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!
See all flights
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!
See all attractions
688136 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
6265 reviews
4/5
Beautiful embankment!
5/5
Traveling with family brings more joy than any gift. There's no rush; we can stroll at our own pace. Dad stops to admire the flowers and birds along the way, Mom browses the shops for fresh fruit, and the children chase butterflies across the lawn. The family walks slowly, stopping for a group photo, sitting down to share a slice of chilled watermelon, and chatting about everyday things. These leisurely days feel so much closer than when we're all busy; every moment, when looked back upon, is warm and comforting.
4/5
"I visited The Bund at night. There were a lot of people, but the view was amazing. The night scenery was much more impressive than during the day.
5/5
Everything was spectacular! I recommend it to anyone who wants to experience Shanghai from a different perspective!
5/5
Reading and traveling—one of them should always be on the road. Reading is about seeing other people's worlds, while traveling is about walking your own. Measuring different lands with your footsteps, recording different landscapes with your eyes, and keeping these experiences in your heart will change your perspective on the world. Having seen a wider world, you won't be trapped by your own troubles, and your whole being will become more open-minded.
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
11786 reviews
5/5
Everything was great. There were a lot of people, but it didn't bother me. And the glass floor was absolutely amazing and scary))) I recommend it.
5/5
This isn't just a symbol of the city and a stunning observation deck, it's a true world in the sky above Shanghai. You can stroll and admire the skyscrapers from above, visit a cool restaurant or an engaging museum, choose exciting attractions, or pop into a shop and pick up some memorable souvenirs. I really enjoyed it. Definitely worth it. I went inside with a ticket from trip.com. I didn't have to wait in long lines at the information center or to buy a ticket – everything was quick, clear, and convenient. As soon as I reached this gem, I bought a ticket and went inside. No waiting. No extra fees. Absolutely awesome.
5/5
I went with just my dad, and he was really satisfied with it the most. Also, the glass floor was great for taking photos, and it was nice to be able to stay and play for a long time.
5/5
The dining experience was good, with a wide variety of food options.
5/5
We went on an overcast day but it was still really enjoyable, the space thing at the top wasn’t really worth the time for us but the glass flooring and museum downstairs was pretty cool. Also we did the VR experiences, the VR rollercoaster was absolutely awesome the cost a bit more though. 
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
3596 reviews
5/5
We bought our tickets on trip.com; everything was smooth and easy, and we paid with a Mir card. We also loved the tower itself: a gorgeous panoramic view and a high-speed elevator that made my ears pop out of habit. I recommend it to everyone.
5/5
It was INCREDIBLE! amazing experience so worth the money!
5/5
You can stay up there as long as you wish. About 1 hour after sunset it gets quite empty.
5/5
It's worth a visit as you can only see such views of the city from there!
5/5
It was truly impressive
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
402 reviews
5/5
This is one of the best experiences I’ve had so far in China! It was very peaceful! The timing was perfect being able to see the sunset. This cruise is also very informational about the surrounding area. I definitely recommend any time that you are in the area.!!
5/5
It's great. If you pay an extra 100 yuan per person (on-site), it seems you can sit comfortably in a spacious area with an unobstructed view. We watched when there weren't many people, so we just paid the fee, and my mom really loved it.
5/5
serious kena try cruise waktu malam! worth it! book guna trip pon sgt mudah.
5/5
Super pretty skyline with the city lights, definitely will recommend everyone to try it out
5/5
I really liked it. My whole family liked it.
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
466 reviews5/5
Spectacular view, shame the internal lights reflecting on the glass don't allow for clear photos, but still very beautiful
5/5
I don’t understand why people keep going to the Oriental Pearl Tower or to Shanghai Tower. This one is not only cheaper, but you can also SEE the previous towers from there!
5/5
The views from a bird's eye view are stunning, although perhaps not all birds fly at 340 meters. We skipped the line with our fast-track pass, but to get back down, we had to wait in a line of 50-100 people, which was a bit disappointing. Otherwise, I highly recommend it; it's a truly stunning location, filled with emotions and memories.
4/5
Views are splendid. You can see the Bund and the Pearl Tower whilst it is only a partial view from nearby towers. BUT tour groups really need to be disciplined, microphones from their guides turned off and windows cleaned inside and outside. The noise and the pushing were unbearable at some point. Be warned it can be a true circus around sunset.
5/5
What a fantastic place! We had a fantastic time.
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
568 reviews
4/5
There were no lines. There's nothing special at the top, just walking around and looking around. There's a cafe and souvenir shops.
5/5
The farther you travel, the more you understand; travel broadens your horizons. You see different lifestyles: some prefer a slow, leisurely pace, some live a stable life through their craft, and some live lives you never imagined. You realize that not everyone lives at the same pace. After returning home, you no longer worry about others' opinions and can live life the way you like. That's the gift travel gives you.
5/5
The ancient temple is hidden deep in the mountains. There's no entrance fee, and incense and candles are free. The stream at the temple entrance is so clear you can see small fish. Walking up the stone path, the wind rustles through the bamboo forest, and even the cicadas seem quiet. The vegetarian meal in the guest hall is all-you-can-eat for ten yuan. The vegetables and tofu are all grown by the temple itself, so fresh you can taste their sweetness. After eating, you can sit on the stone benches outside the main hall for half a day, watching the monks sweep the fallen leaves. Sunlight filters through the bamboo leaves, spreading golden fragments on the ground. All your worries slowly calm down, and you feel light and refreshed when you leave.
5/5
Our kids really liked Nasi! I can only recommend it to everyone!!!
5/5
Picking bamboo leaves around the Dragon Boat Festival is a delightful and rustic experience. Walking along the woods by the stream, you'll find wild bamboo leaves growing on the damp slopes, their broad, thick leaves exuding a fresh, grassy fragrance. Following the locals, you'll find large leaves to pick, and soon you'll have a full armful, your hands stained with green leaf sap, the air filled with their sweet aroma. Bringing the leaves home to cook bamboo leaves for zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) fills the house with their fragrance, making the zongzi taste even better than store-bought ones. One bite and you'll remember the joy of picking the leaves.
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
4.8/5447 Reviews
📍Unit LG1-03, THE BUND · CITY HALL PLAZA, 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Average spend
Top Shanghai Hotels
See All Hotels
FAQs about Shanghai Skyline
What is the Shanghai Skyline called?
There isn't one official name, but it's most famously referred to as "The Pearl of the Orient" skyline, named after the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower that anchors it.What makes the Shanghai Skyline unique?
Its unique feature is the stunning contrast between the historic, European-style architecture of The Bund on one side of the river and the futuristic, neon-lit skyscrapers of Pudong on the other.Can you see the Shanghai skyline from space?
While the individual buildings cannot be distinguished, the metropolitan area of Shanghai is easily visible from space at night as a massive, bright blob of light.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
<h3>Trending Searches</h3>
Popular flight routes
- Flights from Chongqing to Shanghai
- Flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai
- Cheap flights from Hong Kong to Shanghai
- Return flights from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
- Cheap flights from Tokyo to Shanghai
- Flights from Guangzhou to Shanghai
- Return flights from New York to Shanghai
- Flights from Xi'an to Shanghai
- Flights from Beijing to Shanghai
- Flights from Taipei to Shanghai
- Return flights from San Francisco to Shanghai
- Flights from Chengdu to Shanghai
- Cheap flights from Bangkok to Shanghai
- Flights from Shenzhen to Shanghai
- Flights from Seoul to Shanghai
Top-rated stays
- Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund by Nanjing Road
- Dihang Boutique Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport)
- Da Zhong Airport Hotel
- The Bund Puyan Hotel, Shanghai
- Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel
- Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road, Shanghai on the Bund
- Shanghai People's Square Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street Treasury Hotel
- Toy Story Hotel
- Yitel Premium (Shanghai people's Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)
- Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
- Holiday Inn Express SHANGHAI PUDONG AIRPORT by IHG
- Holiday Inn SHANGHAI PUDONG AIRPORT by IHG
- Rezen Meta Tree Hotel (City Center & The Bund, Shanghai)
- Dayin International Youth Hostel（East Nanjing Road & The Bund）
- Hotel Chalet Shanghai
- Grand Hyatt Shanghai
- Shanghai Elong Hotel
- Meta Tree Hotel, People's Square, City Center In Shanghai
- Ramada Encore by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport
- Crowne Plaza SHANGHAI NANJING ROAD by IHG
Getting around
Popular attractions
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
- Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
- Shanghai Tower Tickets
- Universal Studios Japan Tickets
- Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry
- Great Wall of China
- Sphere Tickets
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
- Beijing studio minisite
- Chengdu Panda
- Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- N Seoul Tower Tickets
- Tokyo DisneySea Tickets
eSIM/SIM card
- eSIM
- eSIM Hong Kong
- Best VPN in China
- eSIM Vietnam
- China SIM Card
- Do You Get a Carry on with Frontier
- Do Flight Prices Go Up the More You Search
- How early can you book a flight
- Beijing studio minisite
- Shanghai Skyline
- Where to Go for the Fourth of July
- Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- Chengdu Weather
- N Seoul Tower
- Hangzhou Weather
About
Payment methods
Our partners
Copyright © 2026 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.