Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower

Rising above the busy area near the water in Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-see for every Singapore traveller visiting Shanghai.

Oriental Pearl Tower Opening Hours

The Oriental Pearl Tower is open every day from 09:00 to 21:00. The last time people can enter is at 20:30. It is best to go in the afternoon to see the day change into a bright and shiny night over the tall buildings in Shanghai.

What Are the Must‑Visit Attractions Inside Oriental Pearl Tower?

The tower stretches over levels. The tower mixes viewing spots, modern exhibitions and cultural displays. Most visitors walk from the top down. Visitors first take the high‑speed lift to the sphere of the tower. After that, visitors slowly go down through each attraction of the tower.

351 m Interstellar Origin 

Aerospace Exhibition (Three-sphere ticket): The towers highest viewing zone. This aerospace themed exhibition simulates space travel, interactive planet displays and zero gravity simulation installations. It works wonderfully for families with children in space science and astronomy.

263 m Main Observation Deck 

The main viewing platform offers an experience for all standard ticket holders. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a unobstructed 360-degree view of the Huangpu River, the historic Bund with its colonial buildings and the Lujiazui skyline that includes Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Centre. Come in the afternoon and you can see daylight slowly turn into the glowing lights of the city at night.

259 m Full‑transparent 

Suspended Sightseeing Corridor One of the tower’s most viral, photographed highlights. This circular all‑glass walking platform sits 259 metres above ground. Look straight down through clear glass panels to see roads, trees and river far beneath your feet. If heights make you nervous, solid walk‑ways run around the perimeter of the glass ring so you can still enjoy the surrounding views safely.

90 metre Outdoor Observation Gallery 

The tower’s only open‑air viewing spot. With no window glass between you and the city, it is ideal for sharp, unfiltered photography. Gentle river breezes make sunset visits especially pleasant here.

78 m Rising Shanghai Immersive Circumferential Multimedia Show 

A wrap‑around large‑screen digital performance projecting imagined future development of Shanghai over the coming decades. Dynamic lighting, surround sound and huge curved screens create a powerful immersive experience for all ages.

Shanghai Urban History & Development Exhibition Hall (Ground Floor) 

Do not skip this excellent museum included within most ticket bundles. Dioramas, vintage vehicles, old‑street scene reconstructions and artefacts trace Shanghai’s transformation from quiet fishing village to world‑class international metropolis. It gives valuable cultural context before or after your high‑level sightseeing on the tower levels.

95 m High‑altitude VR Roller‑coaster (Optional add‑on experience) 

For thrill‑seekers, this virtual‑reality ride simulates high‑speed flying over Lujiazui skyscrapers, blending virtual roller‑coaster motion with Shanghai cityscape visuals. This attraction is purchased separately and is not covered by basic sightseeing tickets.

What to Eat at Oriental Pearl Tower?

Two distinct dining venues operate within the tower, catering for romantic dates, family meals and casual refreshments.

267 m Revolving Restaurant 

Perched just above the main observation deck, this famous buffet restaurant completes one full slow rotation every 90‑120 minutes, letting diners savour international buffet dishes while watching Shanghai’s cityscape slowly revolve outside window panes. Book your table for late afternoon to catch both sunset and night‑time river views.

Coca‑Cola Happy Restaurant 

A vibrant, fun‑filled themed eatery situated at the lower levels of the tower. Bright retro‑themed decor and play areas make this spot perfect for families travelling with young children. It serves western‑style comfort food and light meals in a relaxed atmosphere without the premium price tag of the revolving restaurant.

How To Get To Oriental Pearl Tower?

By Metro (Recommended for Singapore tourists)

Take Shanghai Metro Line 2 or Line 14, alight at Lujiazui Station, Exit 1. From the station exit it is a comfortable 5‑10 minutes’ level walk to the main tower entrance. Metro transport avoids traffic jams and is highly reliable for foreign visitors.

By Bus

Local bus routes 81, 82, 85, 870, 871 and 872 stop close to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Bus route information can occasionally change; double‑check stop locations before your journey.

By Taxi or Private Car

Full address for taxi drivers: Oriental Pearl Tower, No 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Paid on‑site car parking is available. On weekends and national holidays parking spaces fill rapidly, so public transport remains the better travel choice.

By Huangpu River Ferry

For a memorable budget travel experience, take the local public ferry across Huangpu River from the Bund side for a small fare. The ferry terminal is a short walking distance from the tower premises, and the river crossing itself offers excellent casual skyline views.

Best Time To Visit Oriental Pearl Tower

• Best season: March to May and September to November. The weather is pleasant and mild during these months with views of the city skyline. Try to avoid national holidays and school vacations as the attraction gets very crowded then.
• Best time of day: Arrive between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This gives you a chance to see daytime views, followed by golden sunset light and finally the dazzling night skyline.
• Avoid very rainy days. Mist and low clouds can seriously block your view from the high observation decks.

Nearby Attractions To Pair With Your Visit

You can mix your visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower with famous places in the Lujiazui-Bund area:

• The Bund: Go across the Huangpu River to see the old colonial buildings by the water and take special pictures of the Oriental Pearl Tower shining across the river.
• Shanghai Tower Observation Hall: This is the building in China and gives amazing views from very high up. It is not far from the Oriental Pearl Tower.
• Super Brand Mall (Zhengda Plaza): This is a place for shopping and eating close by. It is good for taking a break after visiting places.
• Huangpu River Cruise: Take a boat ride at night to see the city lights, from the water.