Best Views in Shanghai: Rooftops, Observation Decks & Skyline Spots
Shanghai has one of the world's most dramatic skylines, and the city delivers it from every angle: glass-floored observation decks above the clouds, riverside promenades facing twin horizons, and rooftop bars with unobstructed Bund vistas. This guide covers the best spots to see it all, whether you're chasing the perfect photo at dusk or looking for the highest point in China.
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Few cities reward the view-seeker like Shanghai. On one bank, 52 Art Deco facades line the Bund in a parade of early 20th-century grandeur. On the other, three supertall towers pierce the clouds above Lujiazui. The tension between those two skylines — one stone, one glass — is what makes Shanghai's views unlike anywhere else on earth. For the best observation decks, check the best photo spots in Shanghai guide for specific camera tips, and if you're planning your whole trip around these experiences, the 3-day Shanghai itinerary sequences them efficiently. Prices for observation decks change seasonally — always verify current tickets before visiting.
Observation Decks: The Highest Views in China
The three supertall towers in Pudong's Lujiazui cluster each offer a distinct observation experience — and standing on any of them while looking across the Huangpu at the Bund below is genuinely disorienting in the best possible way. Go on a clear weekday to avoid holiday surcharges and queues. Tickets for all three can be purchased individually or in combination packages through major booking platforms.
1. Go Higher Than Anywhere Else in China at Shanghai Tower
At 632 metres, the 118th-floor sky deck is the highest public viewpoint in China. The glass-floored platform and interactive exhibits make it more than a lookout. Go on a clear day — the Bund appears tiny, 600 metres below. Adult tickets around 180 CNY; verify current pricing.
Explore1. Go Higher Than Anywhere Else in China at Shanghai Tower
At 632 metres, the 118th-floor sky deck is the highest public viewpoint in China. The glass-floored platform and interactive exhibits make it more than a lookout. Go on a clear day — the Bund appears tiny, 600 metres below. Adult tickets around 180 CNY; verify current pricing.
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2. Walk the Glass Skywalk at Shanghai World Financial Center
The 100th-floor Skywalk cuts through the SWFC's famous trapezoidal opening — a glass-floored corridor suspended at 492 metres. Looking straight down at the street is stomach-dropping. It also offers the best close-up view of Shanghai Tower's twisting facade. Tickets around 150 CNY.
Explore2. Walk the Glass Skywalk at Shanghai World Financial Center
The 100th-floor Skywalk cuts through the SWFC's famous trapezoidal opening — a glass-floored corridor suspended at 492 metres. Looking straight down at the street is stomach-dropping. It also offers the best close-up view of Shanghai Tower's twisting facade. Tickets around 150 CNY.
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3. Look Down Into the World's Tallest Hotel Atrium at Jin Mao Tower
Jin Mao's 88th-floor deck at 420 metres delivers great Bund and river views, but its secret is the vertiginous atrium view straight down through the Grand Hyatt below. The pagoda-inspired tower itself is the most architecturally elegant of the three. Tickets around 120 CNY.
Explore3. Look Down Into the World's Tallest Hotel Atrium at Jin Mao Tower
Jin Mao's 88th-floor deck at 420 metres delivers great Bund and river views, but its secret is the vertiginous atrium view straight down through the Grand Hyatt below. The pagoda-inspired tower itself is the most architecturally elegant of the three. Tickets around 120 CNY.
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4. Stand on the Glass Floor of the Oriental Pearl's Pink Sphere
The glass-floored observation sphere at 263 metres inside Shanghai's most iconic retro tower gives a direct downward view over Lujiazui's streets. The Shanghai History Museum in the base adds an hour of context. Full-experience tickets around 220 CNY. A Pudong classic.
Explore4. Stand on the Glass Floor of the Oriental Pearl's Pink Sphere
The glass-floored observation sphere at 263 metres inside Shanghai's most iconic retro tower gives a direct downward view over Lujiazui's streets. The Shanghai History Museum in the base adds an hour of context. Full-experience tickets around 220 CNY. A Pudong classic.
