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At the Jinmao Tower's 88th floor observation deck, the top recommended activity is enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai's skyline, including the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower and the Huangpu River. You can also experience the glass-floored observation area, where you can look straight down to the city below. For an extra touch, consider visiting during sunset for stunning views of the city transitioning from day to night.
The Shanghai Jinmao Tower is located at 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is located in the center of the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone, facing Pudong New Area to the east and overlooking Shanghai and the Huangpu River to the west. The main building has 88 floors and a height of 420.5 meters. The building has a tower-shaped appearance and is the third tallest building in Shanghai.
The designers combined global architectural trends with traditional Chinese architectural styles. The Jinmao Tower in Shanghai boasts a vertical deviation of just 2 centimeters, ensuring it can withstand a force 12 gale and a magnitude 7 earthquake.
The hall features arched door frames and Mediterranean perforated marble walls for soundproofing. The marble floor is smooth but not slippery, yet glossy. Eight bronze murals in the lobby embody the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy. Through the evolution of Chinese characters, from oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions to seal script, clerical script, regular script, and cursive script, they reflect five thousand years of Chinese civilization. The corridor leading to the banquet hall is an art gallery.
The 88th-floor observation deck is currently the largest in China. It takes just 45 seconds to reach the 88th floor, 340 meters high. The glass curtain wall offers a wide view, offering panoramic city views. Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening is recommended for stunning sunsets on clear days, while Lujiazui and the Bund are beautifully illuminated at night. Coin-operated binoculars are available for use in the observation deck (1 yuan per telescope).
The subtropical monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
2 hours
Adult ticket: 120 yuan;
The ticket price for the Jinmao Summit Cloud Walk on the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower is 388 yuan per visit, and each tour lasts 20 minutes.
08:30~21:30
Jinmao Tower is one of Shanghai's most iconic skyscrapers, completed in 1999. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in China and remains a symbol of the city’s rapid growth and modernization. The tower is a blend of traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern design, featuring a distinctive tiered structure resembling a pagoda. The observation deck on the 88th floor offers unparalleled views of the city and its famous skyline.
The Jinmao Tower is located in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong district in Shanghai. It is easily accessible by the Shanghai Metro Line 2, with the Lujiazui station being the nearest stop. From the station, it’s a short walk to the tower. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the location.
The Jinmao Tower observation deck is open daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or around sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy the most scenic views of the city. Sunset visits provide an incredible view of Shanghai transitioning into night.
The entrance fee for the 88th-floor observation deck is typically around 120 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Jinmao Tower or in advance through the official website or third-party ticketing platforms.
While you can buy tickets on-site, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays. It’s advisable to book at least 1-2 days ahead of your visit to ensure availability and avoid long waiting times.
To fully explore the 88th-floor observation deck and enjoy the views, 1-1.5 hours is sufficient. If you plan to visit during sunset or take time for photos and exploring the surrounding area, consider allotting 2 hours for a more leisurely experience.
Key highlights of the Jinmao Tower include the 360-degree observation deck offering sweeping views of Shanghai’s skyline, the glass-floored area for a thrilling view of the city below, and the elevator ride to the 88th floor, which is an experience in itself as it speeds up to the top in just a few seconds.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are also offered. These guides provide insightful commentary about the tower’s architecture and the city’s development. Audio guides can be rented at the entrance.
The best photography spots are at the observation deck’s glass windows, where you can capture the entire skyline, including the Huangpu River, the Bund, and other iconic landmarks. The glass-floored section is also a popular spot for unique photos looking down over the city.
Start by taking the high-speed elevator to the 88th floor. Once there, take time to walk around the 360-degree observation deck, stop at the glass-floored section for an adrenaline rush, and then visit the adjacent areas for panoramic views of the city. Consider visiting the gift shop and grabbing a drink at the cafe afterward.
Night visits are highly recommended as the city lights up and the skyline becomes even more stunning. Special light shows are not regularly scheduled, but the view from the 88th floor offers an incredible opportunity to see Shanghai’s skyline after dark. No special tours are offered at night, but the evening view is one of the highlights.
The Jinmao Tower observation deck can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening on weekdays, when the tower is less busy.
The observation deck has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There is a cafe offering drinks and snacks, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs like postcards, keychains, and other memorabilia related to the tower.
The Jinmao Tower observation deck is accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. There are elevators available for easy access to the 88th floor, and the observation area is wheelchair accessible. However, the crowds can sometimes be overwhelming, especially during peak hours.
Cash is accepted, but cards and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are preferred and more commonly used for ticket purchases and in the cafe or gift shop.
Inside the Jinmao Tower, there is a cafe at the observation deck where you can enjoy drinks and light snacks. For more dining options, nearby Lujiazui offers a variety of international restaurants, including upscale options in the surrounding skyscrapers and malls like the Super Brand Mall.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at several restaurants nearby, especially in the international malls in the Lujiazui area. Halal food options may be found in some of the restaurants around the area, particularly those catering to international visitors.
There are several hotels near the Jinmao Tower, including the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, located within the tower itself, as well as other luxury hotels such as the Pudong Shangri-La and the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, all within walking distance.
Nearby attractions include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Aquarium. The Bund is also a short distance away and offers a scenic waterfront promenade with views of the city skyline.
There is a souvenir shop on the 88th floor where you can purchase postcards, keychains, and other memorabilia featuring the Jinmao Tower and Shanghai’s skyline. These make great mementos of your visit.
After visiting the Jinmao Tower, you can easily continue your trip by taking a taxi or using the Shanghai Metro. The Lujiazui metro station is nearby, and you can use it to explore other parts of the city, including the Bund, Nanjing Road, or the People’s Square area.
