Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower

Say hello to the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower, the city's most playful and iconic skyscraper! This unforgettable landmark, with its bright pearls and soaring height, welcomes you to take a ride to the top for a fantastic panoramic view. From the decks, you can see the graceful curve of the Huangpu River and the beautiful historic architecture of the Bund. It's a perfect introduction to the energy and charm of Shanghai.

Recommended sightseeing time:​​ 1.5 - 3 hours Address:​​ No. 1, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area

Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower Ticket Prices & Discounts

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Oriental Pearl Tower Reviews

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    Feifei_

    This ticket includes the light show, access to the top floor viewing area and outdoor viewing area, and the Shanghai History Museum. For me, the museum was the highlight of this experience as the figures were so lifelike, which actually made me feel like I was viewing Shanghai's past. This experience is good value for money.

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    Elanie0702

    Because of Mayday, I came to Shanghai again. Coincidentally, because I was born in the same year as the Oriental Pearl Tower, I got a chance to climb the tower for free. I was so lucky! So I brought my cute Bubu to check in! There is also a sign with the city on it, which says which direction of the Oriental Pearl Tower this place is and how far away it is, which is also very meaningful.

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    Garu Chai

    As a 43-year-old Shanghainese, it was the first time for me to take my family to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It was New Year's Eve, the weather was very good, visibility was very high, and the view was far away. The glass road experience was very strong. The two points included in the two-ticket are very worthwhile to go, the 78m meeting the future, more Shanghai, and the multimedia effect is first-class.

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai: Tickets, Tips & Must-Sees

When you think of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower might be the very first thing that comes to your mind. People go up there for the wild views of Shanghai. This article will guide you through how to get tickets, what to expect inside, and what else you can see while you're in the Oriental Pearl Tower area.

What Is the Oriental Pearl Tower and Why Was It Built?

What Is the Oriental Pearl Tower and Why Was It Built?

Credit: from Yiran Ding, Unsplash | Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl Tower is a TV and radio tower in Shanghai, famous for its unique design of eleven steel spheres at different heights. It's one of the most recognizable buildings in the city's Pudong district. Visitors can go up to its observation decks for a panoramic view of Shanghai.

The tower was built in the 1990s. It was designed to be a symbol of the city's modernization and economic growth. It was constructed to show the world that Shanghai was becoming a modern global city！

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What Can You See and Do Inside the Oriental Pearl Tower?

What to expect inside the Oriental Pearl Tower? It's more than just an observation deck! It's full of activities and dining options.

Level

Main Attractions & Activities

The Upper/Three Sphere (350 meters)

The Space Cabin: This is the highest observation level. It offers the most breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai from above.

The Main/Two Sphere (263 meters)

The Sightseeing Floor: It features a glass-bottomed walkway that lets you look straight down to the ground.

The Lower Sphere (90 meters)

The Revolving Restaurant: Serves a variety of international buffets while slowly spinning to give you changing views of the city.

At the Base

Shanghai History Museum: Located in the tower’s pedestal, you can see detailed lifelike dioramas that depict the story and evolution of old Shanghai!

Ground Level

Future Shanghai: A small exhibit that uses high-tech displays to imagine what the city might look like in the years to come. There are also gift shops and ticket counters.

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4.7/5
11731 reviews
5/5
The buffet was good. Two hours was enough for everything.
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4/5
Overall experience is good.. But too many people. Food is of great variety and good quality
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5/5
The view is stunning. There's nothing to do at the very top, just small windows. It's enough to get to the second ball.
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5/5
The itinerary includes famous tourist attractions, especially the three nights, each night offering stunning views. Nianhua Bay is beautiful after dark, Wuzhen exudes the charm of a Jiangnan water town, and Songcheng offers a timeless experience – these are must-sees.
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5/5
Good experience!
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How to Buy Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets on Trip.com?

Step 1: Visit Trip.com for the Oriental Pearl Tower

Go to the Trip.com official website or app and search for “Oriental Pearl Tower”.

Step 2: Select Ticket Type and Date

Choose the type of ticket you need (e.g., general admission, combo tickets with meals or other attractions).

How to Buy Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets on Trip.com? | Select Ticket Type and Date
  • Two Sphere Sightseeing
  • Three Sphere Ticket
  • Two Sphere Sightseeing + Revolving Restaurant Buffet
  • Tickets for 2-Sphere Sightseeing + Huangpu River Cruise
  • ...

Check the dates and times for your visits. The tower is generally open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (last entry at 8:30 pm).

Step 3: Provide Ticket Details & Traveler Information

Choose the number of tickets. Note that children under 1m are free to visit~ Add your contact info like name, email, and mobile number.

Step 4: Complete Your Payment

Pay for your tickets. Trip.com accepts various payment methods.

Step 5: Receive Your e-Ticket

After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. This serves as your ticket!

Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets!

More Things to Do in Shanghai!

What’s the Best Way to Get to the Oriental Pearl Tower?

