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
5853 reviews
5/5
The Bund is an absolute must-see on any trip to Shanghai. While the night view of Pudong on the opposite side is also magnificent, the illuminated Bund is truly spectacular! It feels like you're in Europe. As the sun sets, huge crowds pour in from Nanjing East Road, and it gets especially crowded on weekends, so be careful not to get separated from your travel companions.
5/5
Amazing views, highly recommend!
5/5
I visited this place in the past, but the experience was good
5/5
The vibe while visiting the bund is just amazing and unexpected.I went there during the day and stayed there until the evening just to witness the lights and the bund in lights looks even more amazing then in daytime.
5/5
I am writing this review now, but I remember it vividly. It was truly the best dinner I had on my first trip to Shanghai!!!
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
11170 reviews5/5
This is the Shanghai TV Tower, an iconic landmark. It's beautiful even from afar, but the view up close is truly breathtaking. The illumination is stunning, but it's especially lovely in daylight with its vibrant pink color. Climbing to the observation deck is a great option, but even just looking up at it from below is well worth the visit.
5/5
Stunning views. And the opportunity to try a wide variety of Eastern cuisine. There were a lot of people, but everything was organized perfectly, so it was very comfortable. I would definitely recommend visiting. The sunset was simply incredible. Thank you!
5/5
I'd like to share my impressions of visiting the Shanghai Tower (TV tower) and the restaurant inside. I definitely recommend it to everyone—the atmosphere is unforgettable!
During the day, it's very authentic: you can see all the sights of Shanghai from a bird's eye view. Then we visited the restaurant—a wonderful place with incredibly delicious food. Highly recommended! Lots of seafood, lots of different meat dishes—a very extensive selection. And, of course, the view was beautiful, especially when all the lights were on. The buffet was very varied, and everyone could find something delicious.
Overall, we give it a 10 out of 10—as much as that's possible. We really enjoyed it and were very satisfied!
4/5
Definitely worth a visit. We went in the evening, when all of Shanghai was immersed in city lights, and it was magnificent.
5/5
A must-see, beautiful views, short queues.
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
4517 reviews
5/5
An incredibly tall building with one of the highest observation decks in the world! The astonishingly complex inertial damping system on the 125th floor, along with a huge number of innovative solutions, make this tower a record-breaker in numerous categories. After visiting, I discovered that the tower's eco-friendliness is ensured by 200 wind turbines on the roof, as well as water collectors and combined heating and cooling systems. And the double-twisted façade reduces wind load and solar radiation absorption. I was delighted by the incredible laser and projection show in the inertial damper hall, but I would have liked to hear it in English.
5/5
It was an incredibly tall and breathtaking sight! I didn't climb to the top, but even just looking up at it from below was enough to understand its magnificence. Luckily, I saw it on a sunny day, but apparently the top gets hidden by clouds on bad weather days. That really shows just how tall it is. At night, it's beautifully lit up and sparkles.
4/5
The Shanghai Tower is the third-tallest skyscraper in the world! At 632 meters, it's a symbol of modern Shanghai. It's definitely worth a visit! Grab some ice cream on the 119th floor. The tower is located in the Pudong district, in the Lujiazui business district—a true city of skyscrapers, glass, and futuristic architecture. The city's most impressive high-rises are concentrated here.
Walking among these giants is like stepping into the city of the future! It took us a while to find the entrance to the building from the East Demchuzhina Tower. We walked along a pedestrian overpass for a long time. We were a little nervous, as we entered 15 minutes before our time limit.
4/5
We went in the evening, and the view is great, the city glows below. BUT! The light from the screens and lamps on the observation deck itself reflects off the glass, creating a glare. This is especially noticeable in photos; finding the right angle without the light source reflecting off the glass behind you is nearly impossible. The shots could have been great. Perhaps this isn't a problem during the day, but the city isn't as impressive without the backlighting. I liked the souvenir section, and the elevator was impressive for its speed. Ultimately, a visit to China's highest observation deck is a must, but taking good photos isn't guaranteed.
4/5
The view is beautiful, and if you're visiting Shanghai it's worth a visit, especially at sunset when the city lights up. Unfortunately, when I went, it was foggy and visibility was poor.
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 reviews
5/5
I took the night flight. The view was amazing. Being able to go around the Bund and see such a beautiful night view for just a few thousand yen felt like a bargain.
4/5
It got a bit boring towards the end. The prices weren't exactly cheap, and it would have been nice if they had at least given us some drinks.
4/5
I wasn't planning on taking it, but I would have regretted it if I hadn't. Admiring the illuminated city along the river was so dreamlike. I highly recommend it. However, it felt a bit unfair to put chairs inside the cruise ship and charge an extra 10,000 won.
5/5
It’s definitely worth the experience!
5/5
Super easy steps were listed to get to the Pier for the ferry and the ferry agents were very knowledgeable about Trip.com tickets. I showed them my confirmation number and passports and they printed the tickets. Once on the ferry, we paid an extra 100rmb per person for the VIP area. I would say it’s worth it as they’re isn’t any seating on the boat excet for in the VIP section. They also provided little snacks in the VIP. Overall it was nice and we went at night which was great! We saw all the lights!
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
345 reviews5/5
I recommend this observation deck, as it offers excellent views of the neighboring skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. The elevator takes just one minute to reach the top.
5/5
Execelente
5/5
The entrance is very easy to find, located in the tower's basement. The elevator ride is impressive and incredibly fast! Once you reach the top, a "wow" effect is guaranteed! The whole family loved this experience, and the price was very reasonable.
5/5
It's a great place. It's fun to walk at such a height. Not only can you walk, but you can also peer over the edge and sit with your feet dangling. A staff member walks with you and gives you directions. I loved everything. Good weather is key.
5/5
I liked everything
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 reviews4/5
I went just outside lujiazui station and what I saw was mind blowing.its just the another side of the bund and when I went there it was raining and cloudy so that I couldn’t see the building oriental tower properly only I could see the half of it.
4/5
It was nice but crowded and the windows could have been cleaner. I recommend going during sunset so you can get a before and after view
5/5
It was a truly amazing experience. There are relatively few restaurants in Taiwan that offer this kind of immersive experience, where you can enjoy your meal while feeling the rich cultural heritage of China!
5/5
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
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
4.7/5826 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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