Vue
1 / 10

Oriental Pearl Tower

4.6
·7k reviews·, China

Shanghai's iconic futuristic TV tower offering stunning city vistas, a history museum, and a revolving restaurant.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, smoother experience

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Vue

Oriental Pearl Tower

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, smoother experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Shanghai's iconic futuristic TV tower offering stunning city vistas, a history museum, and a revolving restaurant.

4.6
(7k reviews)

"The Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit for its amazing view and unforgettable city vibe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by booking via Trip.com or Klook instead of buying on-site.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking, especially if you encounter queues. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 7,393 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Vistas

Panoramic City Vistas

Observation Decks

Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai's dynamic skyline, especially stunning at night.

Glass Floor Thrills

Glass Floor Thrills

Glass-floored observation area

Dare to walk on the transparent floor for a unique, albeit scary, perspective of the city below.

Revolving Restaurant Dining

Revolving Restaurant Dining

Revolving Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a constantly changing backdrop of Shanghai's magnificent cityscape.

Unique Architectural Design

Unique Architectural Design

Exterior

Marvel at the iconic, futuristic design of the tower, a true engineering masterpiece.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Better Views

Long queues are common, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon or booking a package that includes priority access to skip the lines. Some travelers suggest the view from the second level is sufficient, saving time and money.

Ticket Savvy for Savings

Prices can vary, and booking online through platforms like Trip.com or Klook often offers better deals than purchasing on-site. Research different ticket tiers to ensure you're getting the best value for the views you desire.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, smoother experience
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Magical transition to night lights
Crowd
Medium
When
Night
Why
Dazzling city lights
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How You Accidentally Invented the Oriental Pearl Tower 😲✨ #OrientalPearl #EngineeringGenius #TVTower #ArchitectureFacts #ShanghaiLandmark #HowItsMade #SmartDesign #CivilEngineering #SkyscraperDesign #HighRiseWonder #TikTokEducation #UrbanInnovation #GlassSkywalk #ModernMarvel #SpaceFrameStructure #EngineeringExplained #FunFacts #FYP
@ancient.academy
757.2K likes • 8.1M views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by booking via Trip.com or Klook instead of buying on-site. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking, especially if you encounter queues. :athletic_shoe:

La Perla Oriental 🇨🇳 #shanghai #orientalpearltower #cool
@aisamar28
24.9K likes • 429.2K views
Diving down Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower (1,536ft). It was pretty amazing seeing the window washers who dangle by ropes cleaning the glass each morning. Because it’s a radio and TV tower I had to deal with a lot of signal interference. Especially toward the top it was difficult to fly but still managed to pull off these shots. . . . #china #shanghai #shanghaichina #orientalpearltower #visitch...
jturner0
0 likes • 44.9K views

📸 Best Photo Spots

The Bund offers iconic shots of the tower, especially at night. :camerawithflash:

⬆️ View from Level 2

Many find the view from the second level sufficient and more affordable. 🎟️

Why the Oriental Pearl Tower is an Engineering Masterpiece! 🏯⚙️ #engineering #architecture #3danimations #fyp #tower
voltrex_44
23.2K likes • 352.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by booking via Trip.com or Klook instead of buying on-site. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking, especially if you encounter queues. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Best Photo Spots

The Bund offers iconic shots of the tower, especially at night. :camerawithflash:

⬆️ View from Level 2

Many find the view from the second level sufficient and more affordable. 🎟️

🌃 Night Views are Magical

The tower truly shines at night with its colorful, changing lights. ✨

What Travellers Say

4.6
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Oriental Pearl Tower as a must-see Shanghai landmark, highlighting its unique architecture and breathtaking panoramic views, especially at night. While the experience can be marred by long queues and crowds during peak times, many find the views from the middle sphere sufficient and recommend booking tickets online for better value.

"This is an important landmark that is highly recommended if you are in Shanghai. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai from above. The view from the top is even more beautiful, especially at night. The only downside is that you won't be able to see the Pearl Tower. The elevator queue can be quite long, depending on whether you visit on a weekday or a holiday. There are several souvenir shops downstairs."

CHALERMKIAT PAIROJ

"A Stunning Experience at the Oriental Pearl Tower 🌃

I visited the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai at the end of February 2025, and it was truly unforgettable. The weather was quite cold, but I actually loved it — the cool air made the whole atmosphere feel calm and refreshing.