The easiest way to reach the Oriental Pearl Tower is by taking the Shanghai Metro. The tower is located in the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong, right across the Huangpu River from the Bund. But there're also other ways to get there:

What’s the Best Way to Get to the Oriental Pearl Tower? | River Cruise in Shanghai

Credit: from Vida Huang, Unsplash | River cruise in Shanghai

  • By Metro: Take Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (Exit 1 or 2). The tower is about a 5-minute walk from the station. This is the most efficient and reliable method.
  • By Bus: Several public bus routes stop near Lujiazui Circle, including buses 81, 82, 85, 774, 789, 993, and the Sightseeing Bus 3.
  • By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: You can tell the driver "去东方明珠" (Qù Dōngfāng Míngzhū). This is convenient, but be prepared for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.
  • By Ferry: For a scenic route, take a ferry across the Huangpu River from the Bund (e.g., from Jinling East Road Pier) to the Dongchang Road Pier in Pudong, followed by a short walk or taxi ride.
  • On Foot from the Bund: If you're already on the Bund, you can walk through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or across the Nanpu or Yangpu Bridges.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower?

For the best visit, plan on a clear weekday afternoon around 3 or 4 PM. Autumn (Sep-Nov) is the best season to visit when the skies are clearest with fewer crowds!

The Best Photo Spots near the Oriental Pearl Tower

Location

Why It’s Great

Best Time

The Bund

The classic postcard view with the river in front!

Sunset or night

Lujiazui Skybridge

Puts you right among the skyscrapers for a powerful shot.

Day or blue hour

Huangpu River Ferry

A unique, moving perspective from the water.

Golden hour

Binjiang Avenue

A quieter spot for a reflection shot on the river.

Sunrise or day

 Popular spots like the Bund can get busy; visit early on weekdays for fewer people.

The Bund
The Bund
4.8/5
6231 reviews
Classic Shanghai View 🏙️✨The view along the waterfront is stunning, especially with the iconic skyline of modern skyscrapers on one side and the historic colonial architecture on the other. Walking along the promenade was a great experience — perfect for taking photos, enjoying the atmosphere, and getting a real sense of Shanghai's unique blend of old and new.It's a popular spot so there are definitely crowds, but the energy is lively and there's always something interesting to see. Great for a morning walk, afternoon stroll, or evening views when the buildings light up.
Lujiazui
Lujiazui
4.8/5
563 reviews
There were no lines. There's nothing special at the top, just walking around and looking around. There's a cafe and souvenir shops.
The Huangpu River Cruise
The Huangpu River Cruise
4.5/5
400 reviews
We do it too early. Better to take the boat at 18.30

Nearby Attractions at Oriental Pearl Tower

Nearby Attractions at Oriental Pearl Tower | Yu Garden Night Market

Credit: from Yang Song, Unsplash | Yu Garden night market, Shanghai

  • The Bund: Just across the Huangpu River, this waterfront offers great views of Shanghai’s skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. It’s known for its historic colonial-era buildings and vibrant nightlife.
  • Lujiazui Financial District: Surrounding the tower, this area features modern skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center.
  • Huangpu River Cruise: Departing from nearby piers (e.g., Dongchang Road Pier or Shiliupu Dock), hop on the cruise for a scenic way to see both Pudong and Puxi landscapes.
  • Shanghai History Museum: Located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower, it showcases the city’s evolution from a small fishing village to a metropolitan city!
  • Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden and traditional market area about 3 km away for visiting historic architecture, with local snacks & delicate souvenirs.
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What to Eat at Oriental Pearl Tower?

What to Eat at Oriental Pearl Tower? | Revolving Restaurant Buffet

Credit: from SmartShanghai | Revolving Restaurant Buffet

Top Spots Inside the Tower

  • Revolving Restaurant Buffet 🍴: International buffet at 267 meters! Enjoy Asian, Western, sushi, steak, and unlimited drinks while the view slowly spins.
  • Fun Treats & Snacks 🍬: Find a Coca-Cola Mini Park with a fun restaurant for kids and a White Rabbit Candy store for classic Chinese milk candy souvenirs.
  • Royal Banquet 🍵: It combines traditional Chinese performances, like dance, music, and tea art, with a multi-course royal Chinese feast!

Cool Drinks with a View

  • Cocktails & More 🍹: Sip on drinks like the "Oriental" cocktail (whiskey, citrus) at the revolving restaurant's bar.
  • Unlimited Beverages 🥤: The buffet includes soft drinks, juice, and beer.
Book Ticket Combo with Revolving Restaurant!

Tips for Visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower

  • Go on a weekday for smaller crowds and shorter lines.
  • Visit before sunset for both daytime and nighttime city views.
  • Consider a restaurant reservation for a meal with a view.
  • Buy Oriental Pearl Tower tickets on Trip.com for more combo choices at a reasonable price!
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FAQs about the Oriental Pearl Tower

Lily

Lily

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Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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