Shanghai’s Stunning Skyline: Top 10 Viewing Spots! ✨

Shanghai’s skyline is a mesmerizing blend of historic charm and futuristic grandeur, drawing travelers into its captivating embrace. The city shines with iconic views.
We highlight the top 10 spots to admire its skyline, featuring ticketed observation decks and unique, ticket-free rooftop venues where a meal or drink unlocks the view. Let’s explore these breathtaking perspectives!

💥 Top 10 Skyline Viewing Spots 💥

1️⃣ The Bund
This iconic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River unveils a timeless panorama, where 1920s historic architecture frames the glittering Pudong skyscrapers, creating a striking contrast that comes alive with lights at night.

2️⃣ Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Rising from China’s tallest building, this deck offers a stunning 360-degree view, showcasing Shanghai’s vast cityscape from an impressive vantage point.

3️⃣ The Stage Viewing Deck
Launched in April 2025 as a new open-air observation deck atop Sinar Mas Plaza on the North Bund, this 320-meter-high platform delivers a sweeping 360-degree view of both the Bund and Lujiazui skylines.

4️⃣ Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck
Set within this architectural icon, the 88th-floor deck offers a thrilling glass-floor perspective, revealing a breathtaking outlook over the Pudong skyline.

5️⃣ Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Observation Deck
Known as the “Bottle Opener” for its unique shape, this 100th-floor deck presents a striking view of Pudong’s vibrant financial hub through its expansive windows.

6️⃣ Oriental Pearl Tower
A cherished symbol of Shanghai’s 1990s growth, this tower’s observation levels, marked by its distinctive spheres, provide a nostalgic yet captivating glimpse of the city’s evolving skyline.

7️⃣ W Hotel Restaurant (The Kitchen Table)
Perched on the 24th floor, this elegant restaurant transforms dining into a scenic affair, with Pudong’s towers serving as a stunning backdrop to a global culinary journey—no ticket required, just a meal.

8️⃣ Indigo Hotel Rooftop Bar (Char Bar)
Located on the 30th floor, this stylish bar offers a unique perspective of the skyline due to its riverside location, making it a prime spot for enjoying the glittering nightscape of Shanghai with a drink or a steak.

9️⃣ Peninsula Shanghai Rooftop Terrace (Sir Elly’s)
Nestled on the 14th floor of this luxury hotel, the terrace provides a refined view over the Bund’s historic elegance and Pudong’s modern towers, enriched by the river’s scenic presence.

🔟Hyatt on the Bund (Vue Bar)
Positioned on the 32nd and 33rd floors, this elegant bar offers a dramatic view of the Lujiazui skyline, framed by the tranquil flow of the river.

💡Tips for the Best Views

➔ Bund Timing: Visit The Bund at dawn for a serene experience, watching locals practice tai chi in the morning mist as the first rays of sunshine reflect off the skyscrapers across the river. At night, the Bund offers a neon-lit spectacle (though expect crowds).

➔ Booking: Reserve a table at rooftop venues like Char Bar or Sir Elly’s for guaranteed night views, and check online for The Stage access. W Hotel’s Sunday brunch is popular—book early for the best spots on the deck.

➔ Weather: Plan for clear days using local forecasts—Shanghai’s summer haze can obscure views, so spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) are ideal.

➔ Crowd Management: Try to avoid National holidays, as Shanghai streets can become flooded with people. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.

➔ Budgeting Tips: Save money with a ferry ride across the Huangpu River (only 2 yuan) for a scenic view, or relax near the North Bund for a free perspective. A bundle deal for visiting Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and SWFC offers better value than separate tickets—check for packages on Trip.

❤️Plan Your Shanghai Skyline Journey

From the heights of The Stage to the relaxed atmosphere of the W brunch, Shanghai’s skyline offers a diverse range of perspectives for every traveler. Pair a morning at the Bund with an evening at Vue for a perfect day.

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