[REVIEW] Explore the Oriental Pearl Tower - Shanghai's Iconic Tourist Landmark

Where is the Oriental Pearl Tower located?

The Oriental Pearl Tower is situated right next to the Huangpu River, facing the bustling Bund and located at the tip of Lujiazui Peninsula in Pudong. With its prime, bustling location and a wide range of integrated services such as museums, restaurants, and shopping centers, the Oriental Pearl Tower has become one of the first 4A tourist destinations in mainland China, attracting countless visitors.

Inaugurated in 1995, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands as Shanghai's tallest structure, soaring to a height of 467.9 meters. To this day, it remains the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world, following Canada's CN Tower and Russia's Ostankino Tower.

Discover the architectural icon of Shanghai city

Ticket prices and opening hours

• Opening hours: Daily from 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM
• Admission fee: Free

Visitors are free to explore the entire structure without any cost. However, as this is a multifunctional site combining broadcasting, television, shopping, and entertainment, service fees vary depending on the activity. For instance, the observation deck ticket costs between 199 CNY and 318 CNY, with free entry for children under 1 meter tall.

The best time to visit the tower

As one of Shanghai's most vibrant entertainment hubs, the tower buzzes with activity year-round, especially during major festivals. To fully appreciate the tower's dazzling beauty, it's best to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower in the evening. The cityscape becomes even more enchanting, bathed in the glow of sparkling lights.

With four distinct seasons, the ideal times to visit the tower are autumn and spring. During these periods, Shanghai's weather is pleasantly mild and refreshing, making it perfect for outdoor exploration, sightseeing, and recreational activities.

The period from September to November is the ideal time to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower

Guide to traveling to the Oriental Pearl Tower

According to travel tips for China, to make exploring the Oriental Pearl Tower convenient, visitors should note some useful information compiled below.

Traveling from Vietnam to Shanghai

There are various transportation options from Vietnam to Shanghai, including flights and trains. However, flying is the most popular choice due to its speed, frequent schedules, and multiple airlines operating on this route, such as Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

Flight ticket information from Vietnam to Shanghai

*Ticket prices include taxes and fees and may vary depending on the flight time

Traveling from Shanghai to the tower

From central Shanghai to the Oriental Pearl Tower, visitors can choose one of the following transportation options:

• Subway: The most convenient and fastest mode of transport in Shanghai. From the city center, take Metro Line 2 directly to Lujiazui Station. A short walk from there will take you to the tower.
• Bus: Some routes you can consider are: 81, 82, 83, 583, 774, 789, 791, 795, and the Tai Lu line. Fares are affordable, and buses run frequently.
• Taxi: If traveling in a large group, taxis offer a quick way to reach the Oriental Pearl Tower from the city center. However, fares are higher compared to the subway and bus.

Additionally, visitors can join Lujiazui sightseeing tours, which often include a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Distance from central Shanghai to the Oriental Pearl Tower

What makes the architecture of the Oriental Pearl Tower unique?

The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the hottest destinations on China tours. Its design and construction began in 1991, and it officially opened in 1995. Recognized as a landmark architectural achievement of 21st-century Shanghai, the tower has become a symbol of the city's modernity.

The tower's uniqueness is evident in its design, which harmoniously blends futuristic and aesthetic styles. It features 11 steel spheres of varying sizes, securely attached along three columns. The most striking are two large spheres with diameters of 50m and 45m. Supported by three massive, balanced pillars, the tower resembles a colossal "pearl" nestled in the heart of Shanghai when viewed from afar.

The tower is divided into three main sections:

• First section: Includes 4 floors within the first sphere, featuring entertainment rooms, photo spots, and visitor corridors for leisure activities.
• Second section: The large sphere is divided into 9 floors, covering a total area of 10,000 square meters. It offers numerous amenities for visitors, such as a luxury hotel, shopping center, and entertainment facilities.
• Third section: The top of the tower houses an observation deck with panoramic city views. It also features a high-end, romantic restaurant, one of Shanghai's finest, accommodating up to 500 guests.

The tower resembles a giant pearl in the heart of Shanghai

Top unique experiences when visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower

When visiting this popular Chinese tourist destination, you can enjoy a series of unique experiences:

Capture the tower's panoramic view from a distance

While touring the Oriental Pearl Tower, don't miss the chance to take stunning photos with the tower's panoramic view from afar. No matter the angle, you can capture the tower's breathtaking beauty in its entirety.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy various entertainment and shopping services available at the tower.

