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Oriental Pearl Tower

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic landmark in Shanghai, dominating the skyline of the Pudong district along the banks of the Huangpu River. Standing at a height of 468 meters, it was the tallest structure in China from its completion in 1994 until 2007. The architectural design is based on a concept featuring eleven spheres of varying sizes connected by three vertical columns, evoking the image of 'pearls on a jade plate.' The three largest spheres house observation decks, a revolving restaurant at 267 meters, and various exhibition spaces. At the base of the tower lies the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, which chronicles the city's transformation from a small fishing village into a global metropolis. At night, a computer-controlled LED lighting system transforms the tower into a colorful light display. It remains a potent symbol of China's rapid economic development and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Location: China
Top sights: Chinese Wushu Museum · Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum · Long Museum
Nearby: Haiwan (23 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	6	10	15	21	25	29	29	25	19	14	7
Rain mm	67	78	88	95	105	195	148	173	137	77	71	53

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The TV tower is fully open to visitors and features multiple observation decks at various levels. The distinct spheres allow for wide-open, sweeping panoramic views across the city center and the river.

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Typical hours

The complex is typically open daily from early morning until late at night. During the evening hours, visitors can admire the spectacular sea of city lights from the elevated glass floors.

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Photography

Photography is permitted on all observation decks and is particularly thrilling due to the glass floors on the upper levels. Using tripods might be problematic during peak times for safety reasons.

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Time needed

For a comprehensive visit, you should typically plan for between two and three hours. This timeframe accounts for potential waiting times at the elevators and browsing the indoor exhibitions.

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Combine with

A visit pairs excellently with a leisurely stroll along the nearby riverfront promenade. The immediate vicinity is also home to numerous modern shopping centers, dining options, and towering skyscrapers.

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Getting there

Thanks to its central location, this landmark is excellently connected to the city's subway network and local public transport. Arriving by taxi is also very straightforward and highly recommended.

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Insider tip

Book your tickets in advance whenever possible to bypass the frequently long queues at the on-site ticket counters. Visiting just before sunset often provides the most beautiful light for photography.

Geography

Coordinates

31.24500, 121.49900

Facts

The tower reaches a total height of 468 meters.
Construction was completed in 1994 after a three-year building period.
The architectural design incorporates 11 spheres of different diameters.
The revolving restaurant is located at an elevation of 267 meters.
A glass-bottomed observation deck is situated 259 meters above the ground.
The tower was the tallest structure in mainland China for 13 years.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

The Bund, Shanghai<1 km · SExplore →

Baosteel Shanghai Plant9 km · WExplore →

Shanghai Disneyland Park19 km · NExplore →

Haiwan23 km · EExplore →

Yangtze River32 km · NExplore →

Xitang70 km · SExplore →

Yangshan Deep-Water Port73 km · NEExplore →

Zhouzhuang74 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Oriental Pearl Tower (16)

Chinese Wushu Museum 🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the history and techniques of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum 🏛 museum

Museum in the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue documenting the history of Jewish refugees during WWII.

🕒 09:00-16:30

Long Museum🏛 museum

A private art gallery featuring a vast collection of traditional and contemporary Chinese art.

🌐 thelongmuseum.org🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:30

Jiangwan Mosque ⛪ religious

Historic mosque featuring a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Pudong Mosque ⛪ religious

The largest mosque in Pudong, rebuilt in 1999 to serve the local Muslim community.

Shanghai Tower 📍 landmark

China's tallest skyscraper, standing 632 meters high with an observation deck.

🌐 shanghaitower.com

Yangpu Bridge 📍 landmark

One of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges, spanning the Huangpu River since 1993.

Shanghai World Financial Center 📍 landmark

A distinctive skyscraper known for its trapezoidal aperture at the top.

🌐 swfc-shanghai.com

Yejia Garden 🌳 park

A classical Chinese garden from the early 20th century with pavilions and ponds.

Gongqing National Forest Park 🌳 park

A large forest park on the Huangpu River offering diverse plant species and recreation.

Luxun Park 🌳 park

This park contains the mausoleum of Lu Xun, a father of modern Chinese literature.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 🎡 recreation

An aquarium featuring one of the world's longest underwater viewing tunnels for marine life.

🌐 sh-soa.com🕒 09:00-18:00

Shanghai Oriental Art Center 🎭 culture

A modern performing arts center in Pudong designed in the shape of a five-petal orchid.

YOUNG 🎭 culture

A modern theater in the Yangpu District focusing on contemporary drama and young artists.

Siping 🎭 culture

A neighborhood theater in Yangpu known for its modernist architecture and local performances.

Xiahai Temple ⛪ religious

A historic Buddhist temple near the waterfront, traditionally visited by fishermen for safe voyages.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the tower?

The tower is 468 meters tall and a landmark of Shanghai.

Is there a glass floor?

Yes, there is a sightseeing gallery with a glass floor at 259 meters high.

Can you eat there?

Yes, there is a revolving restaurant at 267 meters with panoramic views.

What is on the ground floor?

The Shanghai Municipal History Museum is located there.

When are waiting times shortest?

On weekday mornings, it is usually less crowded than in the evenings or on weekends.

Oriental Pearl Tower: where is it located?

Oriental Pearl Tower is located in China.

Oriental Pearl Tower: what is there to see?

Highlights include Chinese Wushu Museum, Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum, Long Museum.

Oriental Pearl Tower: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

Oriental Pearl Tower: why is it worth visiting?

The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic landmark in Shanghai, dominating the skyline of the Pudong district along the banks of the Huangpu River.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Oriental Pearl Tower

Best time to visit & climate