Shanghai is the largest and one of the most famous cities in China. Thanks to its advantageous location, it is the largest commercial and financial center in China and an important international port city in the Western Pacific. The most iconic image of Shanghai has to be its skyline with skyscrapers above the Huangpu River.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, Shanghai, especially the Shanghai skyline, receives lots of attention globally. This article will be your comprehensive guide to the Shanghai skyline, its towering skyscrapers and landmarks, the best places and time to see it.
A Historical Overview of Shanghai Skyline
The first boom for constructions in Shanghai took place during the 1920s and 1930s. Shanghai had already been a cultural and financial hub back then with many international offices permitted for foreign investments. You can still see some of these buildings today in Shanghai; their western architectural style stands out among the rest of the buildings.
During WWII, many buildings were damaged or ruined. The Shanghai skyline that you see today when you travel to Shanghai was built post-war, during the economic reforms in the 1980s. The city went through the second construction boom. Most of the famous skyscrapers in Shanghai came to being during that time.
Architectural Marvels: Iconic Skyscrapers in Shanghai
1. The Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, at 468 meters (1,535 feet), used to be the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai. It is such an iconic landmark of the city that it is said to define the Shanghai skyline. It takes the center stage in all the pictures of Shanghai skyline because of its unique design and appearance. The Oriental Pear Tower is one of the top attractions of Shanghai today.
The tower has three observation decks in total. The highest observation deck is called the “Space Module” at a height of 350 meters (1,148 feet). You’ll have an incredible panorama of the city below you. The other two decks are at 263 meters and 259 meters. And on the second ball of the tower is the highest revolving restaurant in Asia, at a height of 263 meters.
Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm
2. Jin Mao Tower
Jin Mao Tower is the fourth tallest building in Shanghai at 420.5 meters (1,380 feet). It combines elements of traditional Chinese architecture with modern design. There’re 88 floors housing offices, the hotel Grant Hyatt Shanghai, and an observation deck on the top floor, known as the “Skywalk 88.” It offers a 360-degree views of the city and the Huangpu River.
Location: No. 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 9:30pm
3. Shanghai World Financial Center
The second tallest of skyscrapers in Shanghai is the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), often referred to as the bottle-opener by locals because of its trapezoidal aperture at the top. It is the third tallest building in China and the fifth in the world at a height of 492 meters (1,614 feet) with 101 floors.
The tallest observation deck of the SWFC is called “Skywalk 100,” located on the 100th floor. Two other decks are the “Sky Arena 94” at 423 meters and “Sky Walk 97” at 439 meters.
Location: No. 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm
4. Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the giant of Shanghai skyline. It is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Its observation deck on the 118th floor is called the “Top of Shanghai.” Ascend above the city for the best views on your Shanghai tour.
Location: No. 501 Middle Yincheng Road, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 10pm
Best Places to See Shanghai Skyline
1. The Bund
Taking a walk along the Bund is certainly one of the best things to do in Shanghai. It is an iconic walkway along Huangpu River. Across the river, you can see all the famous Shanghai skyscrapers. It is one of the best places to see Shanghai skyline.
To the west, there are many historical buildings of old Shanghai, a total of 33 in different styles. The area was once a financial and foreign trade center. These colonial-styled buildings create a sense of time with the modern Shanghai city skyline in the background.
2. Huangpu River Cruise
Huangpu River is known as “the mother river of Shanghai.” You can get up close to Shanghai skyline and the river by boarding a Huangpu River Cruise. See the rich history of the city on one side of the bank and the amazing modern developments on the other. The cruise usually takes about 50 minutes.
3. Observation Decks of Shanghai Skyscrapers
Another great option for seeing the Shanghai skyline is from the top of the skyscrapers. Most of the prominent skyscrapers offer public access to their observation decks, usually both in the day and night. Enjoy a panoramic view of one of the world’s greatest cities thousands of feet in the air! It’ll be an unforgettable part of your China tours.
4. Waibaidu Bridge
Compared to the other spots, Waibaidu Bridge is relatively lesser known to visitors. It is a landmark of old Shanghai, the earliest and largest steel bridge in the city. It spans across the Suzhou Creek, where it joins the Huangpu River. You can find Waibaidu Bridge in a quieter part of the town, at the north end of the Bund.
Here you’ll have a fresh perspective of the Shanghai skyline with less crowds. It’s a great spot to photograph the iconic skyscrapers. You may run into couples taking their wedding photos here.
5. Rooftop Restaurants and Bars
If you want to enjoy the view along with some delicious food or drinks, there’re a number of rooftop restaurants and bars near the Bund or Nanjing Road. They offer excellent views with high-end dining options and services. However, these venues tend to be quite pricey and require reservations in advance.
Best Time to See Shanghai Skyline
Although views of the Shanghai skyline are not affected by seasons, it’s important to note that the city will be very crowded with visitors during public holidays or weekends. Popular attractions like the Bund and Nanjing Road will be packed with people. For the best view and experience, weekdays and early mornings are recommended.
The Shanghai skyline is equally attractive in the day and night. On a fine day, you can see the skyscrapers reflecting the sun against a clear blue sky. And in the night, the buildings in Lujiazui light up the sky with colorful beams. See the lights reflected in the Huangpu River. Sunset is also a popular time to see Shanghai skyline. You can witness as the sky turns from orange to dark and the lights come on.
Future of the Shanghai Skyline
With as many as 194 skyscrapers already, Shanghai skyline is far from completion. Even more ambitious construction projects are underway to build some of the world’s tallest structures. Go on a trip to Shanghai to witness the most futuristic city in the world.
