observation deck visit. Prices 20-50% higher than street level. Open 8am-9pm daily.

Starbucks (Adjacent plaza, ground level)

International coffee chain 100 meters from tower entrance. Full menu including food items. Open 7am-10pm daily.

Where to stay

The Oriental Pearl Tower sits in Lujiazui, Pudong's clean, modern financial district with excellent metro connections. It's perfect for business travelers and tourists wanting direct access to observation towers and riverside promenades, though nightlife is quieter than The Bund or French Concession areas.

  • Pudong Shangri-La (400m walk): 5★ luxury with Bund views from rooms and award-winning restaurants. River-facing rooms overlook tower. 1,500-3,000 yuan/night.
  • Mandarin Oriental Pudong (500m walk): 5★ contemporary luxury with Pearl Tower Suite offering direct tower views. Spa and Michelin-star dining. 2,000-4,000 yuan/night.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong (500m walk): 5★ occupying floors 53-77 of Shanghai IFC. High-floor rooms overlook tower and Bund. 1,800-3,500 yuan/night.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Pudong (800m walk): 4★ reliable international chain in Lujiazui center. Good value for quality. 600-900 yuan/night.

💡 Budget travelers: Stay in People's Square or Jing'an areas (15-20 minutes via Metro Line 2)—more affordable hotels and better street-level dining. Hostels from 100-200 yuan/night.

💡 Nightlife seekers: French Concession or The Bund (10-15 minutes via metro or taxi) offer more bars, restaurants, and evening energy than business-focused Lujiazui.

Insider tips

  • Queue intelligence: Pre-booked tickets only skip the ticket counter (15-60 min saved), not elevator queues (10-60+ min). The revolving restaurant package is the only option with dedicated elevator access bypassing both queues—worth the premium during Golden Week, summer weekends, or any Saturday afternoon when standard elevator waits exceed 45 minutes.
  • Weather strategy: Shanghai's Air Quality Index (AQI) determines visibility more than weather forecasts. Check AQI before traveling—under 100 is excellent, 100-150 acceptable with haze, above 150 means limited views beyond nearby towers. Days following heavy rainfall offer clearest photography conditions. The glass floor remains impressive regardless of outside visibility, so smoggy days aren't complete losses if you lower expectations for distant horizon views.
  • Museum timing hack: Most visitors rush straight to observation decks, leaving the Shanghai History Museum until last (or skipping it entirely when tired). Reverse this: arrive at 4pm, spend your first hour in the museum while crowds are upstairs, then ascend around 5:30pm for golden hour through night transition. This strategy gives you empty museum galleries plus three lighting conditions from observation decks—all on one ticket.
  • Elevator strategy for families: The double-deck elevators hold 50 people but fill completely during busy periods. If traveling with young children who get anxious in packed spaces, wait for the second or third elevator rather than cramming into the first available one. The 2-3 minute wait saves stress and gives kids more window space to watch the rapid ascent.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower

Plan 2-3 hours for the standard experience covering observation decks and museum. Add 90 minutes for revolving restaurant dining. Quick visits covering only main deck and glass floor take 1.5 hours minimum but feel rushed. Factor in 30-60 minutes for queues during busy periods.