The charm of the Oriental Pearl Tower lies not only in its status as a stunning architectural masterpiece, but also in the unique perspective it offers for reading the three-dimensional history of Shanghai.
Architectural marvel – a “pearl” suspended in the air
The design of the tower is a symphony of strength and beauty.
- Exquisite Structure: The tower is composed of three towering columns, each 9 meters in diameter, three diagonal braces, and eleven spheres of varying sizes. This massive, braced spatial frame structure is an innovation in television tower structural systems.
- Spheres with different functions:
- Lower sphere: Center elevation 93 meters, with an indoor playground.
- Upper Sphere: The core observation area. 45 meters in diameter, with a central elevation of 272.5 meters. It houses Asia's highest revolving restaurant at 267 meters, a 259-meter-high fully transparent observation corridor, and a 263-meter-high main observation deck.
- Space Capsule: Located at a height of 351 meters and a diameter of 16 meters, it is the highest point of the tower, bringing an experience as if soaring through the sky.
- A dazzling light show: An artistic lighting system designed by French designers, featuring over 1,000 different modes. After nightfall, the Oriental Pearl Tower transforms into a radiant spectacle, weaving together with the skyscrapers of Lujiazui to create Shanghai's most captivating night view.
Urban Landscape – A Century-Old Symphony Overlooking Both Banks of the Huangpu River
Climbing the tower for sightseeing is a visual feast that transcends time and space.
- 259-meter-long fully transparent suspended observation corridor: This is the world's first 360-degree fully transparent observation corridor. Stepping onto the glass corridor, with a constant flow of traffic below and the vast Huangpu River in front, the thrill and excitement of this "walk in the clouds" is unique. It is also a perfect spot for taking creative personal photos and panoramic views of the Lujiazui skyscraper cluster.
- 263-meter main observation deck: Looking around, the century-long urban development of Shanghai is clearly visible. To the west is the Bund, a collection of historical buildings representing the world's most famous architecture; to the east are the skyscrapers of Lujiazui Financial City (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center), symbolizing the future; the winding Huangpu River, like a jade belt, connects Shanghai's past and future.
- Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall (Tower Base): After enjoying the spectacular views from above, head back to the tower base, where you'll find a glimpse into "Old Shanghai." Through realistic scene reconstructions, wax figures, and artifacts, the exhibition hall vividly showcases Shanghai's historical evolution from its opening as a treaty port in modern times to its current urban development, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to deeply understand the city's cultural heritage.
Photography Tips:
> - Best panoramic shooting position: 263-meter main light layer, which can capture panoramic views of Puxi and Pudong.
> - Most creative camera spot: 259-meter transparent observation deck with the city streets and traffic below as a backdrop.
> - Classic night view shooting spots: The Bund waterfront platform or the North Bund "Magic City Mirror" viewing platform, with the Lujiazui building complex as the background for shooting the Oriental Pearl Tower.
> - There may be restrictions on the use of photography tripods in some areas inside the tower. It is recommended to use a high-sensitivity camera or a mobile phone stabilizer.
