About the deck
The Oriental Pearl Tower's highest public access point is an outdoor observation platform at approximately 351 metres, just below the base of the antenna that extends the structure to 468m total. The tower has multiple levels: the lower sphere at 90m, the higher sphere at 263m, and the Space Module observation deck at 350-351m. The tower's design - two large spheres connected by vertical cylinders with a conical base - was intended to reference the traditional Chinese verse 'pearl on a jade plate.' Completed in 1994, the Oriental Pearl was the tallest structure in China for three years before being surpassed by Jin Mao Tower.
It remains one of Shanghai's most recognisable landmarks despite the taller towers now surrounding it in Lujiazui..
The honest take
The Oriental Pearl Tower has been essentially surpassed as an observation destination by the Shanghai Tower (562m indoor) and was the Shanghai World Financial Center (474m, currently closed for renovation). At 351m, the top deck is the third-highest available observation point in Lujiazui - but its outdoor platform puts it in a different category from the two fully-indoor alternatives. Price unconfirmed at data collection.
Height in context
Elevation data
Deck elevation: 351m (1152 ft)
Floor: 0
Access type: Outdoor
Data notes
Height and floor data sourced from Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA). Ticket prices verified from official sources on 2026-05-03. Prices change frequently - verify before booking.
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