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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Shanghai Tower Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | www.shanghaitower.com |
China – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary. |
| Chinese New Year (January/February) |
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations |
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| National Day (1 October) |
National holiday with parades and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | DiDi, Uber |
| Other: | China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Shanghai Tower, China
Observation deck can close temporarily in typhoons or strong winds, usually July to September
Don't miss
- 🌆 Visit the 118th-floor observation deck for panoramic views
- ⚙️ Marvel at the engineering marvel of the massive damper
- 🍽️ Dine with a view at high-altitude restaurants
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Shanghai Tower reaches an impressive height of 632 meters over 127 floors, defining Shanghai’s futuristic skyline. Completed in 2015, its twisted superstructure minimizes wind loads and creates a striking visual effect.
Inside, the tower functions as a vertical city with office spaces, luxury hotels, restaurants and retail areas. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers breathtaking 360-degree views at 546 meters above the ground, accessed by the fastest elevators in the world, traveling over 70 kilometers per hour.
The tower also features the world’s highest art and cultural space, SKY632, blending multimedia art with panoramic cityscapes. Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing Shanghai’s rich architectural heritage and urban evolution.
Visitors should be prepared for crowds during peak hours and higher admission fees compared to other local landmarks. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid waiting times. The tower’s modern design might feel somewhat impersonal, but it remains a must-see icon for architecture and city lovers.
Knowledge before you go
- Book tickets online. Observation deck access requires advance purchase.
- Ride the world's fastest elevators from B2 to 118th floor in 55 seconds for stunning city views.
- Visit at sunset for day-to-night skyline transition; expect queues on weekends and holidays.
- Tallest building in China at 632m, its twisted design by Gensler reduces wind load by 24 percent.
How to travel to Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is located in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone of Pudong, Shanghai. Visitors can take Metro Line 2 or 14 to Lujiazui Station and walk about 500 meters. From Pudong International Airport, taxis and airport shuttles connect easily to the city center.
Access summary
- From Pudong Airport (PVG): Maglev to Longyang Road, Line 2 to Lujiazui (~45–60 min).
- From central Shanghai: Metro Line 2 or 14 to Lujiazui, short walk (~15–25 min).
- From Hongqiao Airport: Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, then walk (~45–60 min).
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Shanghai Tower
Pudong and the central Shanghai areas offer a wide variety of hotels from luxury to mid-range, providing convenience for visiting Shanghai Tower and exploring the nearby skyline.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
IFC Residence
MaxX by Steigenberger Shanghai on the Bund
Central Hotel
The Eton Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Green Court Residence City Center - Shanghai
The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi
Packing recommendations for Shanghai Tower
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🎫
Advance tickets or bookings
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 63% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CNY) is 1% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Shanghai Tower is generally safe for visitors, with robust security at its observation decks and surrounding areas. Crime rates are low, but keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded spots. Follow local guidelines, stay hydrated and avoid isolated alleys after dark.
Accessibility
Shanghai Tower offers excellent accessibility: elevators, ramps and clear signage accommodate mobility‑impairment visitors. However, some older sections lack tactile paving and the observation deck’s narrow walkways can be crowded. Plan ahead for quiet hours to avoid congestion.
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