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Plan your visit to Shanghai Tower

At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and one of the world’s most impressive skyscrapers. The main attraction is the observation deck on the 118th floor, reached via ultra-fast elevators. While the visit itself is fairly straightforward, crowds during peak hours and limited observation deck capacity mean planning your entry time can make a big difference to your experience.

Navigating your way

Orientation verdict: The experience is simple and vertical; enter at ground level, take the elevator up, explore the observation deck, and descend via the same route.

Shanghai Tower is located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district and has one main public entrance for visitors heading to the observation deck. After security checks and ticket validation, visitors board high-speed elevators that take them directly to the upper levels.

Main entrance

👉 Located on Yincheng Middle Road, the tower’s main entrance leads directly to the ticketing area and elevator lobby for observation deck visitors.

Elevator to the observation deck

👉 High-speed elevators take you from the ground floor to the 118th floor observation deck in under a minute.

Observation deck levels

👉 Once upstairs, visitors can move around the viewing area, enjoy the skyline views, visit exhibition displays, and stop at the sky café.

Tools

👉 Signage inside the tower is clear and bilingual. The layout is simple, so navigation is easy even for first-time visitors.

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Quick skyline visit

1 hour

Entrance → High-speed elevator → 118th floor observation deck

Fast access to the observation deck for sweeping skyline views and quick photos from one of the world’s tallest buildings.

Relaxed visit

1–2 hours

Entrance → Exhibition area → Observation deck → Sky café

Time to explore interactive exhibits, learn about the tower’s design, and enjoy panoramic views with a short café break.

Skyline experience

2–3 hours

Entrance → Observation deck → Photo spots → Café break → Sunset views

A slower visit with time for photos, skyline viewing, and watching the city lights come on across Shanghai.

Handy tips

  • Book ahead: Peak hours can mean 30–60 minute queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Visit early: Arriving right at opening (around 8:30am) usually means fewer crowds.
  • Sunset timing: The sunset window (around 5pm-7pm) offers the best skyline views but is also the most popular.
  • Weather matters: Clear days provide the best visibility; foggy or rainy days can limit the skyline view.
  • Security checks: Expect airport-style bag screening before entering the elevator area.
  • Stay for night views: Shanghai’s skyline lights up after dark, making evening visits particularly memorable.

Explore Shanghai Tower

118th Floor Observation Deck

Enjoy sweeping views over Shanghai and the Huangpu River from one of the world’s highest indoor observation decks.

High-speed elevator experience

Ride one of the fastest elevators on Earth, reaching the observation deck in under a minute from the tower’s visitor entrance.

Interactive exhibition area

Explore displays explaining the tower’s design, engineering, and sustainability features through models, multimedia screens, and architectural exhibits.

Sky Café & rest area

Relax with drinks and light snacks while enjoying skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows near the observation level.

Souvenir & gift shops

Browse Shanghai-themed souvenirs, postcards, and skyline memorabilia located near the observation deck exit area.

Sky lobby & atrium spaces

Explore the tower’s multi-level atrium areas, where landscaped sky gardens and open spaces create indoor “neighborhoods” within the skyscraper.

Book Shanghai Tower tickets

  • Booking window: Tickets are usually available same-day or a few days in advance, making it easy to plan around weather and visibility. Sunset slots, weekends, and holidays sell out fastest.
  • Entry & access: Tickets come with timed entry, so arrive within your selected slot. Visitors enter through the main complex and pass a standard security check before elevator access.
  • What’s included: Admission covers the 118th-floor observation deck and the multimedia exhibition area showcasing the tower’s design and engineering.
  • Visiting experience: The visit is self-paced, with 360° skyline views across Shanghai and the Huangpu River.
  • Policies: Carry valid ID for entry checks. Re-entry isn’t allowed once you leave the observation area. The tower is fully wheelchair accessible.