The tower itself is absolutely gigantic and a total eye-catcher. You can’t help but be amazed by its unique design and impressive height. It dominates the skyline in the most elegant way!

What truly took my breath away was seeing the tower at night — the lights are absolutely stunning. It glows beautifully, changing colors and standing out as one of the highlights of the city. It felt magical just being there and taking it all in.

If you’re ever in Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit — both for the amazing view and the unforgettable city vibe."

natassha khan

"I visited Venus and inquired about the prices, but then I discovered that trip.com offers a better deal for the same tickets. So, make sure to check online before making a commitment. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunset, which is the perfect time to explore the tower. You can also visit the top level, although it may be a bit pricey. Personally, I believe the view from the second level is more than sufficient."

Pasindu Ranasinghe

What People Like

Iconic architecture
Stunning night views
Panoramic city vistas

What People Dislike

Long queues
Crowded observation decks
High ticket prices for top levels

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Oriental Pearl Tower is easily accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. From there, it's a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city. TikTok

Yes, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a prominent landmark and visible from many parts of the city, especially along the Bund. Its unique design makes it unmistakable. TikTok

From Pudong International Airport (PVG), you can take Metro Line 2 directly to Lujiazui Station, which is the most cost-effective option. Alternatively, taxis and airport shuttles are available. TikTok

While you can't dock directly at the tower via ferry, taking a ferry across the Huangpu River from Puxi (The Bund) offers fantastic views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Pudong skyline. Instagram

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Oriental Pearl Tower, but it's generally recommended to use public transport due to potential traffic congestion in the area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on which levels you wish to access. A standard ticket to the middle sphere is around RMB 160-200, while access to the highest 'Space Capsule' level can cost upwards of RMB 399. Booking online often provides discounts. Reddit

You can purchase tickets at the official ticket counters on-site, but it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance through platforms like Trip.com or Klook to secure better prices and potentially skip long queues. Reddit

The Oriental Pearl Tower is typically open daily from around 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry usually around 9:00 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours. Instagram

There is no strict dress code for visiting the observation decks. However, for dining at the revolving restaurant, smart casual attire is generally recommended. Instagram

Yes, purchasing higher-tier tickets, such as the RMB 399 ticket for the Space Capsule, often includes priority access to elevators, significantly reducing wait times. Reddit

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

Besides the observation decks offering panoramic views, you can experience the thrilling glass-floored skywalk, visit the Shanghai Municipal History Museum at the base, and dine at the revolving restaurant. Instagram

For many, the glass floor is a thrilling and slightly scary experience, offering a unique perspective of the ground far below. It's a popular feature for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Instagram

Located at the base of the tower, the museum offers a glimpse into Shanghai's past with dioramas and exhibits depicting the city's development. It's a good way to learn about the city's history before ascending. TikTok

A typical visit to the observation decks can take 1-2 hours, depending on queue times. If you plan to dine at the revolving restaurant, allow an additional 1.5-2 hours for the meal. Reddit

Yes, there are several souvenir shops located at the base of the tower where you can purchase mementos of your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The revolving restaurant offers a unique dining experience with stunning, ever-changing views of Shanghai. While the food quality is generally considered decent for the price, the main draw is the panoramic scenery, especially during sunset. Reddit

The revolving restaurant typically offers an international buffet with a variety of cuisines. Free-flow Tsingtao beer is often included with the buffet. Reddit

Dinner at the revolving restaurant can be pricey, often around RMB 399 per person, but it includes buffet access and sometimes drinks. Booking through platforms like Klook might offer package deals. Reddit

Yes, the Lujiazui area surrounding the tower has numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants in nearby skyscrapers, offering a wide range of cuisines. TikTok

Typically, dining at the revolving restaurant includes access to certain observation levels. However, it's best to confirm the specific ticket inclusions when booking. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset and nighttime offer the most dramatic and beautiful photographic opportunities as the tower lights up and the city skyline twinkles. Reddit

The Bund on the opposite side of the Huangpu River provides iconic, unobstructed views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the entire Pudong skyline. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the observation decks, but it can be challenging to get clear shots due to crowds and reflections on the glass, especially during peak hours. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in major urban areas like Shanghai, especially around prominent landmarks. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the tower's scale and surrounding skyline. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography at night, but be mindful of crowds. :camerawithflash:

You may also like

1 of 2
Oriental Pearl Tower (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide