Shanghai’s Skyline, a Paradise of Skyscrapers with the City’s Tallest Buildings

Shanghai's skyline is the most spectacular and unique skyline in the world. It is also home to the tallest buildings in Shanghai, such as Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Jinmao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center. Taking a cruise to admire the Shanghai skyline night view is one of the greatest experiences when you travel to Shanghai. It’s a good opportunity to feel the pulse of modern Shanghai, experience its energy, and understand the city’s growth. 

Who could have imagined that this deserted farmland of 20 years ago could change into the most prosperous area that is the Shanghai of today? Shanghai’s newest district, Pudong, is a vast business and financial center in China with the most famous and beautiful Shanghai skyline. Discover more about Shanghai’s skyline, it's tallest buildings, the nighttime view, and travel tips in this article.

Facts and Features

• Location: Lujiazui is the main section of Shanghai’s skyline. It’s located on the east side of the Huangpu River in the Pudong New Area. Another section alongside the river is the famous Bund.
• Lujiazui has developed since the early 1990s. There are more than 30 tall buildings in the Lujiazui area today.
• The city skyline in Lujiazui looks different from different angles.
• Lujiazui and other areas can be visually integrated into the city skyline, which is why Shanghai’s skyline is so impressive.

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Travel Guide

As the most famous landmark in Shanghai, the city’s skyline is the symbol of modern Shanghai. You can’t miss it if you are going to visit Shanghai for the first time. We have listed some travel tips for you to help your trip go smoothly.

The Best Time to See the Shanghai Skyline Is at Night

Shanghai is a city that is full of energy and it never sleeps. The nighttime view in Shanghai is dotted with colorful neon lights and shining tall buildings. Shanghai’s skyline is the most beautiful section of night views in the city. At night, skyscrapers seem to rise into the clouds and you can only see tall columns.

Go to the Bund for the Best View of the Shanghai Skyline

Viewing the Shanghai skyline from different angles gives you different perspectives of the city. Where is the best place to see the skyline? Most famous pictures of the Shanghai skyline were taken from the Bund. Walking along the Bund, you can not only have a gorgeous view of the splendid Shanghai skyline but you can also enjoy the historic and modern architectural structures located in the Bund.

Taking a Huangpu River Cruise Is a Popular Way to See Shanghai’s Skyline at Night

The Huangpu River is called ‘the Mother River’ of Shanghai. It divides Shanghai into two sections: Puxi and Pudong. The sights on both sides are the highlights of all the views in Shanghai. Take a Huangpu River cruise at night to see the amazing night scenery: bright lights on both sides, the classical and modern architectures that add more radiance and beauty to each other, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai International Convention Center, which stand on the sides.

Home to the Tallest Buildings in Shanghai

Although the Lujiazui area is home to Shanghai's densest quantity of skyscrapers, the total number is not that great. However, you can find most of the tallest and most famous towers there.

The Tallest Building in Shanghai — Shanghai Tower

• Height: 632 meters (2,073.5 feet)
• Location: Shanghai Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, 501 Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong New Area
• Admission: 180 yuan (26 USD)
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun (9am–9pm)
• Description: Shanghai Tower was the first skyscraper in China and has a height of 632 meters. The total area covers 433,954 square meters and it can hold 2,000 cars in its underground parking garage. It’s the tallest building in China and the second tallest tower in the world ranked second only to the Burj Khalifa tower.

Shanghai World Financial Center

• Height: 492 meters (1,614 feet)
• Location: Shanghai Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
• Admission: 150 yuan (22 USD) to visit the 100^th floor, 97^th floor, and the 94^th floor; 120 yuan (17 USD) for the 94^th floor
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun (8am–11pm)
• Description: Shanghai World Financial Center offers the highest viewing platform for travelers. Walking in the 474-meter-high sightseeing pavilion is like walking in the clouds and blue sky. You can even see the top of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower

• Height: 457 meters (1,500 feet)
• Location: Shanghai Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
• Admission: 220 yuan (32 USD)
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun (8:30am–9:30pm)
• Description: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is adjacent to the Huangpu River and opposite the Bund. It is one of the cultural landmarks of Shanghai. There are three ball-shaped structures on top of tower: the largest one is a dance hall and karaoke bar, the middle one is the rotating restaurant, and the smallest one is the observation deck.

The Jinmao Tower

• Height:5 meters (1,380 feet)
• Location: Shanghai Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
• Admission: 120 yuan (17 USD)
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun (8:30am–9:30pm)
• Description: The Jinmao Tower is the third tallest building in Shanghai and stands at a height of 420.5 meters. Located in the heart of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, the Jinmao Tower is also home to Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel, offering a splendid 360-degree view of the bright Shanghai night view.

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