Book Shanghai Tower tickets

Shanghai Tower Observatory Tickets

Free cancellation
Explore at your pace
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Shanghai Tower timings

DayTimingsLast entryClosed on

Mon - Sun

8:30am – 10pm

9:30pm

Open daily

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays (Tue-Thurs) are generally quieter, particularly before 10am or after 6pm. Weekends and public holidays bring heavier crowds as both tourists and locals visit the observation deck for sunset skyline views.

Peak season vs low season

April-October is the busiest tourism season in Shanghai, with the highest visitor numbers during summer holidays and national celebrations. November–March is quieter, though winter haze can sometimes affect visibility.

For clearer skyline views and shorter waits, aim for a weekday evening visit outside peak summer months.

Where is Shanghai Tower located?

Shanghai Tower is located in the Lujiazui financial district of Pudong, surrounded by some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers and close to the Huangpu River waterfront.

Address: 501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Pudong, Shanghai, China | Find on maps

Closest landmark: Shanghai World Financial Center, about 200 m away

How to get there

Big Bus interior decorated with Christmas lights for a holiday tour at night.
  • By metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station and exit via Exit 6, then walk past Shanghai IFC Mall to reach Shanghai Tower. You can also take Line 14 to Lujiazui and use Exit 9A.
  • By bus: Several bus stops near the Lujiazui area serve the tower. Key stops include Century Avenue/Shanghai East Hospital, Lujiazui Ring Road/East Hospital, and Pudong Avenue/Shanghai East Hospital, with routes such as 01, 85, 454, 584, 783, 799, and 992 stopping nearby.
  • From Pudong Airport: Take the Maglev train to Longyang Road Station, then transfer to Metro Line 2 toward the city and get off at Dongchang Road Station, followed by a short walk or taxi to the tower.
Woman smiling while driving a car.
  • Take the Yan’an Elevated Road toward Pudong and follow signs for Lujiazui Financial District. Parking is available in the Shanghai Tower underground garage, though spaces fill quickly during evenings and weekends.
  • Nearby alternatives include parking at the Shanghai World Financial Center or the Super Brand Mall complex within a short walk.

Entrances

Entrance nameLocationWho is it forCrowds & wait times

Main observation deck entrance

Basement level entrance via Shanghai Tower Mall, Yincheng Middle Rd

Walk-in visitors and those purchasing tickets on-site

Busiest entrance; queues often 30–60 mins during evenings, weekends, and holidays

Pre-booked ticket entrance

The same complex near the ticketing hall

Visitors with timed-entry or online tickets

Faster-moving line; ~10–20 min security check on average

Group & tour entrance

Designated counters within the visitor hall

Guided tours, school groups, and organized tour operators

Separate counters keep lines shorter; usually ~10–15 mins depending on group arrivals

Facilities

  • 🎧 Audio guides: Available in multiple languages at the observation deck reception area.
  • 🚻 Restrooms: Located on the observation floor and main visitor lobby.
  • 🛍️ Gift shop: Observation deck store selling skyline souvenirs and tower-themed merchandise.
  • 🍴 Cafés: Light snacks, drinks, and desserts available on the observation level.
  • 📶 Free Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is available in the observation deck area.
  • 🛗 High-speed elevators: Ultra-fast lifts reach the 118th floor in under one minute.

Accessibility at Shanghai Tower

General facilities

Shanghai Tower offers accessible entrances and elevators across visitor areas. Priority lanes may be available at security and ticket counters. Information desks in the observation deck lobby assist with accessibility and navigation.

Physical disabilities

Shanghai Tower is wheelchair accessible from the entrance to the 118th-floor observation deck. Elevators connect all visitor levels, and accessible restrooms are available in the lobby and observation areas. Staff assistance can be requested at the help desk.

Hearing impairments

Information counters provide written visitor information and digital displays. Audio guide systems include adjustable volume controls, and staff can assist with orientation and directions inside the tower.

Visual impairments

Clear signage, tactile flooring indicators in some areas, and staff assistance are available for navigation. Visitors can request help from the information desk to reach elevators and observation areas safely.

