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
5996 reviews
4/5
Really good photo opportunities- have to pay extra to sit down and it is very crowded if standing.
5/5
We were there on August 30th (a very muggy, humid day). The evening boat ride was just what we needed. It was difficult to find the pier, as there are three of them, and you need the third one (the tourist one). That's where the ticket office is, where you get paper tickets and then they tell you where to go. The departure itself is at 7:00 PM, when the lights on the buildings come on. Before that, at 5:30 PM, dinner begins in a cool, indoor hall with lots of tables (the boat is large). The buffet is quite good - shrimp, crab, salmon fillet, noodles, rice, meat, French fries, and much more. There were also desserts, fruit, salad... Drinks included hot water, 7up, Pepsi, and Fanta. You can eat and drink as much as you want. Around 7:30 PM, the food is cleared away, and everyone is already on the outer decks (3 floors). There is plenty of space, no crowding. There are tables and seating areas on the outer decks, but they cost an extra fee (100 yuan per person). There are decent, clean restrooms on each floor, as well as a stand with power banks. It was very relaxing.
5/5
I really enjoyed the cruise. Shanghai at night looks absolutely gorgeous from the water: the glowing Bund on one side, the skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. I wanted to keep going out on deck because the views changed literally every few minutes.
We booked the dinner option, and the food was surprisingly delicious. It was mostly Chinese, but quite well-suited, with no specific flavors to get used to. A European could easily get a full, delicious dinner.
There was also a short show during the cruise with traditional dancing and mask changes. In the end, the two hours flew by. We ate, watched the show, and took tons of photos of Shanghai at night. A great option for the evening.
5/5
This is a truly amazing tour, we're thrilled!!! The food was delicious, lots of seafood (crab, shrimp, mussels), salmon, fruit, and Chinese food. We ate for two hours, then walked on the water for about an hour. It's a great time to be in the evening, and the view is incredible, everything is lit up. The ship itself is beautiful.
5/5
Everything excellent
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
11239 reviews
5/5
Absolutely fantastic! The view is incredible, you walk above the void, and for all science fiction fans, it's amazing. On level 98, there are simulators for launching to Mars, etc. I loved level 78 with its vision of Shanghai in the future. I recommend this activity to everyone!
5/5
The highest floor can be avoided as it’s nothing much. The VR rollercoaster is a definite yes. The transparent observation deck is also a yes. Don’t forget the history museum.
5/5
Great place, I was wondering if it was worth going!? Definitely worth it!!!
5/5
Immediately access to the tower!
5/5
It was amazing. Fascinating view!🌸 Such a great experience! Definitely recommend it!😍🤩
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
3735 reviews5/5
Beautiful view at night 🤩
5/5
Wow extra
4/5
There was a restaurant on the roof of the Shanghai Tower, which had the best view. I didn't like the fact that we had to pay to take pictures at the restaurant. It would be nice if we could go up to the top floor and take a full tour.
4/5
Come in time for the 7pm Illumination of skyscrapers and the Bund. Bring a long Podcast so you can distance yourself from the chatter.
5/5
Esperienza unica!
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
388 reviews5/5
An amazing and probably the best way to experience the Shanghai lights. You need to do the night cruise it enjoy it in it’s full glory. Run as soon as the gates are open to get a good spot. Worth it
5/5
Absolutely loved it!
5/5
Definitely worth the visit, amazing views around the bund!
5/5
A cruise along the Shanghai River, which I recommend taking in the evening when all the buildings are lit up. The service is good, and for a small fee, you can even go to the bow area for a better view, with the option of seating and a small snack included.
5/5
Fantastic cruise, with views of the illuminated Bund buildings and the entire Shanghai bay. A must-do!
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
389 reviews5/5
You can see the Oriental Pearl Tower clearly from Jin Mao Tower.
5/5
A wonderful opportunity to see the city from above! A 360-degree view allows you to see from all sides.
4/5
Definitely worth a visit but always so overcrowded. Also took us so long to find the entrance.
5/5
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.
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
571 reviews
5/5
Great view of all of Shanghai
5/5
The skyscraper is beautiful, very chic, there's an observation deck all around, the views are unrealistically beautiful, the photos turned out just amazing, I definitely recommend visiting 💯%
5/5
Incredible views!
4/5
Lots of people. The view is just a view, nothing particularly interesting🌚 We spent longer standing in lines for the elevator than we did "admiring" the city. By the way, we didn't understand the general enthusiasm for Shanghai at all.
5/5
There were a lot of people in the evening because everyone wants to look at the scenery, but the view is very beautiful!
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
4.8/5630 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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