The charm of the Shanghai Tower lies in the fact that it is a precise and magnificent work of art in itself, while also providing an unparalleled viewing platform that transforms the entire city of Shanghai into a dynamic scroll unfolding beneath your feet.
Architectural Wonders – The Wisdom and Art of Steel Giants
The building itself is a feast for the senses in terms of structure, technology, and aesthetics.
- A spiraling dragon's silhouette: The most striking feature of the building's exterior is its 120-degree rotation, resembling a giant dragon coiling and rising. This is not only an aesthetic design but also a cutting-edge application of aerodynamics, effectively guiding wind, reducing wind resistance, and ensuring the building's safety and stability during typhoons.
- The "Building's Heroic Feature"—Shanghai Eye (Damper): Located on the 126th floor of the building, the "Shanghai Eye" is a 1000-ton active damper and one of the world's tallest art installations. Its design is inspired by the "Eye of the Candle Dragon" from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Normally, it is a serene work of art; when strong winds strike, this behemoth begins to sway in the opposite direction, counteracting the building's sway. Videos of its operation have gone viral online. The damper's educational area on the 125th floor reveals its wind-resistant principles through interactive exhibits.
- Double-layer intelligent curtain wall: The building innovatively adopts an independent double-layer curtain wall system. This "transparent outer garment" is not only a highly efficient energy-saving barrier, but its spiral shape itself is a revolutionary shaping of the Shanghai skyline.
- Peak Speed Elevator: Ride the world's fastest elevator, reaching speeds of up to 18 meters per second. In just about 55 seconds, with a slight change in ear pressure, you'll be transported from the ground to a height of 546 meters. The screens inside the elevator display the real-time speed and height, making it a truly futuristic experience.
Urban Panorama – An Epic of Shanghai Viewed from the Clouds
Climbing to the top of the building is a visually and spiritually stunning experience.
- The 546-meter "Top of Shanghai" Observation Deck (118th floor): This is the main viewing area with a 360-degree panoramic view. Nearby, the spire of the Jin Mao Tower and the "Bottle Opener" of the Shanghai World Financial Center seem almost within reach; below, the Huangpu River draws a graceful arc, and the Bund's collection of international architecture appears as exquisitely crafted as building blocks. Here, you can visit the "Sky Post Office" to send a blessing from the clouds, or tie a wish to the wishing tree.
- 561-meter "Sky Magic Box" (121st floor): Shanghai's highest observation deck, opening in 2025. This suspended, semi-transparent glass observation box integrates sightseeing, upscale dining, and immersive experiences. Enjoying a feast in the clouds while watching the sunset gild the entire city is a unique and luxurious experience.
- “Top of Shanghai” Exhibition Hall (Basement 1): Before climbing to the top, you might as well preview it here. Through multimedia exhibits such as “The Growing Skyline”, you will witness the evolution of the Shanghai Bund and Lujiazui skyline over the past century in just 100 seconds, and understand the leap of this land under your feet from mudflats to miracles.
- The Humanistic Light of a Vertical City: The building is not only a commercial space, but also a vertical cultural living room. Here you will find "Treasure House No. 1", which preserves the city's memories; an office lobby displaying Shanghai-style artworks (such as Chen Yifei's sculpture "Shanghai Girl"); and high-end cultural and art exhibitions held from time to time, reflecting the original intention of "architecture for people".
Photography Tips:
> - Best panoramic shooting position: In front of the circular glass curtain wall of the 118th floor observation deck, you can take a panoramic view of Puxi and Pudong without any blind spots.
> - Most creative camera angle: The glass corner of the "Sky Magic Box" on the 121st floor, creating a thrilling visual effect of floating above the city.
> - Classic viewpoints: Take a classic group photo of the "Lujiazui Three-Piece Set" from the Lujiazui Circular Skybridge or the Bund Waterfront Platform, and use a wide-angle lens to capture the breathtaking view of the skyscrapers piercing the clouds.
> - Indoor shooting suggestion: When shooting the damper "Shanghai Insight", you can use the ambient lighting to highlight the combination of its mechanical structure and artistic feel.