Visiting with family

  • Baby changing stations available in restrooms near the observation deck lobby.
  • Elevators accommodate strollers, making upper observation levels accessible for families.
  • Gift shops sell small souvenirs and toys themed around Shanghai Tower.
  • Indoor observation areas make the attraction suitable for visits with children in any weather.

Rules and restrictions

  • Entry requires a valid dated ticket; all visitors pass through security screening.
  • Large suitcases and oversized luggage are not permitted inside observation areas.
  • Photography is allowed, but tripods and professional filming equipment require permission.
  • Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout Shanghai Tower.
  • Food and drinks from outside are generally restricted on the observation deck.
  • Re-entry is not permitted once visitors exit the observation level.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Only certified service animals are permitted inside the tower.

Dress code

There is no strict dress code for visiting Shanghai Tower, as it is a modern commercial skyscraper rather than a religious or cultural site.

General

Casual attire is acceptable. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as the observation deck involves walking across large viewing areas.

Weather tips

Shanghai can be humid in summer and cold in winter. Light layers in summer and warmer clothing in colder months are recommended, especially when visiting in the evening.

Where to shop

  • Observation Deck Gift Shop (118th floor): The main retail store at Shanghai Tower sells skyline souvenirs, postcards, scale models of the tower, and Shanghai-themed gifts.
  • Shanghai Tower Mall Shops (Lower levels): Located beneath the tower, this shopping complex includes fashion boutiques, lifestyle stores, and souvenir outlets within walking distance of the observation deck entrance.

Where to eat

Observation Deck Café

Located near the viewing area of Shanghai Tower, offering coffee, desserts, and light refreshments with skyline views.

Dining options at Shanghai Tower Mall

The mall below the tower hosts several casual restaurants and cafés serving Chinese, Asian, and international dishes.

Nearby dining

Restaurants around the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Super Brand Mall area offer additional dining choices within a 5–10 minute walk.

Where to stay

The Lujiazui district in Shanghai is one of the city’s most modern and well-connected areas. Known for its skyline of skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and riverfront promenades, it’s a convenient base if you want to stay close to Shanghai Tower and other major Pudong attractions.

  • Park Hyatt Shanghai (≈200 m): Luxury hotel inside Shanghai World Financial Center, known for skyline views and fine dining.
  • Grand Hyatt Shanghai (≈350 m): Iconic high-rise hotel in Jin Mao Tower, famous for its dramatic atrium and panoramic city views.
  • IFC Residence Shanghai (≈650 m): Serviced apartments ideal for longer stays with direct access to shopping and metro lines.
  • Novotel Shanghai Atlantis (≈3 km): Mid-range hotel with skyline views and easy access to Pudong attractions.

💡 First-time visitors often prefer staying in Lujiazui for skyline views and proximity to multiple observation decks.

Insider tips

  • Time your visit around sunset: At Shanghai Tower, sunset is the busiest slot. Ticket lines can stretch 45–60 minutes around 6–7pm. Booking a timed entry 30–45 minutes before sunset lets you see daylight, dusk, and night views in one visit.
  • Experience one of the world’s fastest elevators: The tower rises 632 m, with the observation deck at 546 m. Elevators travel at about 20.5 m/s, reaching the top in ~55 seconds, making it one of the fastest elevator rides anywhere.
  • Visit after rainfall for clearer views: Visibility in Shanghai changes with the weather and air quality. Clear days after rain usually offer the best skyline views across the Huangpu River and the historic The Bund.
  • Wait for tour groups to move on: Large groups tend to gather near the main windows first. About 15–20 minutes later, crowds spread out, making it easier to find quieter corners of the observation deck for photos.
  • Visit this observation deck first: If you’re planning to see nearby towers like Shanghai World Financial Center or Jin Mao Tower, start with Shanghai Tower—its deck is the highest, so the others feel less dramatic afterward.

Frequently asked quested about planning your Shanghai Tower visit

Most visits to Shanghai Tower take 1–1.5 hours, including elevator rides, time on the observation deck, and exploring the viewing areas.