ExploreRiverside Promenades: Free Skyline Views at Ground Level
Some of Shanghai's most powerful views cost nothing. The city's two great riverside walks — one on either side of the Huangpu — let you experience both skylines at ground level, which has its own drama that no observation deck can replicate. For a curated route connecting these waterfronts with the city's best architecture, see the best self-guided walks in Shanghai.
5. Watch Pudong Light Up at Dusk from the Bund Promenade
The 1.5-kilometre Bund walkway delivers the definitive Shanghai view: 52 illuminated heritage facades behind you, three glittering supertalls across the water. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim a front-row spot at the railing. This is the city's essential free view — no ticket, no queue.
Explore5. Watch Pudong Light Up at Dusk from the Bund Promenade
The 1.5-kilometre Bund walkway delivers the definitive Shanghai view: 52 illuminated heritage facades behind you, three glittering supertalls across the water. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim a front-row spot at the railing. This is the city's essential free view — no ticket, no queue.
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6. Photograph the Bund from the Pudong Side at Lujiazui Promenade
The curved walkway at Lujiazui's tip offers the classic wide-angle Bund shot, with all 52 heritage buildings framed in one sweep. The three towers rise directly behind you for a second composition. Early morning light hits the Bund facade perfectly. Free access, open 24 hours.
Explore6. Photograph the Bund from the Pudong Side at Lujiazui Promenade
The curved walkway at Lujiazui's tip offers the classic wide-angle Bund shot, with all 52 heritage buildings framed in one sweep. The three towers rise directly behind you for a second composition. Early morning light hits the Bund facade perfectly. Free access, open 24 hours.
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7. See Both Skylines Simultaneously on a Huangpu River Cruise
A river cruise is the only way to see the Bund and Pudong towers simultaneously, from the waterline. The 50-minute evening loop is the most efficient option — both banks illuminate around 20 minutes after sunset. Book the upper deck for unobstructed views. Dinner cruises run longer but add cost.
Explore7. See Both Skylines Simultaneously on a Huangpu River Cruise
A river cruise is the only way to see the Bund and Pudong towers simultaneously, from the waterline. The 50-minute evening loop is the most efficient option — both banks illuminate around 20 minutes after sunset. Book the upper deck for unobstructed views. Dinner cruises run longer but add cost.
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8. Get a Quieter Angle on the Bund from the North Bund Riverside
The stretch north of Suzhou Creek gives a more oblique, less-crowded view of the Bund's northern heritage buildings and the Pudong towers beyond. Fewer tourists, cleaner sightlines for photography. Best visited on a weekend morning before tour groups arrive. Combine with a walk along Suzhou Creek.
Explore8. Get a Quieter Angle on the Bund from the North Bund Riverside
The stretch north of Suzhou Creek gives a more oblique, less-crowded view of the Bund's northern heritage buildings and the Pudong towers beyond. Fewer tourists, cleaner sightlines for photography. Best visited on a weekend morning before tour groups arrive. Combine with a walk along Suzhou Creek.
ExploreRooftop Bars & Hotel Viewpoints
Shanghai's rooftop bar scene is notoriously changeable — venues open, rebrand, or impose minimum spends that effectively price out casual visitors. The spots below have proven staying power. For the full nightlife picture, the Shanghai nightlife guide covers rooftop bars alongside clubs and jazz venues.
✨ Pro tip
Most rooftop bars require a minimum spend (typically 200-400 CNY per person) rather than a ticket. Reserve in advance on weekends or you may not get a table. Arrive before 7pm if you want daylight and a good seat.
9. Use the Bund as Your Rooftop Bar Alternative
If minimum spends at rooftop bars feel excessive, the Bund promenade railing delivers essentially the same Pudong view for free. Bring your own drink from a nearby 7-Eleven and join the locals who do exactly this every weekend evening. Unpretentious, atmospheric, and genuinely local.
