Shanghai Tower Observatory Ticket Prices 2026: Booking & Tips
Soaring 2,073 feet above Shanghai, the Shanghai Tower Observatory offers unparalleled panoramic views. Get insider tips on booking your tickets and making the most of your visit in 2026!

Shanghai Tower Observatory,
A Must-Visit for Your Shanghai Trip
Text/Photos by Haibu Couple
Looking for amazing places to visit in downtown Shanghai?
Then I'd love to recommend a place where you can catch breathtaking views:
the Shanghai Tower Observatory!
Today, I'll share with you how to book in advance
and our visit experience before heading to the Shanghai Tower Observatory!
Plus, I'll spill some golden tips on booking observatory tickets affordably below,
so make sure to check them out!
Recommended Places to Visit in Shanghai

When you travel to Shanghai, you'll surely notice a plethora of towering skyscrapers.
Among them, the three major supertalls—the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center,
and the Jin Mao Tower—will definitely catch your eye.

All three buildings boast observation decks,
but I especially want to recommend the Shanghai Tower,
the tallest of them all at 632 meters and 128 floors.
The views from the 118th-119th floor observation deck, looking down on the other buildings,
are truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring!
However, the Shanghai Tower Observatory, unfortunately,
isn't a free attraction; you'll need an admission ticket.
So, let's dive into some insider tips for booking your tickets!
How to Book Observatory Tickets
You can purchase Shanghai Tower admission tickets in two ways:
on-site at the venue, or in advance through an agency.

The on-site ticket price for adults is 180 CNY, which is approximately ~$26.
However, if you book through an agency right now,
you can take advantage of a current 45% discount promotion,
❗️allowing you to pre-book for an incredible ~$14!

What's more, by pre-booking your tickets and visiting,
you won't have to wait in line to purchase tickets.
You can enter directly with a QR code,
which will save you a lot of time, especially during peak season!

To book your observatory tickets at a great price,
check out the link below and book right away!
>> Pre-book Shanghai Tower Observatory Tickets
Our Shanghai Tower Observatory Visit Review
First, let me explain how to get to
the Shanghai Tower Observatory.

Most people will likely take a DiDi taxi and get off at the Shanghai Tower
Observatory entrance.
Once you exit the taxi, you'll enter through the entrance shown above.

From the entrance, take the escalator going down, located diagonally opposite,
and head downstairs.


Then, follow the 'West Sunken Plaza' sign
and exit through the door marked with the observatory sign.
Just head to your left, and then look for the 'observation entry'
sign to go through the entrance!
Don't worry, the signs are super clear, so finding your way
will be a breeze!

I scored my tickets in advance through an agency, which meant
I could breeze past any lines and enter with just a quick QR code scan – so easy!
If you're visiting during peak season or busy hours,
I absolutely recommend booking your tickets in advance to save time!

Once you're in, you'll hop on a super-speed elevator
that whisks you up to the 118th floor.
It's incredibly fast – we reached the 118th floor in less than a minute,
so fast my ears actually popped!

When I arrived at the 118th-floor observation deck,
I was greeted by such a breathtakingly beautiful night view that my jaw dropped,
and I just knew I had made the right choice to come!

I was especially looking forward to seeing the Oriental Pearl Tower's night view
from the Shanghai Tower, and let me tell you,
it was even more stunning than I had imagined!
What's more, the dazzling night view of The Bund visible behind it
was equally spectacular, making the combined sight truly mesmerizing.

Beyond the Oriental Pearl Tower, I could also gaze down at the Bottle Opener Building
and the Jin Mao Tower. It was such a fresh perspective to look down on these buildings
that I usually only crane my neck to look up at from the ground!


It wasn't just the skyscrapers that stole the show; the stunning night view of the Huangpu River
flowing on the opposite side was equally captivating.
Since you've made it all the way up to this incredible observation deck, I hope you take plenty
of photos to capture it all!


The 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower observation deck also has a souvenir shop,
which was perfect for some light souvenir shopping after soaking in
the magnificent night views.
They had a great selection of magnets that I hadn't seen anywhere else in the city,
so I highly recommend them as souvenirs!

Finally, I've got a little tip for capturing the perfect photos
at the Shanghai Tower observation deck.
If the 118th floor is a bit too crowded and you're struggling
to get that perfect shot with a beautiful backdrop,
simply head up to the 119th floor!


The 119th floor was significantly quieter compared to the 118th,
making it much easier to snap those coveted photos with popular backdrops
like the Oriental Pearl Tower!
A Shanghai Trip Essential: Highly Recommended!

Today, I've introduced you to the Shanghai Tower observation deck,
the perfect place to truly immerse yourself in Shanghai's dazzling night views.
As Shanghai's tallest building,
For an unparalleled view of Shanghai's dazzling nightscape,
I wholeheartedly recommend the Shanghai Tower over any other skyscraper!
Right now, you can even snag observatory tickets with a fantastic 45% discount,
so go ahead and check out the booking link below!
>> Pre-book Your Shanghai Tower Observatory Tickets Here!
▼ Want to discover more incredible places to visit in Shanghai? ▼
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an admission ticket to the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck purchased on-site, and are there currently any discounted purchase options available?
An admission ticket to the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck purchased on-site costs 180 RMB (approximately ~$26) for adults. Currently, you can pre-purchase through an agency at a 45% discount for ~$14.
What are the advantages of pre-purchasing Shanghai Tower Observation Deck tickets through an agency?
Pre-purchasing through an agency allows you to enter directly with a QR code, without needing to wait in the ticket purchase line. This can save a lot of time, especially during peak season or crowded hours.
What is the specific way to get from the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck entrance to the ticket counter?
After getting off a Didi taxi, enter the main entrance. Take the escalator diagonally downwards from the entrance, then follow the 'west sunken plaza' sign, exit through the observation deck marked door, and enter the 'observation entry' on the left.
If the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck is crowded, are there any other floors suitable for taking photos?
If the 118th floor is too crowded to take good photos with a nice background, try going straight up to the 119th floor. The 119th floor is much less crowded than the 118th, making it easier to take photos with popular backgrounds like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
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