Discover the stunning Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, a must-visit attraction in Shanghai’s Pudong New District. Standing at an impressive height of 468 meters, it’s renowned as one of Shanghai’s ‘Top Ten New Landscapes’. Positioned between the Yangpu Bridge to the Northeast and the Nanpu Bridge to the southwest, the tower is a captivating sight.
The tower, commissioned in 1991 and completed in 1994, is the 6th tallest in the world and the 2nd tallest television tower in China. It blends ancient architectural concepts with modern facilities, amenities, and recreational activities, making it a unique tourist destination. **Structure of the Tower**: The tower’s distinctive architectural design features 11 steel spheres and 3 columns, creating a view that seems to reach from the green grass to the blue skies. It rests on green lands, resembling shining pearls on a jade platter. The base is supported by three slanting stanchions, 7 meters wide and slanted. The spheres are connected by 9-meter wide columns. The main parts include the 3 main columns and the 3 gigantic pearls: 1. The bottom ball, with a 50-meter diameter, is 90 meters above the ground. 2. The upper ball, known as the middle pearl, has a 45-meter diameter and stands 259 meters above the ground. 3. The topmost pearl, called the ‘Space Capsule’, is 350 meters above ground level with a 14-meter diameter. 4. The antenna spire at the top broadcasts television and radio programs, extending the tower’s height to 468 meters. **Attractions You Must Check Out**: The tower houses numerous attractions, including the Municipal History Museum, Sightseeing Corridor, Observation Levels, the Space Capsule, the Revolving Restaurant, and the Oriental Pearl Science Fantasy World and Game City. **Best View Points**: Enjoy the best views of the TV Tower from cruising on the Huangpu River, The Bund View, and the view from Pudong Park. **Where You Can Eat Around The Oriental Pearl Tower**: Dine at a variety of restaurants including the 267 Meter Revolving Restaurant, Coca-Cola Minipark, Coca-Cola Happiness Restaurant, Flower Bar, Chocolate Room, The No.8 Old Shanghai Restaurant, Iceason Global Flagship Store, and Starbucks Coffee. **Places to Go Shopping**: Shop for souvenirs and unique items at the Oriental Pearl Tower Souvenirs, Old Shanghai Street, Pearl Life Aesthetics Museum, and Shuter Life Shop. **Annual Activities**: The tower hosts various annual activities that draw crowds and add to the vibrant atmosphere. **Getting to The Oriental Pearl Tower**: Tips for reaching the tower and tour packages are available to enhance your visit. **Tickets and Tour Packages**: Information on tickets and tour packages can be found to make your visit more convenient. Show MoreThe Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower in Shanghai is a marvel of modern architecture, featuring 5 smaller spheres, a basement, and square levels, all interconnected by a transparent lift that provides a panoramic view of the city. Inspired by a Tang Dynasty poem by Bai Juyi, the structure’s design likens the pipa instrument’s sounds to pearls falling on a jade plate.
Your journey begins with a high-speed double-decker elevator that ascends 7 meters per second, offering an introduction to the TV tower in both Chinese and English. The tower is a hub of activities, with places of interest, recreational activities, and commercial spaces spread across its spheres and columns.
1. **Municipal History Museum**: Located at the tower’s base, this museum showcases the developmental history of Shanghai. An audio-visual presentation, along with displays of relics, documents, and pictures, provides a deep understanding of Shanghai’s rich history. The museum’s 6-part show covers old municipal constructions, street scenes, leased territory, urban economy, modern culture, and political changes in Shanghai.
2. **Sightseeing Corridor**: The lowest sphere features a state-of-the-art space city with a fantastic sightseeing hall. At 259 meters above ground, this corridor offers a 360-degree view of Shanghai through its glass-bottomed floor. The 150-meter walkaround provides the widest vision of the city.
3. **Observation Levels**: The tower boasts 15 observatory levels, with the highest, the Space Module, at 351 meters (1148 ft). The lower levels include the Sightseeing Floor at 263 meters (863 ft) and the lowest, Space City, at 90 meters (295 ft). At the 267-meter level (876 ft), there is a revolving restaurant with a remarkable view. The tower also contains exhibition facilities and a small shopping center.
4. **The Space Capsule**: Engineered to resemble a space shuttle, the space capsule greets guests with an astronaut-costumed person. Photos and videos educate tourists about outer space and the tower’s features. The Space Hotel, a 20-room hotel, is located between the two larger spheres.
5. **The Revolving Restaurant**: Diners at this restaurant enjoy a stunning view of Shanghai while dining. As the second highest revolving restaurant in Asia, it covers 1500 square meters and can seat 350 guests. The restaurant completes a full rotation every two hours, offering particularly spectacular views at night.
The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower is a remarkable landmark. Here are some facts and tips about it.
Business hours for the restaurants’ buffet are 11 am to 2 pm for lunch and 5 pm to 9 pm for dinner. It is advisable to pick a clear day for an unobstructed view of the city while dining. Reservations to the restaurant can be made through your hotel’s staff or by calling their listed telephone lines. The Oriental Pearl Science Fantasy World and Game City offers fun attractions. It has laser theatre, Disney theatre, bliss square, 3-D movies, hot air ballooning, a journey through a forest, and a trip to the South Pole. The Game city has the highest indoor roller coaster which breaks all traditional limitations. It is placed around the 90 to 98 meter level of the TV tower. Best View Points for the TV Tower: 1. Cruising on the Huangpu River: There are three cruises that can be taken. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes. The cruise starts every hour from 10 am to 12 noon, 2 pm to 4 pm and then at 7 pm and 8 pm. During peak seasons there are also cruises available at 5 pm and 9 pm. 2. The Bund View: Located on the other side of the Huangpu River, it is one of the most suitable places to view the Oriental Tower. There are several old architectural gems from different countries in varied and eclectic styles. Shanghai’s developmental changes can be seen when viewing these old buildings compared to the modern Oriental Pearl Tower. 3. View from the Pudong Park: Close to the Oriental Tower, it is a beautiful, quiet, and comfortable place to get good pictures of the tower. Relaxing on a park bench with a family is a great way to view the Oriental Pearl tower in all its glory and enjoy weekends. Where you Can Eat Around The Oriental Pearl Tower: 1. 267 Meter Revolving Restaurant: Enjoy delectable fare at the revolving restaurant. The night view with beautiful LED lights is breathtaking. The city’s neon display boards and flashy skyline won’t disappoint. Details about the restaurant: Serves Chinese Buffet and Western Food. Recommendations: Salmon, Lobster, Small Cake. Operating hour: Lunch 11 am to 2 pm; Dinner 5 pm to 9 pm.The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower is not just an architectural marvel but also a hub of entertainment and dining options. Here are some of the must-visit spots:
