Shanghai Tower: what to see, what to do, and why it's a must-see on your trip to Lujiazui CHINAHORA

When you think about traveling to Shanghai, there's one place you simply can't miss: Lujiazui. And if we're talking about the most impressive icon of this futuristic area, it's undoubtedly the Shanghai Tower, a must-see destination for any traveler who wants to experience the city from above.

At a towering 632 meters tall, the Shanghai Tower is not only the tallest building in China, but also the third tallest in the world. Since April 2020, authorities have restricted the construction of skyscrapers taller than 500 meters, meaning this colossus will remain the roof of China for many years to come.

A design that combines art, functionality and power

At first glance, its spiral structure will leave you speechless. It resembles a celestial dragon rising from the ground, enveloping the city skyline with an elegant silhouette. This shape symbolizes the course of the Huangpu River and the fluidity of Shanghai's urban development.

But its beauty isn't just aesthetic: this spiral design helps reduce wind resistance, a key detail for its stability. Furthermore, the stepped glass façade is designed to minimize light pollution and adapt to varying shading needs depending on the sun's orientation. Even in the face of extreme weather events such as typhoons or earthquakes, the structure is designed to flex and adapt, ensuring safety and stability.

What's inside the Shanghai Tower?

The building has a total of 128 floors. The lower levels feature shopping malls, while the middle floors house offices, restaurants, and several sky lobbies (on floors 22, 37, 52, and 68). The upper levels are home to the world's tallest hotel—the J Hotel—and several unique attractions.

On the 118th floor is the Shanghai Summit observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city. On the 126th floor is Tianshi 632, the world's highest art space.

The Shanghai Summit Observation Deck

To begin your visit, enter through the main entrance to the Shanghai Top Observation Hall. From there, descend to level B1, where the tour begins. There are seven interactive themed areas:

Shanghai Tower in Shanghai
Growing horizon
Dream of skyscrapers
City of skyscrapers
The tallest buildings in the world
Shanghai Tower Gene Bank
Vertical city

These exhibitions use multimedia to tell the story, design, and structure of this architectural marvel, immersing you in the evolution of vertical cities.

Then, the world's fastest elevator awaits you: it takes you to 546 meters in just 55 seconds. You may feel a slight pressure in your ears, but nothing that won't quickly resolve.

Once at the top, a 360-degree observation deck awaits you, from which you can admire the city through its glass windows. On clear days, you can even see the Suzhou skyline. Markings on the glass windows indicate the ideal viewing spots for each hour of the day.

A tip? Visit at dusk (around 5 or 6 pm) to watch the sun set over the city, and wait a few minutes to see the Bund illuminated. There's nothing like walking among the lights at 546 meters above the ground.

In addition, here you will find the “Heavenly Post Office" and the "wishing tree” located in the observation deck. You can send a postcard from the top of Shanghai and let your wishes float across the world.

Tianshi 632: art, wind and emotions at 632 meters

From the 119th floor you can access Tianshi 632, the highest art space on the planetLocated on the 126th floor, at exactly 632 meters above sea level, this space is, without a doubt, the building's soul.

Here is the wind damper, a massive structure that acts as a giant counterweight to keep the tower stable during high winds. This 1.000-ton device can withstand Category 14 typhoons and gently rocks to counteract the building's movement.

Beyond its structural function, it has been converted into a true work of art: the famous “Shanghai Eye”. Its circular shape resembles an all-seeing eye, a poetic symbol that has “observed” Shanghai’s changes from above. The space is transformed into a sensorial experience, combining images, music, lights, and projections that evoke the connection between architecture, art, and nature.

If you're lucky enough to visit on a windy day, you'll feel the "eye" come alive. It's a unique and unforgettable experience.

More than just views: unique experiences inside the Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is not just a place to look out for, but also a place to live. Several of its elevated concourses feature high-end restaurants, an indoor Chinese garden known as Half Acre Garden, and the popular Duoyun Bookstore, a favorite among influencers and book lovers.

And if you want to fully immerse yourself in this vertical experience, stay at the J Hotel Shanghai TowerAs the tallest hotel in the world, it promises a luxurious experience literally in the clouds. Waking up to aerial views of the city is something you won't soon forget.