Overview
Rising 632 meters above the Huangpu River, the Shanghai Tower is not just China’s tallest building—it’s a vertical city that redefines modern architecture, sustainability, and urban experience. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui financial district, this architectural marvel invites visitors to its 118th-floor observation deck, known as 'Shanghai Summit,' where breathtaking 360-degree vistas stretch from the Bund to the distant suburbs. With three of the world’s fastest elevators whisking guests skyward at 18 meters per second (reaching the summit in just 55 seconds), the journey itself becomes part of the thrill.
The Shanghai Summit Observation Deck
Perched nearly two-thirds of a kilometer above sea level, the Shanghai Summit offers an unparalleled vantage point over one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises. From here, iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center appear miniature beneath your feet. Gaze westward to spot the historic City God Temple, the sprawling Shanghai Stadium (nicknamed the '80,000-People Stadium'), and even Hongqiao Airport on clear days. To the north and south, the winding confluence of Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River flows toward the East China Sea—a poetic reminder of Shanghai’s maritime legacy. Whether bathed in golden sunrise, shimmering under midday sun, or glittering with neon at night, the view transforms constantly, offering a new spectacle with every visit.
Immersive Exhibitions: A Journey Through Time and Height
The Shanghai Tower experience begins long before you reach the summit. On B1, the 'Growing Skyline' exhibit uses a 100-second cinematic animation to compress 170+ years of Shanghai’s architectural evolution—from colonial-era Bund facades to today’s futuristic Pudong skyline—highlighting how the city continually reinvents itself. Nearby, the 'Shanghai of Shanghai Tower' gallery blends static photographs with dynamic projections to showcase the city’s unique architectural heritage, blending East and West in what locals call 'Haipai' (Shanghai-style) design.
The 'Skyscraper Dream' zone employs cutting-edge transparent OLED screens and crystal-clear scale models to trace humanity’s century-long quest to build ever-taller structures, featuring data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Meanwhile, the 'Gene Bank' reveals the engineering DNA behind the tower itself—explaining innovations like its tuned mass damper (which stabilizes the building during typhoons), double-skin façade for energy efficiency, and sky gardens that create micro-ecosystems high above ground.
Vertical City & Interactive Experiences
Using a stunning 1:350-scale 3D-printed model made of nylon, the 'Vertical City' exhibit demonstrates how the Shanghai Tower functions as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Highlights include rainwater recycling systems, intelligent lighting, and cultural touches like the 'Shanghai Girl' sculpture and 'Fish Joy' mural—symbolizing harmony between technology, nature, and tradition. At the summit, don’t miss 'Breaking the Sky,' an AV-powered interactive floor projection that simulates cracking glass beneath your feet as you 'step beyond the edge'—a thrilling illusion that’s become a viral sensation among visitors.
Romance, Souvenirs, and Sky-High Memories
Love finds its altitude at the 'Cloud Locks' station, where couples attach engraved padlocks to a symbolic tree—a modern twist on ancient Chinese wish-making traditions. Just steps away, the 'Wish Tree' lets visitors tie red-stringed wishes to branches floating among the clouds, hoping their dreams will rise as high as the tower itself. For lasting mementos, the Shanghai Summit Brand Store (on both B2 and 118F) offers exclusive merchandise featuring skyline motifs, miniature tower replicas, and elegant Shanghai-themed gifts.
And for a truly unique keepsake, drop by the Sky Post Office on the 118th floor to mail a postcard stamped from the highest elevation in China—a cherished souvenir that arrives with a story from the heavens.
Dining with a View
While the main observation deck doesn’t include full-service dining, the adjacent Lounge 552 on the 119th floor (accessible with a separate reservation) serves premium cocktails, light bites, and afternoon tea against a backdrop of endless cityscapes. Advance booking is highly recommended, as this exclusive lounge often fills up quickly with both tourists and local elites seeking a refined sky-high experience.