Shanghai is synonymous with vibrancy. China’s largest city is situated on the central coast where the East China Sea joins the Yellow Sea to the north. While Shanghai doesn’t lead the world in its number of skyscrapers, it is firmly planted in the top 10 with 127 and counting. These towering buildings offer more than just amazing views, they are also full of entertainment and tour options. We’re highlighting some of our favorite experiences that we believe are not-to-miss!
Oriental Pearl Tower
One of the most recognizable icons of the Shanghai skyline, the Oriental Pearl Tower is only 14 stories yet is has a pinnacle height of 1,535 feet, making it the fifth tallest tower in the world. This futuristic television tower contains a history museum and a revolving restaurant. With its sweeping views of the city, this is the perfect start to a tour of the towers of Shanghai. If you’re not at all afraid of heights, one of the highlights of your visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower is sure to be the aerial sightseeing corridor with its transparent glass walkway 295 meters off the ground!
Jin Mao Tower
The Jin Mao Tower, reaching 88 stories, was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill from Chicago. It is home to offices, restaurants, a hotel, and an observation deck. The 88th-floor skywalk is equal parts harrowing and invigorating and is one of the best ways to see the sights of Shanghai – open air and high in the sky. Its Grand Hyatt Hotel is a good option for central lodging on your trip as well.
World Financial Centre
Designed by the Shanghai Modern arm of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the World Financial Centre is right at home in the Chinese economic powerhouse of Shanghai. The tower is also home to another Hyatt property, the Park Hyatt Shanghai. The World Financial Centre is a bustling business hub replete with shops, restaurants, lodging, and also amazing views of Shanghai.
Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai Tower is a 128-story mega-tall skyscraper which was the world’s tallest building in 2015. Today, it would sit in the shadow of the United Arab Emirates’ Burj Khalifa, but it is grand, nonetheless. With the most notable observation deck on our list – the world’s highest – it offers bird’s eye views of all the other towers on our list. Shanghai Tower serves as a home to the Gensler offices, its American designers. There is also plans that include Jin Jiang, a 320-room J Hotel. Shanghai Tower is a beautiful obelisk of a structure in the Shanghai skyline.
With Shanghai’s dense population, limited land space, and economic growth, an influx of millionaires have pushed development of the city in a vertical manner. This has also fostered a competitive spirit among investors to create the most interesting and architecturally significant buildings. Their fight only serves to benefit the city as well as those of us who wish to visit. Are you ready to book your Shanghai vacation and experience the majesty of the towers? If you’re more low-rise oriented, read Why Amsterdam Should be Your Next Luxury Destination.
