A guide to Shanghai’s skyline

As China’s second most populous city, Shanghai is known for its bustling streets and iconic skyline. Some of the world’s tallest buildings are found here, offering both mind-blowing architecture and city views. In this guide, we look at four of Shanghai’s most impressive buildings. 

Once the tallest building in Shanghai, Jin Mao Tower was designed by Adrian Smith, who was heavily influenced by the ancient Chinese pagoda. The tower boasts two observation decks. One, Top of Jin Mao, is located on the 88th floor and provides panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline. The other, Skywalk, is an enclosed observation deck on the 86th floor. The number eight is the luckiest number in Chinese culture, and it was a major consideration in the decision-making process of the Jin Mao Tower. The building is located on 88 Century Boulevard, consists of 88 floors and was opened on the 28th of August 1998. 

Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower is one of Shanghai’s most recognisable buildings. The tower’s design, which consists of 11 spheres connected by columns, is said to have been inspired by a verse from a Tang Dynasty poem about pearls shining on a jade plate. Housed within the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower are 15 observation levels, a revolving restaurant, a hotel, a shopping centre and the Municipal History Museum, which features relics, documents, pictures and presentations relating to the historical significance of Shanghai.  

At 2,073 feet, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China. Its unique design, which features a spiral form with nine cylindrical sections, creating a twisting effect as it rises, makes the tower instantly recognisable. Not only is the design striking, but the twisting shape reduces wind resistance. Furthermore, the tower has wind turbines, rainwater harvesting systems and advanced energy-saving features and has been awarded the U.S. Green Building Council and been given a China Green Building Three Star rating. The structure has two observation decks, the Sightseeing Hall on the 118th floor and the Top of Shanghai on the 119th floor. 

Standing at 1,614 feet, the Shanghai World Financial Center is known for its distinctive trapezoid aperture, inspired by a line from a Chinese poem about a dragon and a pearl. With 101 floors, including three underground, its tapering design combines modern architecture with traditional Chinese culture. The aperture reduces wind pressure and offers stunning views from the Sky Walk 100 on the 100th floor and the Sky Arena on the 94th floor. Nicknamed the “Bottle Opener,” the building houses global financial institutions and reflects an ancient Chinese symbol of the earth in its square prism shape.