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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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
5921 reviews
5/5
It's a great place to visit!
5/5
Shanghai After Dark — The Bund Never Sleeps ✨“Where the river reflects a thousand city lights and the future rises above a timeless waterfront. The Bund is more than a view — it’s Shanghai at its most magical, where elegance, ambition, and endless dreams meet.” 🌃❤
4/5
Taking a boat to see the night view was very comfortable and beautiful; it was a real treat 😊 I'll definitely recommend it to my friends.
5/5
Bến Thượng Hải rất đẹp vào buổi đêm. Và bạn có thể đi bộ một đoạn rất dài dọc theo bờ sông để ngắm cảnh. Đặc biệt nếu có điều kiện cũng có thể thử trải nghiệm đi thuyền trên sông Hoàng Phố.
5/5
A truly amazing place! It would seem like an observation deck overlooking skyscrapers, of which there are many around the world. What's there to praise?
However, in this case, it's like a contrast shower: it relaxes you with the play of light from Pudong's skyscrapers on the Huangpu River, and then immediately gives you goosebumps with the austerity of the colonial architecture of the riverfront.
The eclecticism of the architectural styles of the riverfront buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries rightfully earns the title of "museum of world architecture." Turn your head, and before you is the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, shaped in its present form in 2015 by the construction of the Shanghai Tower.
While in Shanghai, you're bound to end up here. However, keep in mind that during the "vacation season," the number of people on the riverfront at sunset is not just enormous, it's insane!
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
11196 reviews
5/5
I really enjoyed it, we sat there with views of the city at night! There was a lot of food and it was varied, from crabs to traditional Chinese cuisine. There were several observation decks, including one with a glass floor.
5/5
Everything was great!!! Beautiful view of Shanghai at night.
4/5
We bought a ticket for both spheres, including the middle and lower spheres. The upper sphere is an additional 100 yuan per person. We loved the middle sphere; the views were incredible, especially in the glass-floored area. I didn't like the lower sphere; you have to look through a metal mesh, which ruins the experience.
5/5
An absolutely fantastic experience. The tower itself is truly impressive, and the glass walk is safe and exciting. Dinner left nothing to be desired. I can't understand the negative reviews. We were at the tower for almost an hour and a half before dinner to explore everything. Thirty minutes before dinner, we joined the restaurant queue and easily got a window seat. The food selection is outstanding. From king crab to lobster, various sashimi, all kinds of desserts, and draft beer as well as all non-alcoholic drinks are included. You can also purchase wine or cocktails separately. 10/10
5/5
I really enjoyed the dinner and the observation deck with the transparent floor!
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
3760 reviews
5/5
Everything is great, the views are great. It's best to go around 4:30 PM. Then you can see it both in daylight and with the lights on. Be careful, fog can roll in and obscure the top floor of the tower, which can make the view poor.
5/5
Never missed out to visit Shanghai Tower when you travel to China.,one of the World's tallest building in the world..Your travel experience would not as complete without seeing this iconic tower..
5/5
Very cool, definitely worth a visit
5/5
It's definitely worth a visit. The elevator takes you up more than 500 meters in an instant. We went in the evening. You have to go further to see the panorama. There are a lot of people right next to the elevators. But if you walk a little further, you can take a photo without any problems.
5/5
Perfect place! 🫶🏼
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
The scenery along the way is beautiful, and it's worth a visit when you come to Shanghai.
5/5
I highly recommend it!
5/5
A perfect half-day walk for first-time visitors to Shanghai.Start from the old-town charm of Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple, stroll through the energy of Nanjing Road, then end with the skyline views along The Bund, Peace Hotel, and Waibaidu Bridge.Old Shanghai, modern skyline, local snacks, shopping streets and sunset photo spots — all in one easy route. 🚶 🇨🇳 🌆 🚶♀️🏯💫🛕🌿
5/5
First time in Shanghai and the views are spectacular. Very easy to accumulate so many photos so be prepared for extra storage. Relax and enjoy the boat cruise.
5/5
I'm glad I took this. The night view is really great. I highly recommend the VIP zone.
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
363 reviews
5/5
I liked everything
5/5
A must-see 🔥
5/5
You should definitely try it; we really enjoyed it. It was a little scary when we got to the 88th floor, but we took the risk. A high-speed elevator takes you up. You can rent a GoPro camera, but we didn't. At the end, they give you photos, medals, and a certificate in a nice box. You can print one more photo for ¥88. It's worth the money.
5/5
The view is amazing. From this lowest tower, you can see all the others, which is awesome! It was also interesting to watch the adventurers walking along the ledge outside the window! The service was excellent; it wasn't hard to find. Everything was well-organized!
4/5
We chose this particular observation deck because we really wanted to see the "pearl" itself, not just look at it from it.
People are admitted to the tower in batches, and the line moves fairly quickly. It's best to come in the evening, when everything is lit up and Shanghai looks especially beautiful.
We arrived close to closing time—there weren't many people. You can send a postcard right on the deck, but unfortunately, there are no commemorative stamps.
The entire tour took about 15-20 minutes. But the glass was very dirty—I didn't expect that from the Chinese. So we had to find other places where we could take decent photos of Shanghai at night.
Overall, my impressions were average. I don't think I would recommend this particular observation deck.
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
558 reviews5/5
It’s a no brainer, seeing the city from the tower there is breath taking. Going to the too of the shanghai tower is a must!!!
5/5
Very cool, a must visit
4/5
A fantastic experience in the elevator in the tallest building, the observation deck is amazing, and the panorama of Shanghai at night is excellent. A huge downside is that all the windows are covered in grime, making it impossible to take a good photo from any of them.
5/5
Arrive about an hour before sunset (we arrived at 4:30 PM). This way, you'll catch three stunning views at once: Shanghai by day, an incredible sunset, and the city transforming into a glowing neon sea in just a few minutes. Pure magic!
5/5
Everything is clear and accessible, the staff is top notch, they will help you with everything, high quality!
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 Immersive Chinese Restaurant
4.7/5758 Reviews
📍LG1-03, B1, Old Municipal Government, The Bund, No. 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
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FAQs about Shanghai Skyline
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