Oriental Pearl Tower Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, located in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, is a modern tower representing China. Completed in 1995, it stands 468 meters tall. Its unique design, comprised of connected spheres, was inspired by a line from an ancient poem, "Big pearls and small pearls falling onto a jade plate," and resembles a giant gazing into the future on the banks of the Huangpu River. More than just a TV tower, it's a complex that combines an observation deck, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, making it one of the best spots for panoramic views of Shanghai.
1. Main Highlights
🏙️ Different ways to enjoy each sphere
The tower is made up of 11 spheres of various sizes and is divided into three main viewing areas.
• Main sightseeing ball (263m):
This is the tower's main 360-degree observation deck. Encased entirely in glass, it offers a panoramic view of the Bund's international architecture, ships passing on the Huangpu River, and the Pudong cityscape lined with modern buildings. On a clear day, you can see the city of Shanghai as far as the eye can see, and you'll be awed by its sheer scale.
• Aerial Corridor (259m):
This is the world's first and currently highest transparent glass observation corridor. With a floor made of transparent glass, you can see the cityscape directly below, making it a very popular spot where you can enjoy both thrills and spectacular views at the same time. If you are brave enough to take a step, you will have the unique experience of walking in the air.
• Space capsule (350m):
The highest observation deck in the tower is a smaller, capsule-like space offering even more spectacular views and a closer look at the Pudong skyline.
• Shanghai Urban History and Development Exhibition Hall (base of the tower):
Located on the first floor of the tower, this theme park-like exhibition hall recreates "Shanghai of Yesterday." Using elaborate dioramas and wax figures, it recreates the streets and daily life of Shanghai in the 1930s, giving visitors a sense of the old Shanghai atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the modern night view of the Bund.
2. History
📜 The history and meaning of the Oriental Pearl
• Symbol of Pudong development: The 1990s, when the Oriental Pearl Tower was built, was a time of national development in the Pudong area. The tower was born as a landmark symbolizing China's determination to push forward with "reform and opening up" and hope for the future. It completely changed Pudong's status as a region that was previously said to be "overlooked by Puxi," and became the new face of Shanghai.
• Innovative design: At the time, TV tower designs tended to be focused solely on functionality, but the tower's fusion of traditional Chinese poetry and futuristic design was extremely innovative. Even today, its unique silhouette remains an essential part of Shanghai's skyline.
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address：No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Regular Opening Hours：8:00-22:00 (last entry 21:30)
Closed：Open everyday (may be closed temporarily for maintenance, etc.)
Admission Tickets：There are multiple ticket options for different observation decks, and we highly recommend booking online in advance as there can be long queues if purchasing tickets on-site.
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
• Crowd Information: The area is busiest around sunset as tourists come to see the night view. We recommend visiting in the morning when it is less crowded.
• Check the weather: Visibility at the observation deck is highly dependent on the weather. Visibility may be poor on foggy, rainy, or cloudy days, so we recommend checking the weather forecast in advance.
• Transparent floor measures: You can enter the skywalk without any problems even if you are wearing a skirt or high-heeled shoes, but if you are afraid of your feet being visible, please be careful.
• Luggage restrictions: Large luggage and tripods are not permitted on the observation deck. Coin lockers are available near the tower entrance.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
At Pandaland Trip, we not only provide smooth tours in Japanese but also offer unique services that make your journey to the Oriental Pearl Tower even more special.
• Priority Ticketing - Save time by skipping the long ticket lines and saving valuable sightseeing time.
• Professional photography service: Your guide will take the best photos for you in the transparent skywalk and in front of the spectacular views, or you can take photos with your own camera or smartphone.
• Best time to visit: We will suggest the best time to visit to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For those who want to enjoy both the evening and night views, we will guide you through a plan that takes into account the sunset time.
• Efficient combination with surrounding tourist attractions: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is adjacent to the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Lujiazui Financial Center (Jin Mao Building, Shanghai Tower, etc.). We will create an efficient sightseeing route and propose a plan that allows you to experience the charm of Pudong all at once.
• Reliable Support in Your Native Language: From ticket purchase to guiding within the tower and helping you find rest areas, we provide thorough support in your native language at every step of the tour.
To fully enjoy the Oriental Pearl Tower, which offers a panoramic view of Shanghai’s skyline, without worrying about crowds, a guided tour by Pandaland Trip in your native language is the perfect choice.Your guide, knowledgeable about Shanghai, will explain the history of the tower and the stories behind the scenery in your native language