Explore9. Use the Bund as Your Rooftop Bar Alternative
If minimum spends at rooftop bars feel excessive, the Bund promenade railing delivers essentially the same Pudong view for free. Bring your own drink from a nearby 7-Eleven and join the locals who do exactly this every weekend evening. Unpretentious, atmospheric, and genuinely local.
ExploreElevated Architecture: Buildings Worth Seeing From Inside and Out
Beyond the observation deck trio, Shanghai has several buildings where the view is built into the architectural experience itself — looking up from an atrium, across a courtyard, or out through a curved facade. The Shanghai architecture guide goes deeper on the city's built heritage.
10. Look Up Inside the Inverted Pyramid of the China Art Museum
The former China Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo is an architectural viewpoint in itself — a massive red inverted pyramid best appreciated from inside looking up through its layered galleries. The 27 floors of contemporary Chinese art are secondary to the sheer spatial drama. Free entry on most days.
Explore10. Look Up Inside the Inverted Pyramid of the China Art Museum
The former China Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo is an architectural viewpoint in itself — a massive red inverted pyramid best appreciated from inside looking up through its layered galleries. The 27 floors of contemporary Chinese art are secondary to the sheer spatial drama. Free entry on most days.
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11. See the Huangpu River from the Power Station of Art's Chimney Terrace
The converted 1897 power plant's chimney and riverside position give it one of the most unusual vantage points on the Huangpu River in Xuhui. The outdoor terrace offers West Bund river views less photographed than the Bund or Lujiazui. Rotating exhibitions inside are world-class.
Explore11. See the Huangpu River from the Power Station of Art's Chimney Terrace
The converted 1897 power plant's chimney and riverside position give it one of the most unusual vantage points on the Huangpu River in Xuhui. The outdoor terrace offers West Bund river views less photographed than the Bund or Lujiazui. Rotating exhibitions inside are world-class.
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12. Discover the West Bund Riverfront from Long Museum's Terrace
The Long Museum's converted coal hopper facility sits directly on the West Bund waterfront, with views across the Huangpu toward the older industrial south bank. The riverfront here is quieter and more atmospheric than Lujiazui. Best visited in late afternoon when the light is warm.
Explore12. Discover the West Bund Riverfront from Long Museum's Terrace
The Long Museum's converted coal hopper facility sits directly on the West Bund waterfront, with views across the Huangpu toward the older industrial south bank. The riverfront here is quieter and more atmospheric than Lujiazui. Best visited in late afternoon when the light is warm.
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13. Climb the View Around Longhua Pagoda, Shanghai's Oldest Tower
The seven-storey Longhua Pagoda, dating to the 3rd century, isn't an observation deck but its position in the West Bund precinct, surrounded by temple rooftops and plane trees, gives a rare ground-level elevated perspective over old Shanghai. A striking contrast to the glass towers 5km north.
Explore13. Climb the View Around Longhua Pagoda, Shanghai's Oldest Tower
The seven-storey Longhua Pagoda, dating to the 3rd century, isn't an observation deck but its position in the West Bund precinct, surrounded by temple rooftops and plane trees, gives a rare ground-level elevated perspective over old Shanghai. A striking contrast to the glass towers 5km north.
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14. Look Down Through 1933 Old Millfun's Spiralling Cattle Ramps
This 1933 slaughterhouse conversion in Hongkou delivers one of Shanghai's most unusual interior views: a maze of concrete spiralling ramps and bridges that you look down through from multiple levels. It's a view of architectural space rather than skyline — surreal, Brutalist, and totally unique.
Explore14. Look Down Through 1933 Old Millfun's Spiralling Cattle Ramps
This 1933 slaughterhouse conversion in Hongkou delivers one of Shanghai's most unusual interior views: a maze of concrete spiralling ramps and bridges that you look down through from multiple levels. It's a view of architectural space rather than skyline — surreal, Brutalist, and totally unique.