Capture stunning photos with the Oriental Pearl Tower (Source: @janiehsu_ and @bestieliu)

Explore the observation decks

At the Oriental Pearl Tower, visitors can explore various observation decks. The highlight is the outdoor spherical light exhibition hall, with a diameter of 50m and a height of 90m. The upper sphere houses the tower's main optical floor.

The highest level of the tower is the Space Capsule, with a diameter of 16m. Its design is inspired by futuristic space themes, creating the sensation of a cosmic journey from a height of 350m.

Additionally, visitors can experience the Sky Walk glass floor located in the middle section of the tower. This area features 24 transparent, retractable tempered glass panels shaped like "petals." Walking on the glass floor and looking down from a height of 259m is sure to leave a lasting impression on your journey.

Experience walking in the air at Sky Walk (Source: @louyueying)

Enjoy panoramic city views from the highest observation deck

Visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower with its dazzling and vibrant scenery, you shouldn't miss the chance to admire Shanghai's entire skyline and enjoy the city's sunset or sparkling night views. From the highest deck, visitors can take in the breathtaking panorama of the beautiful city. The bustling streets and towering skyscrapers are all within sight.

If visiting at night, you'll have the opportunity to witness Shanghai illuminated by dazzling lights and capture those magnificent moments in photos. Whether day or night, checking in at the tower is a fantastic experience for those who love capturing stunning visuals.

The Oriental Pearl Tower during sunset

Dine at the revolving restaurant

The revolving restaurant in the Oriental Pearl Tower is the largest aerial revolving restaurant in Asia. It offers a buffet featuring a mix of Asian and European cuisines, accommodating up to 500 guests. It's a delightful experience to savor fresh, delicious dishes in a luxurious and romantic setting while enjoying the ever-changing panoramic views of the city from above.

Visit the exhibition hall

When visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can explore Shanghai's 700-year history at the Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall. This space houses hundreds of precious historical relics, miniature buildings, 117 life-sized wax statues, nearly 1,000 small wax and clay figures, and numerous illustrations depicting the life and culture of old Shanghai.

Experience the Oriental Pearl Cruise

To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world's most modern urban landscapes along the waterfront, don't miss the Oriental Pearl Cruise. The Oriental Pearl Pier features a unique design resembling a seagull spreading its wings to fly. Its architecture evokes a sense of tranquility and freshness while reflecting the grandeur of Shanghai's golden era.

The Oriental Pearl Pier with its striking seagull-inspired architecture

Attractions near the Oriental Pearl Tower

After visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower, you should explore other notable landmarks in Lujiazui, one of Shanghai's most developed areas located along the Huangpu River.

The Bund

Anyone visiting this dazzling city must stop by The Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Situated opposite the Oriental Pearl Tower, The Bund is renowned for its cinematic and acoustic experiences, which fans of martial arts films should not miss.

Check-in at The Bund

Yu Garden

Away from the hustle and bustle, Yu Garden is a romantic destination offering a serene and refreshing atmosphere with picturesque scenery. With a history of over 400 years, Yu Garden has become one of China's most beautiful gardens, attracting countless visitors for sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Nanjing Road

Known as the "No. 1 Street in China," Nanjing Road captivates visitors with its glamour and luxury, showcasing the highlights of the world's most populous city. Here, visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, shopping, and experiencing the unique culture of Beijing.

Visit the most bustling street in Shanghai

Huangpu River

Often likened to the prosperity of Shanghai, the Huangpu River is a cultural crossroads where global civilizations converge. It has witnessed Shanghai's remarkable evolution, from its classical era to its current period of robust development.

Tips for visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower

To make your visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower complete and full of experiences, here are some highly useful tips to keep in mind:

• For convenient exploration, consider booking a hotel near the Huangpu River area, such as The Ritz, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, or J Hotel.
• The tower offers guided tours only in English and Chinese. Therefore, joining a group or hiring a private guide is recommended to better understand the tower and Shanghai's development history.
• If planning to visit during festival seasons, book services 2-3 months in advance to secure stable services at the best prices.
• Learning basic Chinese phrases can make transportation and shopping more convenient.
• Opt for all-inclusive tours that include the Oriental Pearl Tower to ensure a smooth experience and avoid scams when traveling independently.

Tips for visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower

Above are the essential details about the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai's most famous landmarks. With its unique architecture and numerous attractions, the tower is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this bustling port city.

Author: Phuong Thao

Image source: Internet & Instagram