1. Basic Information Overview
- Address: No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, adjacent to the Huangpu River and across from the Bund.
- Opening Hours:
- Observation Deck: Daily from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM (extended to 10:00 PM during summer).
- Revolving Restaurant: Lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Ticket Prices (2025 Reference):
Two-Ball Combo Ticket | Adult 199 RMB, Child 99 RMB | 263m + 259m Observation Decks |
Three-Ball Combo Ticket | Adult 220 RMB, Child 110 RMB | Includes 351m Space Capsule |
Rotating Restaurant Package | Lunch 368 RMB per person, Dinner 428 RMB per person | Includes Observation B Ticket + Buffet |
*The Oriental Pearl Tower has three spheres, hence the distinction between two-sphere and three-sphere tickets.
Discounts: Children under 1 meter tall enter free of charge; children under 1.4 meters tall and seniors over 70 years old receive discounts with valid ID.
2. Five Must-See Highlights
① 259-meter Fully Transparent Suspended Observation Deck
- The world’s only circular glass walkway: 150 meters long and 2.15 meters wide, with transparent glass underfoot offering direct views of the Huangpu River and Lujiazui traffic. The nighttime lighting enhances the breathtaking experience.
- Photography Tips: Lie down to capture “floating” photos (dark-colored pants are recommended to minimize glare).
② 263-meter Main Observation Deck
- 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of Shanghai, including the Bund’s international architectural ensemble and Pudong’s skyscrapers.
- Hidden Feature: Use the free telescopes to observe the details of buildings across the river (queuing required).
③ 351-meter Space Capsule
- Designed to simulate outer space, experience “interstellar travel” through special effects lighting and telescopes—perfect for sci-fi enthusiasts.
- Note: A three-ticket combo is required, and the attraction may close on rainy days.
④ 267-meter Rotating Restaurant
- Asia’s highest rotating restaurant, completing a full rotation every two hours. During dinner hours, you can enjoy both sunset and night views simultaneously.
- Tip: Book window seats via the official website 1-2 weeks in advance for better value than purchasing tickets and meals separately.
⑤ 0-meter Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall
- Free admission! Through wax figures and historical artifacts, the museum recreates Shanghai’s transformation from a fishing village to an international metropolis, with a focus on the “Ten Miles of Prosperity” exhibition area.
3. Efficient Tour Route Recommendations
Half-Day Quick Tour (approximately 3 hours)
- Take the high-speed elevator directly to the 263-meter main observation deck (stay for 30 minutes).
- Walk to the 259-meter glass walkway (challenge the sensation of suspension, stay for 20 minutes).
- Descend to the 0-meter exhibition hall (free admission to explore old Shanghai’s charm, 40 minutes).
In-Depth Experience (approximately 5 hours)
- Ascend the tower at 9:00 AM → 263-meter observation deck → 259-meter glass walkway.
- Lunch at the rotating restaurant (choose a window seat).
- Afternoon visit to the 351-meter Space Capsule → 78-meter Multimedia Show (35 yuan, immersive future Shanghai experience).
Night View Exclusive Route
4:30 PM: Ascend the tower → 263rd floor sunset viewing → Dinner at the rotating restaurant → After 7:00 PM: Enjoy the light show and Bund night views.
4. Transportation and Tips
How to Get There
- Subway: Line 2 “Lujiazui Station” Exit 1, 5-minute walk from the station (most recommended).
- Ferry: Take the Dongjin Line (2 yuan) from the Bund to Dongchang Road Pier, then walk for 10 minutes.
- Driving: Navigate to “Oriental Pearl Tower.” Parking fees are 8-20 yuan per hour, with limited availability during holidays.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
- Queuing Strategy:
- Enter the park at 8:30 AM or after 5:00 PM to avoid the peak tourist group hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Purchase tickets in advance on the “Oriental Pearl” official website or Ctrip, and scan the QR code for direct entry.
- Weather Impact:
- The glass walkway may be closed on rainy days, and visibility may be poor on foggy days. Check the weather forecast before traveling.
- Dress Code Recommendations:
- Avoid short skirts (glass reflection) and high heels (slippery floors in some areas). Wear slip-resistant sneakers.
5. Hidden Experiences and Surrounding Attractions
- Limited-Time Experiences:
- Send a “Shanghai’s Highest” postcard from the 259-meter-high mailbox (includes a special postmark).
- Collect commemorative stamps inside the tower (check-in points are available on multiple floors).
- Must-Visit Surrounding Areas:
- Lujiazui “Three-in-One”: Walk 10 minutes to the Shanghai Tower (118th-floor observation deck) and the Jinmao Tower (88th-floor Cloud Walk).
- Zhongda Plaza: The shopping center at the base of the tower, featuring the Disney flagship store and Shanghai-style snacks.
- Recommended Combo Tours:
- Night cruise on the Huangpu River: Purchase the “Observation + Cruise” combo ticket (259 RMB) departing from the Oriental Pearl Pier.
6. Practical Tips Summary
- Best Season: Spring and autumn (March–May/September–November), with temperatures between 15–25°C and clear visibility.
- Guided Services: Rent an electronic guide (30 RMB per day) or download the “Oriental Pearl” app for English commentary.
- Safety Tips:
- Running or jumping is prohibited on the glass walkway; children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Strong winds in high-altitude areas; bring a down jacket and hand warmers in winter.
Why is it worth visiting?
The Oriental Pearl Tower is not only a landmark of Shanghai but also a fusion of technology and history—from the thrilling transparent walkway to the century-old exhibits in the museum; from the romantic rotating restaurant to the futuristic space capsule, this place tells the legend of the same city at different heights.
