Shanghai Skyline, symbolizing modern Shanghai, redefines the city’s landscape to a new level. As the most spectacular sight in Lujiazui, Pudong district, it is home to some of the tallest buildings and skyscrapers in the world with a unique identity. It’s hard to imagine that farmland with strategic importance to mainland China would become a world transport and financial hub in just 20 years.
Lujiazui, the main attraction of the city’s skyline located on the eastern fringe of the Huangpu River, offers a glimpse of the many buildings from different angles, visually integrated into the city’s skyline. You simply cannot miss this impressive view of the city, full of energy as the night-time view is dotted with colorful neon lights and glittering high-rise buildings. Shanghai’s construction boom started in the 1920s as a central hub for multinational finance and business companies. However, the real boom began after major economic reforms in the 1980s, which brought in foreign investments and western architectural designs. The city’s landscape amalgamated with modern and historic architectural structures, as seen in the French Concession and the Bund areas. The Shanghai Skyline seems to rise into the clouds, and different angles give different perspectives of the city. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Shanghai Skyline from the Bund area. Pudong district, Shanghai’s latest addition, is a vast business and financial hub, home to many multinational companies’ headquarters. It offers the best and most beautiful Shanghai Skyline view along the western side of the River Huangpu. Experience the amazing ambiance of the city by taking a detour to see the city’s breathtaking view. Take a cruise around the river and experience its energy and pulse resonating from within the city. The city of Shanghai holds the distinction of having the largest number of skyscrapers and high-rise buildings in China and is the most populous city in China and the second most populous in the world. It is one of the fastest-growing cities worldwide in terms of skyscrapers construction, apart from being a global financial hub. Some of the significant buildings are the Shanghai Tower, which is the second tallest building in the world, Jin Mao, and the Pearl Tower. Catalogue: The Forming Landscape Tallest Buildings in Shanghai: 1. The Jinmao Tower 2. Shanghai World Financial Center 3. Shanghai Tower 4. Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower Night & Day of Shanghai Skyline Best Places for Taking Photos: Recommendations of Skyscraper Restaurant: 1. Oriental Pearl Tower Revolving Restaurant 2. Club Jin Mao at Grand HyattAs of January 2019, there are more than 165 high-rise buildings under construction in Shanghai, among which five are 300 meters and above in height. Discover the Shanghai Skyline, its tallest buildings, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city that never sleeps.
Tallest Buildings in Shanghai The Shanghai Skyline stands out globally and offers a visual treat to visitors. The Bund area is the iconic spot for taking breathtaking pictures of magnificent high-rise buildings. Here are the details of four most iconic and popular buildings: 1. The Jinmao Tower The Jinmao Tower is the third tallest structure in Shanghai after the Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Center. It is located in the busy finance and trade zone in Pudong district. Once the tallest building in China, known as the ‘Golden Prosperity Building’ in Chinese. It can be reached from the western area of the Huangpu River via the tunnel or from Pudong International Airport, about 30 minutes by taxi or car. Also accessible by taking Metro Line 2 and getting off at Lujiazui Station, Exit No. 6. It offers the ‘Wander in the Cloud’ glass skywalk service on the 88th floor for sightseeing and a glimpse of the scenic Huangpu River banks. The 60-meter-long and 1.2-meter-wide platform costs approximately 120 RMB or $12 USD per person to access the observatory deck. The Jinmao Tower is a 420-meter-high skyscraper designed by Adrian Smith from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). The three basement floors can hold 1000 bicycles and 993 cars. Inspired by ancient Pagoda style architecture, with sections gradually stepping back towards the core as it rises. The exteriors are made of glass and stainless steel, with numerous aluminum alloy pipes completing the complex latticework. The number 8 is significant in Chinese tradition, and the building is designed around it. It can withstand earthquakes up to 7 on the Richter scale and strong cyclonic winds of 125 miles/hour. 2. Shanghai World Financial Center The Shanghai Financial Center is a vertical city in Shanghai’s financial district of Pudong. It is a cultural and commercial symbol of China’s assertion as the global financial hub. Spanning 62 floors, it houses multiple office floors, conference halls, urban retailing space, and the world’s highest hotel – The Hotel Hyatt Hotel. The building offers a visitors square and observatory from the 94th to 100th floors. One of the tallest buildings in China, it has the highest swimming pool on the 85th floor. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox and opened in 2008 after 11 years of construction.The Shanghai World Financial Center was delayed due to a controversy in the original design. The original design had a circular opening at the top similar to the Japanese rising sun symbol. Now, its trapezoid shape makes it look like a ‘Bottle Opener’, hence the nickname. It is the magnet of the World’s Finance, offering world-class financial facilities and cultural art exhibitions from around the world. It has some of the best attractions and observatories. The observatory on the 94th Floor offers an extensive view of the city along the Huangpu River. The one on the 97th Floor is the best spot for taking pictures on a skylighted ceiling. The one on the 100th Floor has a 55-meter-long skywalk corridor made of transparent glass, making one feel like walking on air above the Jin Mao Tower building. You can reach it via bus from the Lujiazui Financial City Line 2 after getting off at Dongtailu Shijidaro Station. The bus is free and runs every hour. You can also take Metro Line 2 and get off at Dongchang Road Station, Exit 4. Ferry services from the Bund will take you to Dongchang Road Pier, and it’s a short walk from there. You can also try Tunnel Line 3 or Line 6 and get off at Shiji Dadao Pudong Nanlu Station. It is adjacent to the 88-story Jin Mao Tower.
