Where to Go to See the Shanghai Skyline?
Welcome to Shanghai! Take in the sight of the fusion of historic charm and futuristic vibe at The Bund. With soaring skyscrapers, visitors from worldwide get an unforgettable visual feast.
In this guide, I’ll lead you to the best spots to see the Shanghai city skyline. You can visit from iconic towers to riverside walkways. Read on!
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Shanghai Skyline Highlights
It's time for a visit to where you can see the most unforgettable views in Shanghai. For you, it's not only about the skyscrapers and these magnificent historic buildings. It's a journey that tells the story of rapid modernization! Check out the highlights of the Shanghai skyline before your trip:
- On one side of the Huangpu River, The Bund showcases elegant colonial-era buildings, whispering tales of the city's past.
- On the other side, Pudong’s futuristic towers, like the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, reach for the high clouds, symbolizing China’s bold vision for the future.
- At night, the transformation is magical: the Shanghai skyline's night view becomes glittering lights, reflections, and energy!
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793657 booked
Top 6 Places for the Best View of the Shanghai Skyline
Top 1 Shanghai Skyline Attraction: The Bund
Without a doubt, The Bund is always the first choice! Walk through the historic buildings and hop on the riverbound walkway. A sight of panoramic Huangpu River view and the skyscrapers on the other side. Take a full sight of Pudong's towering skyline!
Credit: from Yiran Ding, Unsplash | The Bund
What to Expect:
- By day, take a stroll alongside the historic European-style buildings behind you and the modern architectural wonders ahead.
- At night, what a time to enjoy the lively Shanghai skyline with a synchronized light show that illuminates the skyscrapers in vibrant colors.
Pro Tips:
- Visit at dawn or dusk for stunning transitional light (blue hour and golden hour).
- Avoid weekends if possible; weekdays are less crowded.
- Don't forget to take a walk to nearby Nanjing Road, where you can buy souvenirs or local specialties.
4.8/5
6046 reviews
5/5
A great picturesque place, lots of people, but there is something to remember now.
5/5
Enjoy Shanghai's stunning illuminations from the water. Definitely worth a visit!
5/5
very nice cruise, has an optimal duration.
5/5
The entrance is on the other side of the embankment. For seafood lovers, the dinner is excellent. The views are beautiful. For an additional ¥100, you can buy a ticket to the third deck with a table and chairs; the view is much better from there. The ticket includes a choice of ice cream or popcorn, and they give you candy. The restroom is located below deck (clean).
4/5
It is great visiting this place especially if you live in the more rural areas of the country. The view is great, especially at night time where all the lights on the building comes on, and the most notable buildings are the Pearl tower and Shanghai tower which you can also buy tickets to.
Top 2 Shanghai Skyline Attraction: Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower
You'll also not miss out on a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai's most recognizable landmarks!
Credit: from LiYang, Unsplash | Oriental Pearl Tower
What to Expect:
- Multiple observation decks, including a clear glass-floored section at 259 meters for an exciting "skywalk" experience.
- Visit the Shanghai History Museum, located on the first floor of the Oriental Pearl Tower, where you can learn about the folk customs and habits of old Shanghai citizens.
- Have dinner at Revolving Restaurant, best for families & couples!
Pro Tips:
- Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Why don't you take a combo trip to the nearby Shanghai Ocean Aquarium or Jin Mao Tower!
4.7/5
11392 reviews
5/5
Even in less than ideal weather, it's a must-see! There were quite a few people there, but we were still able to take photos and admire the city from above.
4/5
The night view is five-star quality, but the buffet food at the revolving restaurant is just average. The only way to move between the spheres is by elevator, so be prepared to wait in line. Don't miss the 78-meter-high "Gengshang Hai" immersive 3D multimedia show, a 7-8 minute spectacle.
5/5
I highly recommend it!!! It's a perfect place to fill up with both food and memories 😄 A wide variety of dishes, all made with excellent, fresh ingredients. My daughter especially highlighted the "unlimited ice cream" as a plus. And what's important is that it's very reliable—we were there during Typhoon Dolphin and had no problems, the views were stunning. We have so many positive impressions!
4/5
The views from 265 meters are truly stunning. An evening visit to the tower is a different experience than a daytime one. There's a vibrant light show and a dancing robot!
4/5
As usual, there are huge lines to get in and even longer to get down from the tower. We first went to the Coca-Cola restaurant, which offers a varied buffet menu.
