Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心) is a landmark skyscraper located in the heart of Shanghai‘s Pudong district. With a height of 492 meters, it was once the tallest building in the world and still remains one of the tallest in China. The building has 100 floors, with the top three floors being observation decks offering breathtaking views of the city.
The architecture of the building is a mix of traditional Chinese design and modern, cutting-edge technology. The building’s design features a trapezoidal aperture at its peak, symbolizing the Chinese concept of “heavenly gates.”
Visitors to the building can go to the observation deck on the 94th (423 meters), 97th (439 meters), and 100th floor (474 meters). There is also a luxury hotel located in the building, as well as offices and retail space.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Construction of the Building
- The Observation Deck
- Vlog about Shanghai World Financial Tower
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Interesting Facts
- Attractions near Shanghai World Financial Center
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.swfc-shanghai.com/ |
| Estimated length of tour | Approximately 1 hour |
| Ticket price | 120 RMB for the 94th floor only 180 RMB for 94th, 97th, and 100th floor |
| Opening hours | 11.00-21.00; Last entry: 20.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China, near the Lujiazui financial district and the historic Bund waterfront area. The specific address is No.100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.
Bus: Take No. 939, 870, 961, 985 or tourist line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Huanlu Dongtailu Stop. You will see the building right in front of you.
Subway: Take subway line 2 or 14, get off at Lujiazui Station, get out of the station from exit 9A, walk about 100 meters to the east, and you will reach the building.
Self-drive: The building has its own parking lot, and the rate is 9 RMB per hour.
Construction of the Building
The construction of the Shanghai World Financial Center began in 1997 and was completed in 2008. It was designed by the American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, with Chinese architect Marshall Strabala as the lead designer. The building was developed by the Japanese company Mori Building, one of the largest real estate developers in Japan.
The construction of the building was a massive project that involved thousands of workers and over a decade of effort. One of the biggest challenges of the construction was its location in an earthquake-prone zone, so engineers had to incorporate special seismic-resistant features into the building’s design.
Another challenge was the construction of the trapezoidal aperture at the top of the building, which required advanced engineering techniques and construction methods. Despite these challenges, the building was completed on schedule and has since become a symbol of Shanghai’s modernity and development.
The Shanghai World Financial Center is considered one of the most iconic buildings in the world and is a testament to the technological and engineering capabilities of China and the world. Its construction remains a source of pride for the city of Shanghai and a symbol of its rise as a global financial center.
The Observation Deck
The observation deck in the Shanghai World Financial Center is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Located on the 94th, 97th, and 100th floors of the building, it offers breathtaking views of the city of Shanghai and its surroundings.
Visitors can take the high-speed elevators to the 94th floor (423 meters), where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the indoor observation deck. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a 360-degree view of the city, and interactive displays and multimedia exhibits help visitors understand the city’s history, culture, and development.
The 97th floor (439 meters) features a skywalk, offering a unique perspective on the city and its skyline. Visitors can walk around the perimeter of the floor and enjoy the views from the open-air deck (Yes! The roof will open when the weather is good). The Skywalk is particularly popular for its incredible views of the city at night, when the city is lit up and comes to life.
The 100th floor is a suspended corridor made of glass and steel. Standing there is like you are floating in the air amid clouds.
Vlog about Shanghai World Financial Tower
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Alternative Viewing Spot: If you don’t want to spend money on tickets for the observation deck, you can still enjoy panoramic views from the lobby of the Park Hyatt Hotel on the 87th floor. This location offers a height of approximately 400 meters, allowing you to see the Jinmao Tower’s rooftop without any consumption requirement. Simply order a drink and enjoy the view.
Plan Ahead for Peak Times and Sunset Viewing: During peak hours, especially if you want to catch the sunset, it’s advisable to arrive at least an hour in advance to secure a good spot.
Be Prepared for Dirty Glass: The exterior glass of the building may be dirty, which could affect your viewing experience, especially when taking photos with small aperture wide-angle lenses. To mitigate this, consider bringing equipment such as shading and polarizing filters. Post-processing techniques may also be necessary to remove spots and reflections, especially for photos taken with large apertures or long focal lengths.
Facilities and Hygiene: While the observation deck does have restrooms available, some visitors have noted that the cleanliness leaves much to be desired.
