The Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦) is an iconic skyscraper located in Shanghai, China. Standing at 88 stories and 420.5 meters (1,380 feet) tall, it is one of the tallest buildings in the city and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Shanghai. The tower was completed in 1998 and was designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
The Jin Mao Tower is a mixed-use building, featuring a luxury hotel, office spaces, and a shopping center. The building’s architectural style combines traditional Chinese design elements with modern, Western-style construction techniques. For example, the building’s central atrium is a nod to traditional Chinese pagodas, while the tower’s steel frame and glass exterior reflect contemporary building design.
Visitors to the Jin Mao Tower can enjoy breathtaking views of Shanghai from the building’s observation deck on the 88th floor. The tower also features a variety of dining options, including a revolving restaurant on the 87th floor that offers panoramic views of the city while diners enjoy their meal. The shopping center in the building features a variety of luxury brands, making it a popular destination for both tourists and local shoppers.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jinmao Tower
- Vlog about Jinmao Tower
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions Nearby
Basic Information
| Website | https://www.chinajinmao.cn/ |
| Estimated length of tour | approximately 1 hour |
| Ticket price | Observation Deck Adult: 120 RMB Observation Deck + Sky Walk Adult:388 RMB |
| Opening hours | 8.30-21.30; Last entry: 21.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Jin Mao Tower is located in the heart of Shanghai’s central business district, and the surrounding area is home to many international corporations, financial institutions, and luxury shops. The Lujiazui financial district, one of the largest financial centers in the world, is located just a few blocks away from the tower.
Bus: Take bus No. 583, 939, or tourist line 2, get off at Huayuan Shiqiaolu Dongtailu Stop (花园石桥路东泰路站), and the Jinmao Tower is right to your north;
Subway: Take subway line 14, get off at Lujiazui Station, and walk about 50 meters to the east to reach the building
Self-drive: The tower has its own parking lot, and the fee is 9 RMB per hour.
Highlights of Jinmao Tower
The Atrium of the Grand Hyatt
The Grand Hyatt in the Jinmao Tower, occupying floors 53 to 87, used to be the highest hotel in the world. Although it has been surpassed by several other hotels, it still provides luxury service and rooms with wonderful views.
Its atrium, which extends from the 56th floor to the 87th, measuring approximately 377 feet (115 meters) high, is a stunning feature that leaves a lasting impression on guests. Designed with a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic and featuring elegant marble flooring, sleek lines, and ample natural light, it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Observation Deck
The observation deck is located on the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Huangpu River, the Bund, and the bustling Pudong District. The indoor area features interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that provide information about the history, culture, and development of Shanghai.
In addition to the stunning views, the observatory is also a great place to relax and have a drink or snack. There is a café and bar on-site, as well as a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase gifts and memorabilia.
The Skywalk
The Skywalk in the Jin Mao Tower is a unique attraction located on the 88th floor of the building. It is a glass-bottomed walkway that extends out from the building and provides visitors with a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
As visitors step out onto the Skywalk, they will be surrounded by a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai, with the cityscape spreading out below their feet. The Skywalk is made of clear glass, so visitors can see the ground far below, adding an element of excitement to the experience.
Vlog about Jinmao Tower
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
1. Entrance. The entrance to the observatory of the Jinmao Tower is on B1 rather than the ground floor. There are clear signs in the lobby. So even if you make a mistake, it is pretty easy to find the right way.
2. Skywalk tickets. The Skywalk is only for the bravest. If you do not want to try it, make sure you choose the right ticket when making the booking (the one costs 88 RMB rather than that costs 288 RMB).
3. Weather conditions. Please check the weather report before you go to the tower in case the haze, cloud, or rain blurs the view and ruins your day. The best visiting time is the morning when you can see everything clearly under the sunlight and the evening when you can enjoy the glaring lights.
4. An alternative. Honestly, the observation decks in Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center are higher than in Jinmao Tower. But they are always crowded with people. So, if you do not want to wait for an hour in a long queue during holidays, the Jinmao tower is a good alternative.
5. Peddling. While you are waiting to enter, the workers on site will ask you to take a picture in front of a green curtain and then synthesize your figure with the tower. The service is free. But if you want the picture, they will charge you over 100 RMB.
