Oriental Pearl Tower Guide

The Oriental Pearl Tower is the building that put Pudong on the map. It was finished in 1994, rises to about 468 metres, and has a design of eleven spheres of different sizes strung on slim columns, as if a handful of pearls had been dropped onto a plate. For years it was the tallest structure in China, and it still has more character than the glass towers around it. It is fun, a little retro and very photogenic.

What is inside the tower

The tower is more than an observation deck. The spheres hold viewing levels, a revolving restaurant, a small shopping and entertainment area, a space-themed attraction and a hotel. The lowest big sphere has a glass-floored walkway at about 260 metres, where you can stand and look down at the roads and the river. A higher capsule at around 350 metres offers the best view of the tower itself, and the layout and prices change from time to time, so verify the official page for current details.

Is the view a sound investment

The answer depends on what you want. The tower is lower than the Shanghai Tower, and it sits close to the river, which puts The Bund right below you and makes the old waterfront look like a ribbon. The tower is the most distinctive thing in the skyline, but you cannot see the tower from inside it, so many visitors prefer to admire it from the ground and go up a taller building for the view.

The glass floor experience

The glass walkway is the main thrill, and it is safe, with a thick, tested floor. If you have a fear of heights, look straight ahead rather than down and walk slowly. Shoe covers are often supplied to protect the glass. The walkway can be busy, and the best photos are taken from the side, where you can include the skyline in the frame. Stand still for a moment before you take your shot, because many visitors stop dead in the middle and the line behind them backs up.

Timing and queue management

Weekday mornings are the calmest time to visit. Sunset is lovely and popular, so book a timed ticket in advance if you want it. Public holidays can bring very long queues. Combined tickets cover several levels, but you will rarely need them all, and the lower decks are enough for most visitors. Watch the weather too, because low cloud can swallow the view.

Viewing it from the ground

The best look at the tower is from the elevated ring walkway at its base, from the riverside promenade and from the far bank. At night, the spheres are lit in changing colours, and the view from a Huangpu River Cruise is one of the best in the city. The base of the tower also has a small museum area, and opening times change, so check before you plan around it.

Combining with other spots

The tower sits in the commercial centre of Lujiazui, so it fits easily with a walk around the district. If you are travelling with children, the nearby aquarium and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Guide are a short ride away. For a calmer break, the green space close by is a calm place to sit and look back at the spheres, and the riverside promenade is a pleasant place to wait for dusk.

Reaching the site

Lujiazui station on metro line 2 is the closest, and the tower is a few minutes' walk from the exit. Taxis and ride apps can drop you nearby, but traffic around the base can be busy at peak hours.

Parts to skip

You do not need the most expensive ticket or the restaurant unless you want a special meal. If your time is short, enjoy the tower from the outside and spend your money on a taller viewing deck instead.