Located in Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands tall across the river from the Bund, with the Huangpu River quietly flowing by its side. Regardless of the countless people passing by, it remains steadfast, witnessing Shanghai’s journey of reform and opening up.
The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, also known as the Oriental Pearl Tower, rises to a height of 467.9 meters. It is composed of three 9-meter diameter pillars, a space capsule, upper and lower spheres, five smaller spheres, the tower base, and a surrounding plaza. The tower features a double-decker elevator with a capacity of 50 people, and a high-speed elevator that travels at 7 meters per second, which is unique in China. Additionally, it boasts the world’s first 360-degree fully transparent three-track sightseeing elevator, suspended between the pillars, offering visitors breathtaking views enabled by modern technology.
The tower’s design imaginatively links 11 spheres of varying sizes and heights, stretching from the blue sky to the lush green grass below. From a distance, the two large, ruby-like spheres glisten brightly, creating a dreamlike scene reminiscent of “large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate.”
Travel Information about Oriental Pearl Tower
Tickets
A package ticket is available for 199 RMB, with various options to choose from. Prices are subject to change based on the ticket window sales.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, adjacent to the Huangpu River, directly across from the Bund.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station. The scenic area is a 5-minute walk from the station.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Relaxation: ★★★★★
- Thrill: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
Highlights of Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower has 15 observation floors. The highest observation floor, the Space Capsule, is located at 350 meters. There are also lower observation floors, including the main observation floor at 263 meters and outdoor observation floors at 259 meters and 90 meters.
At the base of the tower, there’s a Sci-Fi City featuring attractions like the Forest Journey, Antarctic Journey, Magic Journey, Treasure Cave, Dini Theater, Happy Plaza, Laser Cinema, Motion Theater, Adventure Train, and more. It also has the unique “Space Hot Air Balloon” that lifts people into the sky, offering panoramic views of the Shanghai metropolis.
As you enter the tower from the grand staircase, you’ll be greeted by the impressive main hall on the ground floor. From the ground floor elevator lobby to the middle sphere, which has a diameter of 45 meters and is located 263 meters above the ground, it takes only 40 seconds.
Inside the tower, the Skywalk, a suspended observation corridor, allows visitors to gaze down at the panoramic view of both sides of the Huangpu River through the transparent glass floor, giving the sensation of walking on clouds. Those who are afraid of heights might prefer to walk on the adjacent concrete floor.
The Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall, located in the Zero Meter Hall within the tower, is a vivid display reflecting the historical changes in modern Shanghai. The exhibition is divided into seven sections: Tracing the Origins of Huating, Cityscape, Glimpses of the Port Opening, The Bund, Maritime Pursuit, Architectural Expo, and The Rise and Fall of Transportation. Visiting this exhibition is like traveling through history, walking through an era. It allows visitors to revisit the old dreams of Shanghai, admire modern historical facts, and savor the cultural essence of the city.
The Sky Revolving Restaurant inside the tower, located at 267 meters in the upper sphere, is the highest revolving restaurant in Asia. Dining here offers a panoramic view of Shanghai. To the north, you can see Baosteel; to the east, the thriving area of Pudong; to the south, picturesque rural landscapes; to the southwest, the Nine Peaks of Songjiang; and to the west, the full view of Shanghai’s urban area. The tower’s lighting, controlled by a computer system, can produce over 1,000 variations, making it truly a “Night Pearl” along the banks of the Huangpu River.
The Oriental Pearl Cruise Terminal is located in Lujiazui Riverside Garden, right in front of the Oriental Pearl Tower. From here, you can embark on a cruise to enjoy the night views of the Huangpu River. The “Oriental Pearl” cruise ship has three levels and can accommodate over 400 passengers. It currently operates only on weekends. In the evening, passengers can relax by the windows to take in the enchanting night scenery along both sides of the river while enjoying live performances by a Filipino band.
Visitor Guide for Oriental Pearl Tower
Accommodation
The area around the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s main hotel hubs. Options include the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai (Address: 8 Century Avenue, Shanghai International Financial Center), Jinjiang Inn (Oriental Pearl Branch) (Address: 296 Dongfang Road, Pudong New Area), and Home Inn (Address: 569 Changyi Road, Pudong New Area), among others.
Dining
The revolving restaurant at the Oriental Pearl Tower is the highest of its kind in Asia, offering different charms during the day and night. As night falls, the lights on both sides of the Huangpu River gradually illuminate, creating a mesmerizing scene. The restaurant serves a buffet primarily featuring Western cuisine. Recommended dishes include French escargot, matcha cake, cheesecake, salmon, and Russian borscht.