Shanghai Century Avenue

Introducing Shanghai Century Avenue

Shanghai Century Avenue, stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers from the Oriental Pearl Tower to Century Park in Pudong, is 100 meters wide. It is a major urban landscape avenue in Shanghai. During its design, Century Avenue's centerline was offset 10 meters southward, creating a unique asymmetrical avenue in the world. It boasts a magnificent aura and a striking garden-like effect.

Century Avenue currently features architectural sculptures such as Century Time, Light of the East, and the Five Elements. Their simple forms are complemented by delicate metal tensioned structures. The columns, benches, guardrails, lampposts, and shelters all feature a unified color palette, creating a signature and distinctive identity.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Century Time

Located at the intersection of Century Avenue and Laoshan West Road in Shanghai, this " hourglass " is modeled after the ancient Chinese timekeeper, featuring nine stainless steel columns inlaid with glass , arranged in a parabolic arc to resemble planetary orbits. Every two to five days, an electric pump pumps up the lost sand. This rare example of ancient technology complements the modern architecture of Pudong , creating a unique and captivating experience.

Light of the East

Located on the open roundabout at the intersection of Century Avenue and Yanggao Road, Century Park, the creative work of French designers Mr. Charpentier and Mr. Chen Yifei, is backed by a large square. It is based on the original sundial and adopts a stainless steel tube grid structure. It appears both majestic and transparent, reminiscent of distant history.

Recommended play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Shanghai Century Avenue

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Shanghai Century Avenue is a major roadway in the Lujiazui area of Pudong. Known for its grand scale, the avenue features a mixture of modern buildings and is a key part of the city's infrastructure, contributing to Shanghai's rapid development as a global financial hub.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Shanghai Century Avenue is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai. You can easily reach it by Metro Line 2, Line 4, or Line 6, with stops at Century Avenue Station. Taxis and buses also serve the area, and it's walking distance from landmarks like the Lujiazui district.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The avenue is always open, being a public road. However, the best time to visit is during the day, especially early morning or late afternoon, to avoid traffic and enjoy the best views of the skyline.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for visiting Shanghai Century Avenue. It's a public street, and you can simply walk around freely.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No booking is required, as the avenue is an open public space with no entrance fee.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can explore Shanghai Century Avenue in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture and visiting nearby landmarks.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The impressive skyline view from the avenue, especially towards the Lujiazui district.
• The major buildings and financial institutions along the avenue.
• The nearby parks and shopping malls such as Century Avenue Mall.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

There are no official guided tours or audio guides available for the street itself, but you can explore it independently or take guided tours for nearby landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• From the elevated spots around Lujiazui, offering sweeping views of Shanghai's skyline.
• At the intersections of Century Avenue with nearby roads, where you can capture a dynamic cityscape with both modern and traditional architecture.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

The best route is to start from Century Avenue Station and walk west towards the Lujiazui area, taking time to stop and admire the buildings along the way. You can then head towards nearby shopping malls or visit the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The avenue is illuminated at night, offering a unique view of the city's skyline. However, there are no special light shows or tours dedicated specifically to the avenue.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The area can get crowded during the day, especially in the late afternoon and evenings. The least crowded times are early in the morning and weekdays before 10 AM.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are public toilets and rest areas nearby, particularly in the shopping malls. You will find plenty of food options, water, and shops within walking distance, especially in Century Avenue Mall.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, the avenue is accessible to elderly visitors, children, and disabled individuals. It has wide sidewalks and easy access to nearby shopping malls with facilities for disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are widely accepted at nearby shops, restaurants, and malls. Cash is rarely required, but it’s still useful to carry for small purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are various dining options in the nearby shopping malls, including international fast food chains and local restaurants offering Chinese cuisine.
• For a more upscale experience, restaurants with views of the skyline are available in the Lujiazui area.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan restaurants nearby. Halal food options are also available, particularly in the international food areas of shopping centers.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel is located nearby, offering luxurious accommodations with great views of the city.
• The Grand Hyatt Shanghai is also close by, situated in the Jin Mao Tower in Lujiazui.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Oriental Pearl Tower, offering panoramic views of the city, is just a short walk away.
• The Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, is also nearby and offers an observation deck.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, you will find souvenir shops in nearby malls, where you can buy typical items like Shanghai-themed trinkets, traditional Chinese tea, and art pieces.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Metro Line 2, Line 4, or Line 6 are the best ways to continue your trip from Century Avenue Station.
• For a more comfortable ride, taxis or ride-hailing services like Didi are also readily available.