1Highlights
Shanghai Tower rises 632 metres in Lujiazui. Its main visitor observation experience is on the 118th floor at roughly 546 metres above ground, giving a high-angle view of the Huangpu River, the Bund and the dense Pudong skyline. Rankings and operating claims age quickly, so this guide does not label it permanently 'the world's second tallest' or promise a record-speed or queue-free visit.
- Building height
- 632m
- Observatory
- 118F ยท about 546m
- Allow
- 1.5โ2.5 hours
- Key variable
- Cloud and visibility
2Tickets
Ticket prices, visitor products and opening hours can change by date, maintenance, weather and special operations. Check the official notice and the exact seller listing on the day. A timed product or QR voucher does not automatically guarantee immediate entry; security, identity checks, voucher exchange, elevator operations and crowd management may still apply.
| 118F observation product | Check same-day price | Confirm included floors, visit date or time, ID and redemption method. |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle / special exhibition | Product-specific | Do not assume every listing includes the main 118F experience. |
| Child / concession category | Eligibility varies | Verify age, height or document criteria before purchase. |
No queue guarantee๏ผEven a confirmed booking may involve security, redemption or elevator waits. Avoid products whose wording you interpret as a guarantee unless the exact conditions are explicit.
Look at the sky first๏ผLow cloud or haze can obscure the city despite normal operation. Check live weather and visibility before committing to a sunset slot.
Klook
Compare current Shanghai Tower observation products
Klook may list Shanghai Tower observation products in English. Check that your listing includes the intended 118th-floor experience, then verify the date or time, guest category, ID, redemption steps and cancellation policy. A confirmed voucher does not guarantee queue-free or immediate entry.
- Confirm the included observation floor and product scope
- Check date, time, ID and redemption instructions
- Expect security and possible elevator waits
- Review cancellation terms and same-day operations
Disclosure: this is an affiliate link. We may earn a small commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would use ourselves.
3Getting There
Shanghai Tower is in Lujiazui's dense financial district. Metro is more predictable than a taxi during weekday peaks.
Metro Line 2; follow pedestrian signs through the financial district and confirm the visitor entrance.
Line 14 can suit some origins; compare walking routes in your map app.
Use the exact visitor drop-off point; tower podium roads and underground entrances can be confusing.
Combine nearby๏ผLujiazui's public riverside, major malls and other towers are nearby, but each indoor attraction has separate admission and hours.
4Route & Photos
Keep the visit simple: verify visibility, complete entry procedures, spend time on orientation before chasing individual photo angles.
Recommended Route
- 1
Confirm entrance and product
Locate the visitor entrance and keep the required ID and voucher ready for the stated redemption process.
- 2
Orientation on 118F
First locate the Huangpu River, Bund and nearby towers; this makes later photography more efficient.
- 3
Wait for changing light
Cloud gaps and city lights can change the scene quickly; avoid leaving immediately after one hazy view.
- 4
Ground-level Lujiazui
After descending, walk to a public plaza or riverside area for a contrasting upward view.
Best Photo Spots
Huangpu River curve
Use the river to connect the Bund with the wider city rather than photographing only isolated towers.
Bund-facing windows
Place the lens close to glass and shield reflections with dark clothing or a lens hood.
Lujiazui plaza
A wide lens emphasizes the tower's twisting facade; watch for pedestrians and security boundaries.
5Food & Stay
| Lujiazui mallsFood courts to restaurants | ยฅ30โ200+ | A broad and weatherproof choice before or after the tower visit. |
|---|---|---|
| View restaurants and barsPremium dining | Premium | Check reservations, minimum spend, dress code and whether the view is guaranteed from your table. |
6Tips & Pitfalls
- Choose a clear day over a theoretically perfect sunset time.
- Expect airport-style security and keep prohibited items out of your bag.
- Do not press cameras or tripods into other visitors' space at popular windows.
- Check same-day opening and ticket conditions rather than relying on an old screenshot.
7Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Shanghai Tower?
The building is 632 metres tall. The main visitor observation experience is on the 118th floor at roughly 546 metres above ground.
Is Shanghai Tower always the world's second-tallest building?
Global rankings change as new buildings are completed and measurement categories differ. Use the stable 632-metre height rather than treating a rank as permanent.
Can I scan a voucher and enter Shanghai Tower immediately?
Do not assume so. The product may require ID checks, voucher exchange, security or a specified time, and elevator queues or crowd controls can still occur.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai Tower?
A clear late afternoon can offer daylight, sunset and night views, but visibility matters more than clock time. Check live cloud and haze conditions before booking.
How long should I allow for Shanghai Tower?
Allow roughly 1.5โ2.5 hours including security, redemption, elevator waits and time on the observation floor. Busy periods may take longer.
Combine With
Other Shanghai sights that genuinely pair well with this one
Before You Go
The practical guides you will actually need here
Sort Your Visa First
All Shanghai attractions
GoChinaTravel Editorial Team
Our team of China travel researchers combines on-the-ground contributor insights, official government sources, and traveler community feedback to create the most detailed English-language China guides available. Every guide is fact-checked against primary sources (NIA, 12367, official attraction websites, Railway 12306) before publication.