Top 3 Shanghai Skyline Attraction: Shanghai Tower
As China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world, the Shanghai Tower provides an amazing bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Its observation deck on the 118th floor sits at 632 meters (2,073 feet) above the ground.
Credit: from Yiran Ding, Unsplash | Shanghai Tower
What to Expect:
- The world’s fastest elevators (reaching up to 18 meters per second) take you to the top in under a minute.
- Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Shanghai’s urban landscape, including the Huangpu River’s winding path through the city.
Pro Tips:
- Take great photographs on clear days.
- Visit in the late afternoon to witness the city transition from day to night; stay for the sunset and take in the glittering skyline.
- Don’t miss the higher 119th floor for more panoramic views.
4.6/5
3701 reviews
4/5
The Shanghai Tower is worth visiting, but be prepared for a large number of tourists from different countries.
5/5
Amazing views from the tallest tower in Shanghai. Had a Funtime there.
4/5
Vale una pena la visita al (ad oggi) terzo grattacielo più alto al mondo. L’unica pecca è che per fare una foto bisogna come sempre in cina spintonarsi per il posto e i vetri dell’osservatorio sono sporchi e riflettono tantissimo quindi è difficilissimo fare delle belle foto. È comunque una bella esperienza.
4/5
It's a fun thing to do, the elevator is super fast and the view from up there is really nice.
5/5
Excellent 👌
Top 4 Shanghai Skyline Attraction: Huangpu River Cruise
A Huangpu River cruise allows you to see both sides of the Shanghai city skyline, the historic Bund, and the futuristic Pudong district, from the water.
Credit: from CGTN | Huangpu River Cruise
What to Expect:
- Feel the architectural details on a day cruise.
- Enjoy the illuminated Shanghai skyline on a night cruise.
Pro Tips:
- Book an evening cruise for the most mesmerizing views.
- Bring a camera with a good low-light setting for capturing night scenes.
4.5/5
392 reviews5/5
It was good that I could book easily and right away.
5/5
I liked the cruise, but it wasn't long. We left at 7:00 PM, and all the lights and illumination were already on. It was very beautiful. We exchanged our e-ticket an hour before departure, and we also walked along the Bund.
5/5
I booked on the same day and went with friends. Converting the tickets was easy and it was so much fun~~ It was the lowest price!!! Highly recommend it
5/5
Worth it
5/5
It is difficult to walk in Shanghai's summer weather, but taking a cruise and seeing the beautiful Bund made for a lovely memory. My mom and I enjoyed it without any pressure.
Top 5 Shanghai Skyline Attraction: Jin Mao Tower
As a part of the Pudong skyline trio (alongside Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center), Jin Mao Tower offers an observation deck on the 88th floor with breathtaking panoramic views.
Credit: from KKday | Jin Mao Tower
What to Expect:
- The deck provides a slightly lower but equally impressive perspective compared to the Shanghai Tower.
- Admire its traditional Chinese aesthetics through its tiered pagoda-inspired silhouette and the use of the number 8 (considered extremely lucky to Chinese people)!
- Less crowded than some of the other towers.
Pro Tips:
- Consider visiting Jin Mao if you want a great view without the overwhelming crowds.
- The tower is often included in layover tours.
4.8/5
406 reviews5/5
Of the three nearby towers, we chose this one and it was a winner. Firstly, it was half the price and the views were excellent. We arrived after sunset and there weren't many people around. We took our time taking in everything. The views were fantastic, and there are binoculars where you can examine details for a small fee. It took us a while to find the entrance, but the building staff helped us. It would have been nice if there were signs directing us to the elevator entrance. I liked it and highly recommend it. The elevator is high-speed, but my ears were very popped when we went down.
5/5
The observation deck is on the 88th floor, but the entrance is on the -1 floor; we found it following the signs. It's a standard observation deck, with guaranteed views of all of Shanghai. We went to this one because my husband decided to take the "skywalk." Everything went well and safely, and the experience was positive. But there wasn't much else of interest there besides the observation windows. I had to wait about 40 minutes for my husband to get off the ride, and there was nothing else to do in the meantime.
5/5
A great observation deck. You can walk along the edge for an additional fee. It costs 228 yuan on site. It's cheaper to buy this activity in advance. We arrived on a weekend around 2 PM and managed to get there at a time without the crowds. I can't say it was particularly impressive, but I think at least one observation deck is worth visiting.
4/5
Less crowded than other viewing points. But the elevator is overcrowded so you need to wait about 10 minutes for your turn
5/5
Cheaper than others, but still looks the same.
