Lujiazui

Pudong's skyscraper skyline: Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and the riverside promenade facing the Bund. Iconic, modern and dead easy to reach; Metro Line 2 or 14 drops you right at the towers. Come near sunset for the light show. Free to walk; observation decks cost extra.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Lujiazui?

Take Metro Line 2 or 14 to Lujiazui station and exit at 1 or 2; the Oriental Pearl Tower is about a five-minute walk. It's one of the simplest sights to reach in Shanghai. The elevated pedestrian circle links the main towers without crossing traffic.

Which tower should I go up?

Shanghai Tower's observation deck is the highest and slickest; the Oriental Pearl and Jin Mao offer more retro or classic views. If you only pick one, most travelers choose Shanghai Tower for the altitude. Verify current ticket prices and hours, as they change and sell timed slots.

How does Lujiazui compare to the Bund?

They're two sides of the same river and best done together. The Bund gives you colonial-era grandeur and the view of Lujiazui's towers; Lujiazui gives you the futuristic skyline up close and the view back at the Bund. Do the Bund side at dusk, then cross or just admire from Lujiazui.

Do I have to pay to visit Lujiazui?

No, walking the district and the riverfront promenade is free, and the skyline views cost nothing. You only pay for tower observation decks, which run into the low hundreds of yuan. Many visitors happily skip the decks and just enjoy the ground-level spectacle.

When is the best time to visit?

Late afternoon into evening. Arrive before sunset, watch the towers light up, then see the skyline glow after dark. The riverside promenade facing the Bund is the prime vantage point. Weekends and holidays get very crowded at the railings.

How long should I spend here?

Two to three hours covers the promenade, photos and a mall stop. Add two-plus hours if you go up a tower, especially with timed-entry queues. It's not a full-day area unless you combine towers, the aquarium and shopping.

Is Lujiazui worth visiting?

For the skyline, yes, it's one of the world's great modern cityscapes and free to enjoy from the ground. It's more spectacle than 'authentic Shanghai', so treat it as a photo-and-views stop rather than a neighborhood to soak in. Best paired with the Bund across the river.

Is Lujiazui good for families?

Yes, it's flat, stroller-friendly via the elevated walkways, and has malls (IFC, Super Brand Mall) for food, air-con and toilets. The aquarium (Shanghai Ocean Aquarium) sits right here too. It's an easy, safe outing, though tower tickets add up for a family.

Nearby in Ask Shanghai

• Oriental Pearl TowerAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
• Shanghai History MuseumMuseum0.54 km · 7 min walk
• Binjiang Forest ParkPark0.55 km · 7 min walk
• Flair Rooftop Restaurant & BarBar0.72 km · 9 min walk
• Shanghai Tower Observation DeckAttraction0.88 km · 11 min walk