Shanghai Tower is one of the signature skyscrapers at the heart of the Lujiazui Finacial hub. It transcends structural construction and symbolizes a new China. The curved façades and spiraling designs create a unique appearance. Not just a landmark, it offers a sustainable livelihood with a mix of restaurants, urban space, shops, and offices. It is one of the most advanced buildings in the world, aiming at conserving energy and enhancing efficiency. Wind tunnel tests confirm a 24% energy savings. The transparent second skin gives it a modern look. It has a tri-cogeneration system, rainwater harvesting system, and other renewable energy sources. The inner glass facades use less material. It creates thermal buffer zones and reduces water consumption. As it spirals upwards, it twists one degree per floor to withstand high winds and cyclones. The ‘Top of Shanghai Observatory’ is a renowned world’s highest observation deck. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Bund, the Huangpu River, and the Shanghai Skyline.The Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower is an alluring and unique architectural masterpiece. It is the world’s sixth and China’s tallest TV tower, located in Pudong Area, Lujiazui. Surrounded by the Yangpu and Nanpu Bridge, it creates an amazing scene of ‘Twin Dragons playing with Pearls’. The base has a science fantasy city and the inner area is a recreational palace. The Municipal History Museum is at the tower’s pedestal, featuring the historical significance of Shanghai with relics, documents, pictures, and AV presentations. The top has restaurants, shops, and a sightseeing floor. The Space Capsule resembles a space shuttle with outer space information. The Revolving Restaurant allows guests to get a bird’s eye view of the city as it revolves once in 2 hours. The glass-floored sightseeing corridor is the most attractive part, offering a panoramic view of the city.
To reach this iconic building, take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel on the Huangpu River and get off at the Pudong side. Or try Metro Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station, Exit 1. You can also enjoy the City Sightseeing Bus Line 2 and get off at Dongfang Station. There is also a building with the world’s fastest elevators at 46mph and the highest indoor Chinese-style garden called the Half Garden. You can reach it via Metro Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station, Exit 6. Try the City Sightseeing Line 2 bus and get off at Jin Mao Tower, which is close to the building. Or take the Ferry Service from the Dongjin Line and take a short walk after reaching Dongchang Road. Enjoy the Shanghai Skyline Night as it is lit up at nighttime, offering a glimpse of one of the most exhilarating metropolises in the world. Your trip to Shanghai won’t be complete without some night and day tours. The Bund is spectacularly illuminated in the evening. The Bund promenade and colonial-era buildings are epic and enchanting. The high-rise buildings across the Huangpu River glitter as the lights change throughout the night. You can cruise along the Huangpu River in the evening as the Shanghai Skyline is lit up in magnificent colors. You can also try Acrobatic Shows, which is one of the popular nightlife activities around the city. Take a stroll along Nanjing Road, home to some of the busiest street shops. They are lit up at nighttime and flocked by tourists and shoppers. The French Concession is a wonderful place to glimpse the colonial past with a lively atmosphere and many bars and restaurants.During daytime, you can take the City Sightseeing Bus Tour to get a good look at the city’s popular places. Now let’s talk about the best places for taking photos. The city’s never-ending story and dynamic growth will captivate you and leave a lasting memory of this journey. Here are some popular spots where you can take pictures and get lost in the magnificent view of the Shanghai Skyline.
The Bund – Stroll along the riverside and enjoy the gorgeous sights of the Shanghai Skyline from different angles. The Peninsula Hotel – Try the U-Shaped rooftop Sir Elly’s Terrace bar and enjoy the most scenic and luxurious view of the Shanghai Skyline. Also, try some of the rooftop bars for a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The Cool Docks – This is another popular spot where you’ll get a super angular riverfront view of the entire Shanghai Skyline and take your favorite pictures. Waibaidu Bridge – This is a wonderful and picturesque bridge surrounded by art deco buildings and is not usually crowded. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower – It is the trademark of the Shanghai Skyline. The revolving restaurant makes it the perfect spot to take your favorite pictures. Jin Mao Tower – The 88th Floor offers the most beautiful view of the Shanghai Skyline. You can also try the inner atrium for a magnificent shot. Shanghai World Financial Center – The Park Hyatt Hotel at the 98th Floor gives a stunning view of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai Skyline. Shanghai Tower – It has the world’s highest observation deck for visitors and will assure you of some breathtaking views of the Shanghai Skyline. Classic Garden Views – The Yu Garden will inspire you with its amazing architecture. The Pagoda rooftop lights will mesmerize you for a priceless dinner in Shanghai. Nanjing West Road – The neon-lit streets of Nanjing will amaze you with their vibrant energy and charm and offer you the best spot for some clicks. Now let’s move on to the recommendations of skyscraper restaurants. 1. Oriental Pearl Tower Revolving Restaurant – Enjoy your evening at the Revolving Restaurant while savoring the best Asian and Western cuisines amid the best views of the Shanghai Skyline. Ride the high-speed elevator to the restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking aerial view of the city’s skyscrapers while dining and relaxing with your family. Indulge in a luxurious buffet dinner as the restaurant revolves every two hours on a memorable ride while you explore the city limits. 2. Club Jin Mao at Grand Hyatt – Club Jin Mao is located on the 86th Floor of the famous Jin Mao Tower at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. It is one of the best Shanghainese restaurants offering the best Chinese authentic cuisines. The restaurant is themed and designed around traditional Chinese culture and some contemporary abstract art patterns. It provides six private rooms and has a capacity of accommodating up to forty guests. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Shanghai as each of these private rooms is named after a Chinese figure and a miniature tower design.