Top 6 Shanghai Skyline Attraction: Lujiazui Ring Road
This massive circular pedestrian overpass in Pudong connects key attractions like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. It offers fantastic ground-level views of the Shanghai skyline.
Credit: from Getty Images | Lujiazui Ring Road
What to Expect:
- Free access and open 24 hours a day.
- Perfect for photographing the skyscrapers from various angles without having to go up them.
- Especially vibrant at night when the buildings are lit up.
Pro Tips:
- Visit after dark for the glittering cityscape.
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture multiple towers in one frame.
4.8/5
567 reviews5/5
Great views. Not a long line. This is a one-time tour.
5/5
Lujiazui is definitely one of the most impressive parts of Shanghai! 🏙️ The futuristic skyline, huge skyscrapers and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower make the area feel like a city from the future. Walking around the financial district is a great experience, especially with the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center all standing together. (The China Guide)The best time to visit is around sunset, when you can enjoy the city during the day and watch the skyline light up at night. Definitely a must-visit if you want to experience the modern side of Shanghai! ✨
5/5
Entry was smooth; we were even able to get in before our scheduled time. Incredible view, a must-do activity.
5/5
A very beautiful view of the river and the Pearl. It gets very crowded at sunset, especially on the way out after sunset.
5/5
Lujiazui is the perfect place to experience Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Home to iconic landmarks like the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center, the district offers breathtaking views both day and night. Walking along the riverside promenade gives you an incredible perspective of The Bund across the Huangpu River, making it one of the city's most photogenic spots. Besides the skyscrapers, you'll find luxury malls, stylish cafés, and plenty of restaurants to explore. While it can get crowded, especially in the evening, the vibrant atmosphere makes it worth the visit. Whether you're visiting the observation decks, enjoying the skyline after sunset, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, Lujiazui perfectly showcases Shanghai's modern side. It's a must-visit destination for first-time visitors and anyone who loves impressive cityscapes.
Compare Key Shanghai Skyline Attractions
Spots | Best for | Ticket | What to Expect | Best Time to Visit |
Panoramic views | Free | Historic architecture & river reflections | Sunrise, sunset, or night | |
Family-friendly experience | From $27.98 (adult) | Glass-floored skywalk & history museum | Weekday mornings | |
Highest aerial views | From $12.66 (adult) | Word’s fastest elevators & 360-degree views | Late afternoon to evening | |
Water-based views | From $8.44 (adult) | Views of both sides of the river | Evening for night lights | |
Fewer crowds | From $13.08 (adult) | Traditional Chinese design | Anytime | |
Ground-level views | Free | Connects multiple skyscrapers in Pudong | Night |
Insider Tips for Capturing the Perfect Shanghai Skyline
- Choose the best time: The Shanghai skyline night view is spectacular, but daytime offers clarity for photography. For the best of both, visit during the "blue hour" just after sunset.
- Check the weather: Check the forecast before heading to observation decks; fog and pollution can occasionally obscure views.
Beyond Shanghai Skyline
- Water Towns: For a contrast to the urban jungle, visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, known as the "Venice of the East." It offers a glimpse into old China while being just an hour from the modern skyline.
- Cultural Integration: Pair your skyline tour with cultural experiences like enjoying traditional Yue Opera or exploring the art of Gu embroidery to appreciate Shanghai’s full depth.
Shanghai Restaurant Recommendation
TASTE OF CHINA 中国味 Immersive Dining
Located at Shanghai’s historic The Bund · City Hall Plaza, this multi-sensory dining experience blends cutting-edge technology with Chinese culinary tradition. Through dynamic digital art, landscapes like the Yellow River and Li River come alive around—and even on—your plate.
Guided by the panda chef “Cheng BaoBao,” you’ll journey through seven culinary keys exploring China’s rich history and diverse culture. Each dish tells a story, merging flavor, art, and technology.
More than a meal—it’s an immersive encounter. Taste the essence of China, experience its spirit, and leave forever captivated.
TASTE OF CHINA 中国味 - Opening Hours
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Two Daily Seatings:
- Lunch Banquet: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Dinner Banquet: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(Costume and styling experience is recommended 2 hours prior to seating)
TASTE OF CHINA 中国味 - Address
No.LG1-03, Zone E, 215 Middle Jiangxi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
TASTE OF CHINA 中国味 沉浸式餐厅
4.8/5582 Reviews
📍LG1-03, B1, Old Municipal Government, The Bund, No. 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
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