Architectural Marvel
Designed by Jia Huan Cheng and completed in 1994, this $300 million tower pioneered a "multi-tube" structure with three 9m-diameter inclined columns supporting 11 steel spheres, creating its signature "pearls on a jade plate" aesthetic. Key components include:
- Spheres: The 45m-diameter upper sphere (263m) houses a 360° observation deck and transparent floor; the 50m lower sphere (90m) contains a sci-fi themed space city.
- Space Capsule: At 350m, this 16m-diameter glass sphere offers panoramic views of Shanghai's skyline.
- Antenna Mast: A 168m spire enables TV/radio broadcasts across 80km.
World-Class Experiences
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Thrills:
- Transparent Walkway: 259m-high glass-floor corridor with vertigo-inducing city views.
- High-Speed Elevators: Reach 263m in 40 seconds (7m/s).
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Dining:
- 267m Revolving Restaurant: Completes a full rotation hourly while serving Shanghainese/Western fusion cuisine.
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Culture:
- Shanghai History Museum: At the base, 10,000㎡ exhibits feature 1,000+ artifacts and hyper-realistic wax scenes of 1930s Shanghai.
Technical Innovations
- Lighting: 2.3㎡ LED system (2024 upgrade) projects dynamic nightly light shows synchronized to music.
- Sustainability: Rainwater recycling and solar panels reduce 30% energy use.
Visitor Tips (2025)
- Hours: 9:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30).
- Tickets: ¥199 (standard), ¥399 (VIP fast-track).
- Best Time: Weekday mornings avoid crowds (peak waits exceed 2 hours weekends).
Impact & Recognition
- Hosted 100 million+ visitors since 1994, including dignitaries like Germany's Peter Bauer (1 billionth guest in 2024).
- Awards: AAAAA rating (2007), Shanghai Top 10 Landmarks (2020).