Shanghai Tower 118th&119th Floor Observation Deck Ticket

Visiting Shanghai’s tallest skyscraper is a must-do for any first-time visitor or avid skyline enthusiast. For just $39, you get a ticket that grants you access to the 118th-floor observation deck, reached via one of the world’s fastest elevators, and the chance to explore the 119th floor, where you can relax with coffee or plan a full dinner. The experience is quick to book online, with the mobile ticket making entry smooth and contactless. The entire visit can last anywhere from an hour to a few depending on how long you linger—important if you’re trying to maximize your time in this vibrant city.

What we love most about this tour is the seamless entry process, thanks to pre-booked QR codes, plus the stunning panoramic views that truly capture Shanghai’s sprawling skyline. The high-speed elevator whisks you up in just seconds, cutting down on waiting time and building anticipation. Another highlight is the chance to either unwind with a coffee or indulge in dinner on the 119th floor, adding an authentic local flavor to your visit. The additional exploration of the damper light show at 125th and 126th floors, if you choose to pay for it on-site, offers a fun, modern light spectacle.

A possible consideration is that the experience does not include guided commentary or transportation, which might be worth considering if you prefer a more structured tour. Also, since the ticket is only valid for the observation deck and some nearby floors, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive Shanghai experience, you’ll want to combine this with other tours.

This activity suits travelers who value convenience, spectacular views, and flexibility—perfect for those who enjoy taking their time at iconic sites without feeling rushed. It’s especially attractive for visitors who want a straightforward, authentic experience with minimal fuss.

Key Points

• Fast and efficient entry via pre-booked QR codes simplifies your visit.
• Panoramic views from the glass-floor observation deck are a standout feature.
• Flexibility to stay on the 118th floor as long as you like and explore the 119th floor at your own pace.
• The additional floors (125th & 126th) offer a dazzling damper light show if you choose to purchase extra tickets.
• Suitable for most travelers, including families with kids under 3 years old.
• Price of $39 offers great value for a high-altitude experience in one of China’s most iconic skyscrapers.

The Location and What You Can Expect

The Shanghai Tower is a striking symbol of modern China—tall, sleek, and almost futuristic in appearance. Located in the Pudong district, it’s easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient whether you’re arriving from the airport or your hotel. Once inside, the process is straightforward: pre-book your ticket online, receive your QR code, and walk up to the entrance ready to ascend.

The highlight of this tour is the high-speed elevator—traveling at a dizzying 18 meters per second, it takes you directly to the 118th-floor observation deck in about 55 seconds. That’s less time than it takes to decide on a coffee order, and the ride itself is almost as much fun as the views. As you reach the top, large glass windows and the glass floor make for an immersive experience, allowing you to gaze down into the city streets thousands of feet below.

The Observation Deck at 118th Floor

Once on the 118th floor, you’re greeted with panoramic views of Shanghai’s sprawling cityscape, including the historic Bund, Huangpu River, and beyond. The glass floor adds a thrill for those who aren’t afraid of heights, offering a vertiginous view straight downward—trust us, it’s quite the experience. Visitors have raved about how “stunning” and “gorgeous” the vistas are, with one reviewer calling it “spectacular” and “gorgeous.”

The advantage here is that you can stay as long as you like, soaking in the sights without feeling rushed. This is especially appealing since the tickets are booked in advance, and your entry is quick and hassle-free. With the viewpoint being the main draw, this part of the experience is pure spectacle, perfect for photography buffs and skyline lovers alike.

Moving Up to the 119th Floor

After enjoying the 118th-floor views, you are free to walk up to the 119th floor—it’s just a short elevator ride or walk. Here, you can purchase a coffee or plan to have dinner, making it a great spot to relax after the initial adrenaline rush. The 119th floor offers a quieter setting, with options to sit and reflect on the panoramic vistas or grab a snack.

Additional Exploration at Floors 125 and 126

If you decide to buy additional tickets on-site, you can explore floors 125 and 126, which feature a damper light show. This modern light display adds a fun, contemporary touch to the visit, especially appealing if you’re interested in Shanghai’s innovative architecture and lighting design. Keep in mind this is an optional add-on; the main attraction remains the breathtaking views from the observation decks.

Experience Quality and Authenticity

Reviews indicate that the entry process is smooth and efficient, with visitors praising the QR code scanning that makes for quick access—no long lines or fuss. A reviewer mentioned that “it was very smooth to enter Shanghai Tower by scanning QR code,” making this experience ideal for travelers short on time but still wanting a memorable visit.

The knowledgeable staff and clean facilities contribute to a comfortable visit, further justified by the reasonable price point of $39. For the quality of the views and the convenience, many feel this price offers excellent value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who love stunning city views and prefer a flexible, self-guided experience. It’s particularly suited for those traveling with kids under 3, as no additional arrangements are necessary. If you enjoy modern architecture and want a quick but impactful snapshot of Shanghai’s skyline, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you’re seeking a guided experience or want to combine multiple attractions, you might want to look into other options. Still, for a simple, authentic, high-altitude experience, this ticket delivers.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai Tower observation deck offers a straightforward, high-value opportunity to see one of China’s most iconic skylines. With seamless online booking, fast elevators, and panoramic views, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a quick yet memorable glimpse of Shanghai from above. The ability to stay as long as you like on the 118th floor and then relax or dine on the 119th floor makes it flexible and user-friendly.

This experience truly shines for those who appreciate authentic, unobstructed views and want to avoid overly commercialized tour options. The added option to explore the damper light show floors means you can extend your visit and enjoy a modern spectacle of lights, if you’re interested.

While it’s a self-guided experience—lacking a guide, guide commentary, or included transport—the ease of access, spectacular scenery, and value for money make this a worthwhile addition to your Shanghai itinerary. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a skyline photographer, or simply someone eager to see the city from a new perspective, this tour is likely to leave a lasting impression.

FAQs

Is the ticket available in digital format? Yes, the ticket is a mobile QR code that you can scan at the entrance, making entry quick and contactless.

How long does the visit usually take? The duration varies from about an hour to three hours, depending on how long you want to spend soaking in the views and exploring the floors.

Can I stay on the 118th floor as long as I want? Yes, the ticket allows you to remain on the observation deck for as long as you like within the opening hours.

Are children under 3 years old free? Yes, kids under 1 meter tall or under 3 years old are admitted free.

What is the best time to visit for clear views? While specific times aren’t mentioned, generally early mornings or late afternoons tend to have clearer visibility, but the views are impressive any time of day.

Is there any guided commentary available? No, this experience does not include guided commentary. You explore independently.

Are there options for dining on the 119th floor? You can buy a cup of coffee or plan to have dinner there, but meals are not included in the ticket price.

What about the damper light show? It’s available on floors 125 and 126 if you purchase additional tickets on-site, adding a modern light display to your visit.

This tour offers an authentic, visually stunning experience of Shanghai’s skyline with the convenience of pre-booked tickets and flexible visiting options. It’s perfect for those seeking a memorable view, quick entry, and a relaxed atmosphere to appreciate one of the world’s most dynamic cities from above.