Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower

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?

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！

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.

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).

• 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!

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:

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

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

Nearby Attractions at Oriental Pearl Tower

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.

What to Eat at Oriental Pearl Tower?

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.

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!