Top Observation Deck

Overview

Soaring majestically into the clouds above Shanghai's Pudong district, the Shanghai Tower stands as a modern marvel of engineering and design, currently ranking as China's tallest building and one of the world's highest skyscrapers. Within this architectural icon lies the 'Top of Shanghai Observatory', the city's premier observation deck, offering an unparalleled perspective of the dynamic metropolis below. Primarily situated on the 118th and 119th floors, the observatory allows visitors to ascend to breathtaking heights of 546 and 552 meters respectively.

The journey to these dizzying heights is an experience in itself, thanks to some of the world's fastest elevators, which whisk guests from the ground floor to the 118th floor in a mere 55 seconds, traveling at speeds up to 20.5 meters per second. Opened officially to the public in April 2017, the 'Top of Shanghai Observatory' provides a 360-degree panoramic vista, allowing visitors to gaze upon the sprawling urban landscape, the winding Huangpu River, and the distinctive skyline of Shanghai.

History & Cultural Background

The Shanghai Tower emerged from a visionary plan initiated in 1993 for Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district, aiming to create a striking cluster of three supertall buildings. It stands proudly alongside its predecessors, the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, symbolizing China's remarkable economic ascent and architectural ambition. Designed by the renowned American architectural firm Gensler, with Chinese architect Jun Xia leading the design, the tower's construction commenced in November 2008 and was completed in 2016.

More than just a towering structure, the Shanghai Tower is a profound statement on sustainable urbanism and technological prowess. Its distinctive spiraling form, a 120-degree twist as it rises, isn't merely aesthetic; it's a brilliant feat of engineering designed to significantly reduce wind loads by an impressive 24%, a crucial innovation in typhoon-prone Shanghai. Furthermore, its double-skin glass facade acts as a thermal buffer, enhancing energy efficiency and earning it accolades such as LEED Platinum certification, solidifying its status as one of the world's most sustainably advanced skyscrapers.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the 'Top of Shanghai Observatory' apart is its combination of height, speed, and innovative design. As one of the highest observation decks globally, it offers an unrivaled vantage point over Shanghai, allowing visitors to appreciate the city's vastness and intricate urban tapestry. The exhilarating ride up in the world's fastest elevators is an attraction in itself, a sensation of rapid ascent that prepares you for the panoramic spectacle.

Beyond the primary viewing platforms, the tower features the 'SKY632 Art Space' on the 125th and 126th floors. This unique space not only offers further views but also showcases the tower's massive 1,000-ton tuned mass damper, an engineering marvel that stabilizes the skyscraper against strong winds. Here, multimedia installations, music, and lighting create an immersive experience, blending art with the science of tall building stability.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Shanghai Tower, along with the adjacent Shanghai World Financial Center (affectionately nicknamed 'The Bottle Opener') and the Jin Mao Tower, forms a powerful triumvirate of supertalls that define Shanghai's modern skyline, especially when viewed from the historic Bund. Before reaching the observation decks, visitors pass through an engaging exhibition hall on the basement levels, which details the tower's construction, its innovative design, and the history of skyscrapers worldwide, providing valuable context to the experience.

A delightful touch for visitors is the 'Sky Post Office' located on the 118th floor. From this extraordinary height, you can send postcards to loved ones around the globe, adorned with a special postmark, making for a unique and memorable souvenir. There's even a 'wishing tree' where visitors can attach their hopes and dreams on small cards. The twisted facade, a 120-degree rotation from base to apex, allowed for a significant reduction in the amount of structural steel used, making it an economically and environmentally conscious design choice.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the 'Top of Shanghai Observatory' begins with an engaging introduction in the exhibition hall, setting the stage for the ascent. The queue for the elevators leads to an almost instantaneous journey upwards, the speed so great that many visitors experience their ears popping as they quickly gain altitude.

Once at the 118th floor, the annular viewing platform, spanning over 1,000 square meters, provides ample space for everyone to enjoy the 360-degree vistas. For the best experience, a clear day is highly recommended to fully appreciate the distant landmarks, including the colonial buildings along the Bund and the winding Huangpu River. Many travelers choose to time their visit for late afternoon, allowing them to witness Shanghai in daylight, transition through a spectacular sunset, and finally marvel at the glittering city lights after dusk. Souvenir shops offer mementos, and interactive displays provide opportunities for unique photographs, including reflective shots.