Oriental Pearl TV Tower — Attraction in Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is a prominent landmark in Shanghai, China, recognized for its unique, futuristic design. Located in the Pudong District, at the tip of the Lujiazui Peninsula, the tower stands opposite the historic Bund on the Huangpu River. Key Facts and Features Height: The tower reaches a height of 468 meters (1,535 feet). When it was completed in 1994, it was the tallest structure in China until it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center in 2007. Architecture: Designed by Jiang Huan Chen, Lin Benlin, and Zhang Xiulin, the tower's design is inspired by the idea of "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate." It features 11 steel spheres of various sizes connected along three columns. Purpose: While it's a major tourist attraction, its primary function is as a radio and television tower, transmitting signals for approximately 30 television and radio stations across Shanghai. Attractions: The tower offers a wide range of activities and sights for visitors, including: Observation Decks: There are several observation decks at different heights, providing panoramic views of the city's skyline. The highest is the "Space Module" at 350 meters, while a lower, glass-bottomed deck at 259 meters offers a thrilling experience. Revolving Restaurant: Located in the second-largest sphere, the revolving restaurant provides a unique dining experience with a 360-degree view of Shanghai. Shanghai History Museum: Located at the base of the tower, this museum chronicles the city's history from its opening as an international port in 1843 to the Communist victory in 1949. Entertainment: The tower also has a shopping center, a hotel, and even a VR roller coaster. Illumination: At night, the tower is illuminated by a 3D light show, making it a stunning part of Shanghai's celebrated skyline.Design and Symbolism The tower's design is more than just a series of spheres. The architects were inspired by a verse from a Tang Dynasty poem by Bai Juyi, which describes "large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate." The three large columns at the base and the spheres themselves are meant to symbolize this idea, with the tower creating a picture of "twin dragons playing with pearls falling from the sky over a plate of jade" when viewed in conjunction with the nearby Yangpu and Nanpu bridges. The entire structure is supported by three massive diagonal columns at the base, which are 7 meters wide. These, in addition to the three vertical columns running through the center of the spheres, provide stability and a sense of dynamic movement to the design. Inner Workings and Visitor Experience The names of the various spheres and levels within the tower are inspired by space and futurism, fitting its modern aesthetic. The highest observation deck is called the "Space Module," the lowest is "Space City," and the hotel located between the two large spheres is known as the "Space Hotel." The tower features an impressive set of elevators. It was home to China's first double-deck elevator when it opened, a technology that increases a building's passenger capacity with fewer hoistways. The elevators can carry up to 50 people at a speed of 7 meters per second, and some even have an attendant who recites an introduction to the tower in both English and Chinese during the ascent. The famous 259-meter-high glass-bottomed observation deck is a key highlight for many visitors, offering an exhilarating and dizzying 360-degree view of the city directly...

The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai is a striking landmark that defines the city's iconic skyline. Located in the Pudong district, this structure rises 468 meters and offers a blend of entertainment, history, and breathtaking views, making it a must-visit for tourists. The highlight of the Oriental Pearl Tower is undoubtedly the observation decks. The highest viewing platform, at 351 meters, provides an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of Shanghai. On a clear day, the view stretches for miles, showcasing the contrast between the historic Bund and the ultra-modern Pudong skyline. The glass-bottomed Skywalk at the lower deck adds a thrill for adventurous visitors. Beyond the views, the tower houses several attractions. The Shanghai History Museum at its base offers an engaging look into the city's past through life-sized dioramas and multimedia displays. It’s a surprisingly rich and educational experience, giving context to the rapid development visible from above. Dining at the revolving restaurant, located at 267 meters, is another popular experience. While the food quality may not match Shanghai’s top culinary spots, the unique setting and rotating views make it worthwhile for a one-time experience. The tower also features VR experiences, a space capsule simulator, and a small arcade, making it family-friendly. However, ticket prices can be steep, and queues are often long, especially during peak hours. Booking in advance or arriving early is highly recommended. In summary, the Oriental Pearl Tower is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a blend of architecture, history, and entertainment. While it can be crowded and a bit commercial, the views and experiences make it one of Shanghai’s top attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local showing guests around, the tower remains a symbol of the city's ambition...

Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with a height of 468 meters high is the 4th highest in Asia and the 6th highest tower in the world. Construction commenced on July 30th, 1991 and was completed on October 1st, 1994. It faces the Bundacross the Huangpu River. Built with eleven steel spheres in various sizes hanging from the blue sky to the green grassland, the body of the tower creates an admirable image, which is described in an ancient Chinese verse as: large and small pearls dropping on a plate of jade(大珠小珠落玉盘).

The tower consists of 6 main parts: 3 gigantic columns，the 1st sphere called bottom ball(下体球)，the 2nd sphere known as upper ball(上体球),the 3rd sphere called space capsule(太空舱)， other 5 small spheres, basement and the square. There is a totally transparent panorama lift between the columns offering a quiet good view of Shanghai. This was the first wholly transparent elevator in the world.

The Oriental Pear Radio & TV Tower has 3 main sightseeing floors where tourists could enjoy the city view from different heights. The Space Capsule (the 3rd sphere) is 350 meters off the ground and at 263 meters is the major sightseeing floor, the 2nd sphere. There are 2 outdoor sightseeing floors. One is 259 meters off the ground (in the 2nd sphere) and the other is 90 meters from the ground, in the 1st sphere. Tourists can visit these parts together or separately. The basement houses the Shanghai Municipal History Museum.

The Oriental Pearl Science Fantasy World is located in the 1st sphere. A revolving restaurant is 267 meters off the ground, making it the 2nd highest dining...