Visiting Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 东方明珠塔 (Dōngfāng Míngzhū Tǎ) |
| Location and Address | 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China |
| Opening Time/Hours | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM) |
| Entrance Fee | 220 CNY for adults (Space Capsule + 259m Sightseeing Floor + 263m Revolving Restaurant) |
| How to Get There | By Metro: Line 2 or Line 16 to Lujiazui Station, Exit 1 By Bus: Bus 81, 82, 85, 789, or 870 to Dongfang Mingzhu Station By Taxi: Tell the driver “Dongfang Mingzhu” or show the Chinese characters 东方明珠 |
| Best Time for Visit | Late afternoon to evening for day and night views; weekdays to avoid crowds |
| Contact Info | Tel: +86 21 5879 1888 Email: [email protected] |
Overview
The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic landmark and television tower in Shanghai, China. Standing at 468 meters (1,536 feet) tall, it was once the tallest structure in China. The tower is located in the Pudong New Area, on the eastern bank of the Huangpu River, opposite The Bund.
Historical Background
Construction of the Oriental Pearl Tower began in 1991 and was completed in 1994. It was designed by Jiang Huan Cheng of the Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co. Ltd. The tower was built to symbolize Shanghai’s emergence as a major international city and to showcase China’s rapid economic development during the 1990s.
Architectural Features
- Spheres and Columns: The tower’s most distinctive feature is its series of 11 spheres of various sizes, connected by three columns. The largest sphere, near the top, has a diameter of 50 meters (164 feet) and is known as the “Space Module”.
- Observation Decks: The tower features multiple observation decks at different heights, offering panoramic views of Shanghai. The highest observation deck is at 350 meters (1,148 feet), while a revolving restaurant is located at 267 meters (876 feet).
- Glass Floor: A transparent glass-floor observation deck at 259 meters (850 feet) provides thrilling views directly beneath visitors’ feet.
- Lighting System: The tower is equipped with an advanced LED lighting system that can display various colors and patterns, creating stunning night-time displays.
Cultural Importance
The Oriental Pearl Tower has become a symbol of modern Shanghai and China’s rapid modernization. It represents the city’s ambition and progress, serving as a cultural icon that appears in numerous films, television shows, and promotional materials for Shanghai. The tower also houses a museum showcasing the history and development of Shanghai.
Surrounding Attractions
- Shanghai Tower: Located nearby, this 632-meter (2,073 feet) skyscraper is currently the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world. It offers an even higher observation deck and a unique twisted design.
- Shanghai World Financial Center: This distinctive skyscraper, often called the “Bottle Opener” due to its shape, stands at 492 meters (1,614 feet) and offers its own observation deck and luxury hotel.
- The Bund: Located across the Huangpu River, this waterfront area features historic buildings and offers a classic view of the Pudong skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Photography Opportunities
- Skyline Views: The observation decks offer unparalleled views of Shanghai’s skyline, particularly the contrast between the modern Pudong area and the historic Bund across the river.
- Night Photography: The tower’s illumination at night, along with the surrounding skyscrapers, creates stunning opportunities for night photography, especially from the Bund or river cruises.
- Glass Floor Shots: The transparent floor on the observation deck allows for unique downward-facing photos that capture both the viewer and the city far below.
Modern Importance
- Broadcasting: The tower serves as a radio and TV broadcasting center for Shanghai, playing a crucial role in the city’s telecommunications infrastructure.
- Tourism: As one of Shanghai’s most popular attractions, the Oriental Pearl Tower contributes significantly to the city’s tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors annually.
- Cultural Landmark: The tower has become an integral part of Shanghai’s identity, featuring prominently in the city’s marketing and branding efforts internationally.
FAQ
- What is the Oriental Pearl Tower famous for?
The Oriental Pearl Tower is famous for its unique architectural design featuring multiple spheres, its status as a symbol of modern Shanghai, and the panoramic views it offers of the city from its observation decks. - What’s inside the Oriental Pearl Tower?
Inside the Oriental Pearl Tower, you’ll find multiple observation decks, a revolving restaurant, a space capsule, a glass-floor walkway, the Shanghai History Museum, and various entertainment facilities. - Is the Oriental Pearl Tower free?
No, the Oriental Pearl Tower is not free. There is an entrance fee, with different ticket options available depending on which levels and attractions you want to visit. - Is the Oriental Pearl Tower worth visiting?
Yes, many visitors find the Oriental Pearl Tower worth visiting for its iconic status, the panoramic views of Shanghai it offers, and the various attractions inside. However, personal preferences may vary. - What to do in the Oriental Pearl Tower?
In the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can visit observation decks for city views, dine in the revolving restaurant, experience the glass-floor walkway, visit the Shanghai History Museum, and enjoy various entertainment facilities. - How do I get to the Oriental Pearl Tower in the local city?
In Shanghai, you can reach the Oriental Pearl Tower by taking Metro Line 2 or Line 16 to Lujiazui Station and using Exit 1. Alternatively, you can take buses 81, 82, 85, 789, or 870 to Dongfang Mingzhu Station, or take a taxi directly to the tower. - How to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower?
To visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, purchase tickets at the tower or in advance online. Choose which levels you want to visit. It’s recommended to visit late afternoon to see both day and night views. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit, and consider booking a time slot in advance during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
