When you come to Shanghai, no one can miss the opportunity to check-in at the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower. What are the sights and experiences of this iconic building? Let’s find out through the article below!
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If you have ever seen pictures of Shanghai at night, you must have been attracted by a building that is brightly lit in the sky, the Oriental Pearl Tower. Not just a TV station, this place has become a vivid symbol of Shanghai’s remarkable development.
Let’s explore the details of the Shanghai Pearl Tower with us to understand why this is the pride and an indispensable destination when you come to this city.
Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower – Modern Symbol of Shanghai
Located on the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the buildings that bears the modern mark of Shanghai. With a height of 468 meters, the tower is designed with many spheres connected by a unique system of tubes, not only does it impress with its unique shape but also with its important role in the city’s television, tourism and cultural industries.
The idea of building the tower was conceived in 1983, when Shanghai needed a more modern broadcasting system. After many years of preparation and construction, the tower was completed in 1994 and officially opened to visitors in 1995. Up to now, the project has been constantly upgraded, from the lighting system to the sightseeing area, bringing an increasingly rich experience to visitors.
The tower is divided into many areas for you to freely visit and experience. At a height of 90 meters and 272.5 meters are observation decks with panoramic views of the city. At a height of 267 meters, the highest revolving restaurant in Asia offers a special culinary experience. Right at the foot of the tower is the Shanghai History Museum, which recreates the city’s development journey through dozens of models and artifacts.
When night falls, the LED system with more than 1,000 lighting modes makes the Oriental Pearl Tower shine brightly. Both modern and culturally profound, the Oriental Pearl Tower is truly a vivid symbol of a constantly evolving Shanghai.
How to Get to the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai?
Shanghai Car rental with driver – Shanghai Dowtown
The Oriental Pearl Tower is located at 1 Century Avenue, Pudong District – a very easy-to-find and convenient location to travel. If you are in the center of Shanghai, the fastest and simplest way is to take the subway. Metro Line 2 will take you to Lujiazui Station, and just take Exit 1, you will see the tower right across the street.
The bus is also a popular choice if you want to travel and enjoy the city view at the same time. Lines such as 81, 82, 85, 795, 971 or tourist bus line 2 all stop near the tower. If you are departing from The Bund area, try taking the ferry, which is convenient and also offers a great view of the tower and the Shanghai skyline as it crosses the Huangpu River.
Oriental Pearl Tower&the Bund&Yu Garden 1-Day Charter
Taxi and ride-hailing services such as Didi are also convenient, especially if you want to go straight and not transfer. Note that you should check the fare before going or follow the app to be sure. If you are traveling by private car, you should arrive early to avoid traffic jams and find parking easily. Remember to check the opening hours and traffic situation before setting off for a smooth trip!
How Much Are Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets and How to Buy Them?
Shanghai Private Transfer to PVG/SHA Airport
When you plan to explore Oriental Pearl Tower, knowing the fares and how to buy the tickets will make your trip easier and more comfortable. You can still buy tickets directly at the counter, but to avoid having to wait long or worry about running out of tickets, booking tickets online through Klook is a very convenient and fast option.
On Klook, you only need a few simple steps to choose the right ticket, pay right on your phone and receive an electronic ticket right away. Booking Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets in advance not only saves time but also helps you proactively arrange your schedule. Below is a list of popular ticket prices at the Pearl Tower for your reference:
| Ticket type | Adult (VND) | Children (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Three Ball Admission Tickets | 1,100,475 | 548,397 |
| Oriental Pearl Admission Ticket | 655,132 | 655,132 |
| Two Ball Restaurant Buffet (Lunch) | 1,354,431 | 677,216 |
| Two Ball Restaurant Buffet (Dinner) | 1,538,457 | 769,229 |
What to do at Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Top things to do Not to Be Missed at Shanghai Pearl Tower
Take Photos with the Oriental Pearl Tower
In addition to being a modern symbol of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower is also a great destination for you to capture memorable moments. One of the activities not to be missed when coming here is taking photos with the tower. With an impressive design of floating spheres, the tower creates an impressive, very “photogenic” background for every picture.
You should choose a shooting angle from the square area below, where the entire tower architecture appears clearly against the blue sky or the sparkling lights at night. In addition, standing on the banks of the Huangpu River, you will have the opportunity to take photos with the panoramic view of the modern city of Shanghai blending with the Pearl Tower.
Tickets for Shanghai Automobile Museum
The best time to take photos with the Oriental Pearl Tower is usually at sunset and at night. When the sunset is gentle, the tower appears with warm colors, creating a super cool “background” for many emotional and artistic photos. And when night falls, the tower’s colored lighting system turns on, turning this place into a magical and sparkling “check-in” spot.
Admire the Spectacular City View from the Space Capsule at an Altitude of 351m
At an altitude of 351m, the Space Capsule of the Oriental Pearl Tower offers the experience of viewing Shanghai from a completely new angle. Designed in a futuristic style, this space capsule is not only a tourist attraction, but also an interactive space with multimedia screens, helping visitors explore knowledge about the universe and space technology.
In particular, here, you can also admire the panoramic view of the city with a 360-degree view, covering both the modern Lujiazui area and the old town of Bund. For a complete experience, the ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the air is fresh. If you want to combine day and night sightseeing, come before sunset to witness the magical transformation of the city when the night lights start to light up.
Check-In With Shanghai City At The Observatories On The Pearl Tower
Besides the space chamber, the Pearl Tower also has two other observation and sightseeing spots for you to capture the beautiful view of Shanghai city. Sightseeing Galleria is located at an altitude of 263m and Transparent Observatory at an altitude of 259m will definitely bring you many memorable experiences.
Located on the 263m floor, Sightseeing Galleria is the ideal place to admire the panoramic view of Shanghai city. From here, you will see the winding Huangpu River, the modern Lujiazui financial district and outstanding architectural works. Especially at sunset, the scene becomes magical with warm golden light, creating a beautiful picture. This is also an ideal place to take souvenir photos.
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Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
In addition, the Transparent Observatory stands out with a 360-degree transparent glass floor, allowing you to see the entire city below. You will be walking on the large transparent glass floor, feeling both thrilling and exciting when looking down at the street below. Both observatories are open from 9:00 to 21:00 every day. To avoid crowds, you should come early in the morning or midweek.
Experience the New Super Speed VR Roller Coaster
If you are looking for a thrilling and new experience when visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower, the super speed VR roller coaster is definitely not to be missed. Located on the lower floor, at a height of 95m, this is the first and tallest VR indoor roller coaster in Shanghai, giving you the feeling of flying between skyscrapers.
Shanghai Yaoxue Snow World Ticket
This VR roller coaster combines modern virtual reality technology, allowing you to fly over Shanghai’s skyscrapers without actually moving. The game feels so real that you will feel every vivid scene, accompanied by funny screams to dispel stress. This is definitely a super effective “stress-relieving” entertainment activity.
A small note is that the game has height regulations: children under 1.3m are not allowed to play, children from 1.3m to under 1.4m must be accompanied by an adult, and those over 1.4m are free to enjoy. If you love new feelings and are not afraid of challenges, the VR roller coaster will be the ideal destination. Don’t forget to prepare yourself to experience the feeling of “flying” in the sky of Shanghai!
Enjoying Food at the Revolving Restaurant
In addition to sightseeing, enjoying a meal at the revolving restaurant at the Oriental Pearl Tower is also an experience worth trying once. Located at an altitude of 263m, the restaurant is also a great sightseeing spot for you to enjoy delicious food while admiring the panoramic view of the city from above.
This revolving restaurant can rotate completely in about 2 hours, allowing diners to enjoy their meal while slowly watching the changing scenery of Shanghai. The buffet menu is diverse with Chinese and Western dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meat, and rich desserts, satisfying all tastes. In particular, lobster imported from Dalian is a favorite dish of many tourists.
Shanghai Film Shooting Base Admission Ticket
For a complete experience, you should book a table in advance, especially on weekends or festivals. The price of a lunch buffet ticket is about 200 yuan, while the dinner buffet ranges from 368 to 418 yuan per person. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the wonderful moments and share them with your friends!
Visit the Shanghai History Museum
Are you a history buff and want to learn more about Shanghai’s development journey? Then don’t miss the Shanghai History Museum at the Oriental Pearl Tower. Located on the ground floor of the tower, this museum houses more than 30,000 artifacts, reflecting the transformation from a small fishing village to a modern megacity.
The museum is divided into many exhibition areas, including miniature models of ancient streets, traditional shops, tea shops, pharmacies and bars, vividly recreating the daily life of Shanghai people from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In particular, realistic wax models help you step into the ancient space of the city.
In addition, the museum also displays many valuable artifacts such as cannons from the Opium Wars, ancient wedding costumes and objects from feudal dynasties, providing an insight into Shanghai’s rich history and culture.
Things to Note When Visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai
Exploring the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai is an unforgettable experience, but to make your trip smooth and complete, you should carefully prepare a few small things. Below are useful notes and tips to help you enjoy every moment when visiting this prominent symbol of the city.
- Buy tickets online in advance to save time, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
- Choose a reasonable time to visit, such as early morning from 8-10am to avoid crowds and have clear views, or late afternoon before sunset to catch the golden light and sparkling night scene.
- Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the different floors and areas of the tower, from the magical virtual space chamber at a height of 351m to the challenging 259m transparent glass floor.
- It is recommended to take the elevator up to the tower and then down from the top to avoid missing out on the spectacular view of the Huangpu River and the modern financial district.
- If possible, combine the experience of a cruise on the Huangpu River to see the whole tower and The Bund waterfront from the water.
- Always wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot, and avoid weekends or holidays to avoid being crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oriental Pearl Tower
Where is the Oriental Pearl Tower located?
The Oriental Pearl Tower is located at 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui District, Pudong District, Shanghai. The tower is located right on the banks of the Huangpu River and opposite the famous Bund area.
When is the best time to visit the Shanghai Pearl Tower?
The best time to visit the tower is in the fall (September–November) or spring (March–May) when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. In addition, if you want to see the sparkling view of the city at night, you should visit the tower around sunset or in the evening.
Do you need to book tickets before visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower?
You are not required to book tickets in advance, but you should buy tickets online to save time and avoid queuing, especially on weekends or peak tourist seasons.
Are there any restaurants in the Pearl Tower?
At the Oriental Pearl Tower, there is a luxurious revolving restaurant located at an altitude of about 267 meters. This is an ideal place for you to enjoy a diverse buffet while admiring the panoramic view of the city from above.
Should you visit the Oriental Pearl Tower during the day or at night?
You can visit the tower during both the day and night because each time has its own interesting features. During the day, you will have a clear view of Shanghai, while at night, you will have a sparkling experience with the brilliant lights all over the city.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is a modern icon that encapsulates the beauty of a constantly evolving Shanghai. Whether you love the city’s beautiful scenery, experiencing thrills or exploring culture, there is something here that will make you remember forever. If you have the opportunity to visit Shanghai, don’t forget to take the time to visit this brilliant icon. A visit to the Pearl Tower will definitely give you many unforgettable experiences and breathtaking photos!
Don’t hesitate any longer, book your tickets to explore the Oriental Pearl Tower now!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to
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