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
6510 reviews
5/5
Don't hesitate to choose an evening cruise! It's hard to find so many lights and beauty in one place anywhere else. The kids were skeptical at first, wondering what to do there, but then they kept saying, "Look here, look there!" We went at 6:45 PM, and it was just getting dark when we boarded the boat. It was interesting that we arrived just after 5:00 PM to buy our reservation, then walked around and returned to the ticket office at 6:00 PM to find the entrance and the queue (of course, in China, there are queues). We boarded and set off, and most people stood on the side facing the towers. We, logically assuming the boat would sail back and we'd see everything too, stood on the opposite side, only to find that the boat had turned around immediately upon departure. So if you want a view of the towers right away, stand facing the pier. There were seats inside on the first floor, we went down later to have a look, but the glass there wasn't very clean, and everything was glaring, so if the weather permits, I recommend going to the upper deck.
5/5
The address is a real quest, I can't find a single one on the map, so please indicate it properly!!!!!! We took a taxi. It's marked on the map as the observation embankment. To the left of it is the ticket office, where you need to show your number and they'll give you a ticket. The boarding pier number is nearby. Look, let's go right away. It's half an hour there and half an hour back. It's open at the top. Get a spot for photos. If you can't get in because it's crowded, cross to the other side in advance and you'll have a spot on the way back. And thanks, trip! I paid for the tickets with bonuses!!!!
5/5
Easy to pickup ticket & clean ship 10/10. Add on RMB100/pax for seat on deck
5/5
Everything went great
5/5
Even though it was raining, visiting this place in Shanghai with my family was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I highly recommend it!”😍😍
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
12033 reviews
5/5
The Oriental Pearl Tower is magnificent, and the view of Shanghai from the top is beautiful. It's highly recommended, although the price is a bit high.
5/5
Everything is good. Food is very delicious.
5/5
Wonderful view!!!
5/5
This ticket option is very good, roughly speaking, "fast track" - where you don't have to wait in a long line, you go through quickly. We visited 3 observation decks and an interactive museum. To go up to the first observation deck, you need to go to the basement floor of the TV tower and wait in a short line for the medium-speed elevator (it's a round elevator that makes two stops: the first is on a low, closed floor where there's a cinema with a large curved screen showing a film about Shanghai in the future, the second is higher up with an observation deck (you're separated from the air by a grate), and also on this floor there's a children's entertainment center with a space theme, some kind of attraction with a railway (?) for an additional fee. Then you need to go down, exit the tower, and go up to the first floor using the stairs outside. The ticket included 3 observation decks; we didn't stand in a LONG line, but in a short one, it's to the left of the main line. We got on the second elevator leading to the second observation deck, but the most impressive is the third observation deck with a glass floor.
5/5
Excellent visibility all around. Transparent floor at an altitude of 250 m.
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
3492 reviews
5/5
The views were great, but there was absolutely no seating on the site, which was brutal.
5/5
It's a shame it was cloudy and the view wasn't visible for long. But the scale is impressive and breathtaking.
5/5
We were lucky with the weather. The views were wonderful. We arrived at 4:30 PM. First we took photos in daylight, then at sunset, and then of the city sparkling with lights.
5/5
It's worth a visit, go and see.
5/5
I was pretty cool. Around 1h stay
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
378 reviews4/5
The view is so beautiful!
5/5
I purchased the tickets for a night cruise embarking at shilipu pier. Make sure to show up early to line up for your allocated time. The best view is on the top most level and on the right side of the boat along the rails. The boat hugs the side that is closest to the shanghai pearl tower. Then, the boat turns around and comes back hugging the side where the Bund is. The line up for embarcation is crowded and long. The night view is great for the lights and a different view of the shanghai skyline.
5/5
Great bang for your buck! 60 minutes was the perfect amount of time and we enjoyed starting right as the sun had set. Before boarding the ferry, we had time to grab fun snacks and drinks from 7/11 inside the terminal. The lines for on and off the ferry moved smoothly and quickly. One thing to note, It was a bit unclear when I purchased the ticket what time we would start, as the ticket just said "after 18:00". When we got to the ticket counter we were given a few time choices and chose 18:30. Maybe if we got there last minute, that time wouldn't have been available? So just make sure you arrive early if you want the earlier time slot!
5/5
It was cold, but aside from that, it was great because I could see the scenery of Shanghai really well. Also, it's really good value for money, so if you come to Shanghai, you should definitely take it.
4/5
If you are boarding after 5 PM, you need to go exchange your tickets after 4:30 PM. Since the ship is large, tickets are usually plentiful every hour unless it is a national holiday or Christmas. Please note that I rode on March 13th. The night view is really beautiful.
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
496 reviews
5/5
What a fantastic place! We had a fantastic time.
4/5
Worth it, but the Shanghai tower is the best!
4/5
This tower is the third tallest in Shanghai. It's connected underground to Lujiazui Station on Metro Line 2. To reach the observation deck, you take an elevator from the basement level to the upper floors. The observation deck of the neighboring Shanghai Tower costs almost twice as much to enter, so this one offers a more affordable way to enjoy the Shanghai skyline.
4/5
Perfect view of the water and oriental pearl. Highly recommend for a night time experience. The skywalk was great and not that scary if you don’t want to hang off the ledge.
5/5
Very cool, the new emotions are worth it
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
573 reviews
5/5
Very pretty, the elevator goes 18 m/s up a d 10m/s down. Its cheaper if you buy it in the building. Its busy but what do you expect of the third tallest building in the world.
5/5
Climbing the tower is a must—the views are stunning! Especially in the evening!
4/5
The building is magnificent for sure. Lots of people up there waiting for sunset and the lights show across the bund. In Shanghai, most attractions and restaurants offer good service. However we felt this is one location where most of the staff are not welcoming - starting from ticketing and queue to the ambassadors up at the gallery. It just makes the overoverall experience less pleasant.
5/5
Amazing place, I recommend visiting.
5/5
It's amazing, Shanghai at night is beautiful, and Shanghai Tower is probably the best place to see it.
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
4.8/5287 Reviews
📍Unit LG1-03, THE BUND · CITY HALL PLAZA, 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
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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.
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