Shanghai Tower:118th Floor Sightseeing Adult Ticket[limited]

If you’re planning a visit to Shanghai and want a bird’s-eye view of this sprawling metropolis, the Shanghai Tower offers a great ticket for $51 per person. This experience takes you straight to the 118th-floor observation deck, giving you a sweeping panorama of Shanghai’s skyline in a matter of seconds thanks to high-speed elevators that whisk you up in just 55 seconds. For a single-day adventure that combines modern architecture with city life, this tour hits the mark.

We love how streamlined the experience is — no fuss with queues, and the view from the top is genuinely impressive. The Sky Lobby area is more than just a viewing platform; it’s also a small museum of Shanghai’s development, giving a little educational bite along with the scenery. The interactive exhibits like the “Gene Bank” or the “Skyscraper Dream” are nice touches that turn this from a simple sightseeing stop into an engaging experience.

One potential drawback is that the ticket only grants access to the 118th floor, meaning if you’re hoping to go even higher, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Also, if the weather isn’t clear, your view could be limited, as some reviews mention visibility issues. Nonetheless, this experience is ideal for travelers who want a quick, high-quality view of Shanghai without splurging on multi-day or multi-floor access.

This tour suits visitors who appreciate architecture, enjoy city panoramas, or are short on time but want a memorable skyline snapshot. It’s especially fitting for those who prefer self-guided exploration and value convenience over multi-level access.

Key Points

• Fast and efficient: Reaches the 118th floor in just 55 seconds via high-speed elevators.
• Educational exhibits: Offers insights into Shanghai’s skyline evolution and architectural innovations.
• Stunning vistas: Provides a panoramic view of Shanghai, including iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower.
• Limited access: Ticket only covers the 118th floor; no higher floors included.
• Cost-effective: Priced at $51, it offers good value for a quick skyline experience.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and designed for private groups, but not suitable for certain age groups or health conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Shanghai Tower Experience

The Journey to the Top: Elevator Ride and Sky Lobby

Once you arrive at the Shanghai Tower, the main entrance is straightforward to find, and your e-ticket allows you to skip the long lines, which is a big plus during busy times. You’ll scan your ticket, and then it’s just a matter of stepping into one of the three high-speed elevators. These elevators are faster than most, zooming you to the 118th floor in about 55 seconds.

As we experienced, the ride itself is quite a thrill — a quick rush with a slight metallic hum that’s intense enough to make you feel like you’re blasting into the clouds. This rapid ascent is half the fun, and it sets the tone for the incredible views awaiting you.

On arriving, you’re welcomed into the Sky Lobby, a spacious area with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city like a living map. Here, you get your first glimpses of landmarks such as the Jin Mao Tower, Expo Park, and the City God Temple. The layout is designed to give you a sense of Shanghai’s rapid growth, visualized through interactive exhibits and informative displays.

The Exhibits: A Window into Shanghai’s Skyline Evolution

The B1 exhibition hall is a surprise highlight, with a 100-second animation that traces Shanghai’s skyline development since 1840. It’s a quick but fascinating history lesson that contextualizes the city’s dramatic modernization.

The Shanghai Center exhibit offers a look at the city’s architectural ambitions, with both dynamic and static displays. You’ll learn about innovations like sky gardens and dampers, which make buildings like the Shanghai Tower more resilient and environmentally friendly.

The “Skyscraper Dream” exhibit is a cool look at how the tallest buildings in the world have evolved, culminating in the year 2020. It’s a reminder of how skyline giants like Shanghai Tower are part of an ongoing story of human ingenuity and design.

The Observation Deck: Views and Interactive Touches

From the 118th-floor deck, the views are impressive, especially on clear days. You’ll see the city sprawling in all directions, with famous landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower standing out against the skyline.

Some reviews mention dizzying conditions or limited visibility, especially if the weather isn’t perfect, so it’s worth checking the forecast. The deck itself offers interactive projects such as the “Wishing Tree” or the “Step Over the Sky” experience, which adds an element of fun to the sightseeing.

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Souvenir Shopping and Additional Features

The Sky Shop on the 118th and B2 floors offers souvenirs, perfect for remembering your visit. The experience is designed to be self-guided, so you can take your time exploring the exhibits and enjoying the scenery.

Practicalities: Cost, Timing, and Accessibility

The ticket price at $51 offers good value for the convenience and high-quality views. It includes skip-the-line entry, which is especially helpful during busy periods. The ticket is valid for one day, and you have two available start times: between 16:30–18:30 or 18:30–20:30, so you can choose the sunset or evening view.

The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for private groups. However, it’s not recommended for children under 18, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues like high blood pressure or over 60 years old.

Authentic Traveler Insights and Considerations

From reviews, we gather that view quality varies with weather, and some visitors felt the ticket price was high for viewing only one floor. One traveler noted, “The view was okay, but it was dizzying and limited if the weather was foggy,” highlighting that visibility isn’t guaranteed.

Another pointed out, “With the ticket, you can only access the 118th floor,” which may disappoint those hoping to ascend even higher. However, the educational exhibits provide some extra value, especially for those interested in Shanghai’s architectural evolution.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This visit is best suited for travelers who want a quick but high-quality skyline view without the hassle of multiple tickets or lengthy waits. It’s ideal if you’re on a tight schedule, or if you’re fascinated by modern architecture and urban development.

Those seeking a more comprehensive skyscraper experience might find the ticket limiting since it only covers the 118th floor. But if you’re after a stunning panoramic and some engaging exhibits, this tour delivers.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai Tower’s 118th-floor experience offers a snapshot of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. It’s a convenient, efficient way to see Shanghai’s skyline, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a private, guided-like experience without extra costs. The view from the top is the main event, complemented by interesting educational displays that add context to the city’s rapid growth.

While the ticket price might seem a touch high for access to just one floor, the fast elevator ride, the panoramic vistas, and the interactive exhibits make it a worthwhile stop. It’s perfect for travelers curious about architecture, urban planning, or simply eager to snap that iconic Shanghai skyline shot.

However, if your priority is higher floors or more diverse viewing options, you might need to explore additional tickets or experiences. Also, remember that weather conditions can impact your view, so check the forecast before you go.

All in all, this experience is a solid choice for view lovers and architecture enthusiasts who want a convenient, modern, and visually memorable experience of Shanghai’s skyline.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for multiple entries?
No, the ticket is valid for a single day and allows one entry within the specified time period.

Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
You can purchase tickets at least one day in advance. Check availability to see the specific starting times.

Are there multiple time slots to choose from?
Yes, there are two options: between 16:30–18:30 or 18:30–20:30. You choose one when booking.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Is there a guided tour included?
No, this experience is self-guided, but exhibits and displays are available for you to explore at your own pace.

Can children or elderly people join?
The activity is recommended for ages 18–60 and not suitable for children under 18 or those over 60, especially if health issues are present.

Are souvenirs included?
No, souvenirs are available for purchase at the Sky Shop but are not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card for verification, especially if purchasing multiple tickets or with group discounts.

This review aims to give you all the practical insights you need to decide if visiting the Shanghai Tower’s 118th-floor is worth your time and money. Enjoy the incredible views and the experience of standing at the top of one of the world’s tallest buildings!

You can check availability for your dates here: