The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the world’s highest transmission towers. Since its completion in 1994, the tower has become Shanghai’s most recognizable landmark. More than just a TV tower, this multifunction marvel offers unique shopping, an informative museum, a revolving restaurant and some of the best views in Shanghai.
The tower rises 1,500 feet (468 meters) from Pudong Park. Consisting of 11 spheres linked by three columns, the tower blends futuristic and ancient Chinese aesthetics and has been likened to “a series of pearls falling onto a jade plate.”
Before climbing the tower, spend a couple of hours in the Shanghai Municipal History Museum at the tower’s base. When it’s time to head skyward, hop aboard the tower’s double-decker lifts in which bilingual attendants await to share facts and insights into the tower’s history and construction.
The largest and lowest of the main spheres contains a dance hall, karaoke bar and observation deck. On the second sphere, enjoy a meal in the rotating restaurant as the Shanghai skyline revolves slowly around you. The highest and smallest sphere contains the uppermost observation deck. Test your nerves as you step out onto the glass-floored deck, which gives the sensation that you are floating above the city. On a clear day, see all the way to the mighty Yangtze River in the north.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, a 10-minute drive from downtown Shanghai. Lujiazui Station is only a short walk from the tower. Plan your visit for a weekday and arrive early to avoid the crowds. Entrance fees apply for the museum and various tower experiences.
While you’re in the area, check out the neighboring Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. If you have time, a Huangpu River cruise is a perfect way to end the day and watch the tower as it lights up in ever-changing colors.
Oriental Pearl Tower Tours and Activities
Visit Oriental Pearl Tower
Tours & day trips
See all 675 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Shanghai Day Tour, including Jade Buddha Temple & Bund & Yuyuan Gar...
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 57 activitiesOpens in new tabSeven Treasure Town & Zhujiajiao Village Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 47 activitiesOpens in new tabShanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 31 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Tour:3-Day of Beijing from Shanghai Round-Trip by Air
Classes & workshops
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tabShanghai City centre Sketch Trip
Reviews of Oriental Pearl Tower
3/5 - Okay
saw it from the other side of the river
3/5 - Okay
Was dark at night.
Popular places to visit
Super Brand Mall
During your trip to Shanghai, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Super Brand Mall. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Shanghai World Financial Center
Find out about the history of Shanghai when you spend time at Shanghai World Financial Center. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Shanghai Municipal History Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Shanghai Municipal History Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Shanghai. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Lujiazui Central Greenland
Explore the great outdoors at Lujiazui Central Greenland, a lovely green space in Shanghai. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.
Pudong Riverside Promenade and Park
This scenic green strip along the river is filled with kiosks and restaurants with spectacular views of The Bund, especially after dark.
Jin Mao Tower
One of the tallest buildings in mainland China fuses elements of traditional Chinese culture with cutting-edge architectural technology and design.
Best Lodging Options Near Oriental Pearl Tower
Check availability on hotels close to Oriental Pearl Tower
- Vacations and getaways similar to Oriental Pearl Tower
- Other Hotels near Oriental Pearl Tower, Downtown Shanghai
- Hotels near popular Shanghai Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Shanghai Disneyland©
- Hotels near The Bund
- Hotels near Nanjing Road Shopping District
- Hotels near Shanghai New International Expo Centre
- Hotels near People's Square
- Hotels near Yu Garden
- Hotels near Former French Concession
- Hotels near National Exhibition and Convention Center
- Hotels near Shanghai Tower
- Hotels near Jin Mao Tower
- Hotels near Zhongshan Park
- Hotels near Shanghai Pudong Expo
- Hotels near Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park