Built in 1994 and standing at 468 meters tall, the Oriental Pearl Tower was China`s tallest structure until 2007. Its unique design featuring 11 steel spheres symbolizes the Chinese proverb: "A pearl dropped from heaven." The tower represented an architectural revolution for 1990s Shanghai.
Key Facts About Oriental Pearl Tower:
• Height: 468 m (6th tallest TV tower in the world)
• Spheres: The largest (50 m diameter) contains an observation deck at 259 m with a glass floor
• Construction: Took 3 years, using 120,000 tons of steel
Main Observation Deck of Oriental Pearl Tower
The primary and most popular observation deck is located at 263 meters in the tower`s large sphere. This is where all Shanghai visitors flock to enjoy breathtaking city views.
What Makes This Deck Unique?
The glass floor - the tower`s most thrilling feature. Though the glass is 5 cm thick, even adults often feel dizzy looking straight down at the miniature cars and people below.
360° Panoramic Views - from 263 meters you get Shanghai`s best vistas of:
• Futuristic Pudong with its skyscrapers
• The historic Bund on the opposite shore
• The winding Huangpu River with sailing ships
• Specially designated photo spots for perfect shots
Why All Tourists Want to Visit:
• Most accessible high-altitude observation deck in Shanghai (tickets from ¥160)
• Convenient location - right in tourist center of Pudong
• Opportunity for unique "floating over the city" photos
Other Observation Decks at Oriental Pearl Tower:
1. Upper Sphere (351 m): 360° panorama featuring:
• Pudong skyscrapers (Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower)
• Huangpu River and colonial Bund
• On clear days, views extend to Yangshan Deep-Water Port (32 km away)
2. "Space Capsule" (350 m): VIP area with rotating restaurant (reservation required) and sunset views.
Shanghai History Museum (at the base)
Located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower, this free museum immerses visitors in the atmosphere of 1920s-1930s Shanghai – the golden age when the city flourished as the "Paris of the East."
Visiting Tips of Oriental Pearl Tower
Best time: Sunset (4-6 PM): Golden hour + city lights turning on
Avoid: Weekends (2+ hour waits) and Chinese holidays (Oct 1-7, May 1-3)
Tickets
• Basic (263 m): ¥160
• Combo (263 m + 351 m): ¥220
• Fast track: Extra ¥50 (cuts 60% of queue time)
• Purchase: Online (Ctrip/Meituan) or at ticket counters
