Oriental Pearl Tower东方明珠塔
Standing 468 m tall in Lujiazui on the east bank of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower is the signature structure of Shanghai. Three spheres stacked along its shaft give the tower a design unlike any other. Inside are observation decks, a revolving restaurant and the Shanghai history exhibition — the best perch for a panorama of the city.
Shanghai · Visitor Guide2026-10-27
Quick Answer
Is Oriental Pearl Tower worth visiting?
The Oriental Pearl Tower is Shanghai's 468 m landmark, with a revolving restaurant and one of the city's best vantage points over the night skyline.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Sightseeing ticket CNY 180 (main observation deck + history exhibition); all-inclusive ticket CNY 360 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-21:00 |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | At sunset, staying on for the night view |
| How to get there | Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, then a 10-minute walk; or the ferry to the Lujiazui wharf |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Height | 468 m |
| Completed | 1994 |
| Spheres | 3 |
| Status | Shanghai's defining landmark |
| Revolving restaurant | Upper-middle section of the tower |
| Observation decks | Main deck 263 m; upper sphere 350 m |
What to expect
The Oriental Pearl was the first super-tall landmark built in Shanghai's reform era, and at 468 m it held the title of China's tallest building for years. Three slanted columns, each 7 m in diameter, carry the shaft and its three stacked spheres — a silhouette like no other that glitters as the emblem of the Shanghai night.
The main observation deck at 263 m offers a 360-degree sweep of Shanghai. The lower sphere houses the Shanghai Urban History Exhibition, tracing the city's development from its port-opening days to the present. The upper sphere (350 m) is the highest viewing level; on clear days you can make out Chongming Island in the distance.
The revolving restaurant sits at 267 m and completes one rotation every two hours — dining while the city glides past is an experience in itself. Book lunch or dinner ahead and you take care of the meal and the view in one sitting.
How to get there
Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, Exit 1, then a 10-minute walk along Century Avenue
Best photo spots
- Looking straight up from the tower's base
- The panorama from the main observation deck
- The tower framed against the Bund's historic facades
- The tower's evening light display
Tips
- Buy tickets on the official website ahead of time to skip the lines
- Time your visit for sunset and get both the daylight and night views
- The revolving restaurant requires advance booking
- Afterward, stroll Lujiazui and take in its other towers
Scams to avoid
- Beware unofficial ticket sellers
- Don't fall for 'fast-track' entry offers
Frequently asked questions
Which is taller, the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower?
Shanghai Tower is taller (632 m), but the Oriental Pearl carries more charm and history.
Do I need to book ahead?
Booking ahead is recommended — above all for the revolving restaurant.
Does rain affect the visit?
The upper levels may close in bad weather, but the main observation deck stays open.
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