ExplorePanoramic Escapes: Views Beyond the City Centre
For views that look back at Shanghai from a distance, or offer a complete change of scale, a few spots within the municipality deliver genuine panoramas across the flat Yangtze delta. These work best as half-day trips combined with other activities.
15. Hike to the Only Hill in Shanghai at Sheshan Forest Park
Sheshan is the only natural hill in Shanghai's flat municipality — and from its 99-metre summit, topped by a 19th-century Catholic basilica, you get a panoramic sweep across the entire Shanghai plain. On clear days, distant Pudong towers are visible. An easy half-day trip from the city centre.
Explore15. Hike to the Only Hill in Shanghai at Sheshan Forest Park
Sheshan is the only natural hill in Shanghai's flat municipality — and from its 99-metre summit, topped by a 19th-century Catholic basilica, you get a panoramic sweep across the entire Shanghai plain. On clear days, distant Pudong towers are visible. An easy half-day trip from the city centre.
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16. See All of Shanghai at Once at the Urban Planning Exhibition Center
The centrepiece of this underrated museum on People's Square is a vast 1:2000 scale model of the entire Shanghai municipality — every tower, road, and waterway recreated in miniature. It's a bird's-eye view of the whole city in one room. Free on Tuesdays; otherwise around 30 CNY.
Explore16. See All of Shanghai at Once at the Urban Planning Exhibition Center
The centrepiece of this underrated museum on People's Square is a vast 1:2000 scale model of the entire Shanghai municipality — every tower, road, and waterway recreated in miniature. It's a bird's-eye view of the whole city in one room. Free on Tuesdays; otherwise around 30 CNY.
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17. Frame the Wukang Mansion on Shanghai's Most Photogenic Curved Street
Wukang Road's gentle curve through the Former French Concession creates a perspective view of the Wukang Mansion at its northern tip — a ship-prow Art Deco building that anchors the composition. Not a high-rise view, but one of Shanghai's most satisfying street-level visual experiences.
Explore17. Frame the Wukang Mansion on Shanghai's Most Photogenic Curved Street
Wukang Road's gentle curve through the Former French Concession creates a perspective view of the Wukang Mansion at its northern tip — a ship-prow Art Deco building that anchors the composition. Not a high-rise view, but one of Shanghai's most satisfying street-level visual experiences.
Explore💡 Local tip
For the clearest Pudong skyline views, check the Shanghai air quality index before visiting an observation deck. Days after rain are typically the clearest. In summer, haze can significantly reduce visibility from the tower decks.
FAQ
Which is the best observation deck in Shanghai?
Shanghai Tower's 118th-floor deck is the highest public viewpoint in China at 632 metres, with a glass floor and the widest panorama. The SWFC Skywalk at 492 metres is less crowded and has the most dramatic glass-floor corridor. Jin Mao at 420 metres offers the best interior atrium view. Tickets range from 120-180 CNY; verify current prices before visiting.
What is the best free view in Shanghai?
The Bund promenade and the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade on the Pudong side are both free and generally open to the public. The Bund gives you the Pudong skyline across the river; Lujiazui gives you the classic Bund heritage building shot. Both are best visited at dusk when both banks illuminate.
When is the best time of day to visit Shanghai's observation decks?
Sunset is the most dramatic time — you see the city in daylight and then watch it transform as the lights come on. Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset to guarantee a spot. Clear days after rain offer the best visibility. Weekday mornings are the quietest but miss the light show.
Is the Huangpu River cruise worth it for skyline views?
Yes, particularly the evening cruise. It's the only way to see both the Bund and Pudong simultaneously from the waterline, and the night illumination of both banks is spectacular. A typical loop cruise is sufficient for views; longer dinner cruises add cost without significantly better sightlines.
Can I get a good Shanghai skyline view without paying for an observation deck?
Yes. The Bund promenade and Lujiazui Riverside Promenade are both free. The Sheshan hilltop offers a panorama over the flat Shanghai plain for just the park entry fee. Some hotel lobbies and restaurant terraces have partial views without minimum spends, though the best rooftop bars do enforce them.