Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is Shanghai's unmistakable 468-metre TV tower, its pink spheres a defining feature of the Pudong skyline since 1994. You can ride up to observation decks, including a vertigo-inducing glass floor, and the base houses the excellent Shanghai History Museum. The views are great but ticket lines and prices are steep, and many locals think it looks best from across the river rather than from inside.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the revolving restaurant any good?

It is a buffet with a rotating city view - fine for the novelty and the panorama, but not a food destination. You are paying for the turning floor, not the cuisine.

Should I go up the Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower?

For height and modern design, Shanghai Tower's 118th-floor deck wins. For the nostalgic look and the history museum, the Pearl Tower has its own charm. If you only pick one view, most would say Shanghai Tower.

Is the Oriental Pearl Tower worth it?

Honest take: the tower is more iconic from the outside than inside. The views are fine but the glass-floor gimmick and dated interiors feel touristy. For a pure view, Shanghai Tower is higher and sleeker - many locals would send you there instead.

What is the best part of visiting?

Surprisingly, the Shanghai History Museum in the tower's base is well done and included - some visitors enjoy it more than the decks. The glass-floor sphere is the other highlight for the thrill.

How much are Oriental Pearl Tower tickets?

Around 199 yuan for the two-sphere observation decks and about 299 yuan if you add the highest 'space capsule' level. Kids under 1 meter go free; those 1-1.4 meters get roughly half off. Buy online to skip a queue.

What are the opening hours?

Roughly 8:00am to 9:30-10:00pm daily, with last admission about 30 minutes before close. Sources vary slightly, so aim to arrive well before the evening cutoff if you want the night view.

When is the best time to go up?

Late afternoon so you catch daylight, sunset, and the city lights in one visit. Clear days after rain give the sharpest views - Shanghai's haze can flatten the scene.

How do I get there?

Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, about a five-minute walk. It sits in the heart of the Pudong financial district, next to the other supertall towers along the river.

Nearby in Ask Shanghai

• LujiazuiNeighborhood0 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