Pudong Skyline & Shanghai Tower

Pudong's futuristic skyline — Shanghai Tower and the world's most dramatic riverfront

Architecture & ViewsShanghai, ShanghaiClear days, any time of year. Evening for city lights.2-3 hours
Q
By Qianyi·Updated March 2026·10 min read

Intro

The Pudong skyline is one of the defining urban images of the 21st century. Across the Huangpu River from the colonial Bund, the financial district of Lujiazui has grown from rice paddies in 1990 to a forest of supertall towers that constitute the world's greatest concentration of skyscrapers. Shanghai Tower (632m, second tallest building in the world), the Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower together create a skyline that is most dramatically appreciated from the Bund across the river.

Best Time to Visit

Clear days, any time of year. Evening for city lights.

Highlights

Getting There

Metro Lines 2 to Lujiazui station. The observation decks of Shanghai Tower and SWFC are a 5-minute walk from the station.

Tickets & Entry

Shanghai Tower observation deck ¥180. Shanghai World Financial Center ¥180.

Practical Tips

The observation deck of Shanghai Tower (level 118, 546m) offers the highest views in China. The SWFC bottle-opener shaped observation deck at 474m is also excellent. Visit on a clear day — pollution and cloud can completely obscure the views. Book tickets online.

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Quick Facts

Duration2-3 hours
Best timeClear days, any time of year. Evening for city lights.