Shanghai Tower: 118th Floor Observation Deck & Fastest Elevator

The World's Second-Tallest Building Moves Faster Than You'd Expect

You take the world's fastest ultra-high-speed elevator to the 118th floor of Shanghai's tallest building and spend as long as you want on the observation deck, taking in 360-degree views of the city and the Huangpu River. The exhibition hall explains the tower's twisting design, and you can send a postcard from the world's highest post office. Bring a valid ID, and your e-ticket arrives by email the day before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Shanghai Tower and enjoy views

• Go to Shanghai Tower entrance
• Take elevator to 118th floor
• Enjoy panoramic city views

The experience

The elevator doors close and for a second you're not sure if anything's happening, then your stomach tells you otherwise. The Shanghai Tower's ultra-high-speed elevator reaches 65 kilometers per hour on its way up, and the ride to the 118th floor takes about a minute. It's disorienting in the best way. You're standing 546 meters above the city before your brain has fully caught up with the fact that you've left the ground. The observation deck wraps around the entire floor, so there's no "best spot": every angle shows you something different. The Huangpu River winds through the financial district below, and on a clear day you can see the older Shanghai skyline fade into the haze at the edges of the city.

The tower itself is built in a twisting spiral, and there's an exhibition hall on the observation deck that explains why through interactive displays. It's not a long walk-through (maybe fifteen or twenty minutes if you stop to read everything), but it gives the height some context. The architecture isn't just for show. The twist reduces wind stress on the building. After that, most people spend time at the windows or taking photos. There's a post office up here too, the highest one in the world, where you can send a postcard. It's a small thing, but it sticks with people. You're mailing something from 546 meters up.

Entry includes your admission ticket and elevator access. You'll need a valid photo ID or passport at the entrance. E-tickets arrive by email the day before your visit, so you can show it straight from your phone, no printing required. The site is wheelchair accessible, and there are public transportation options nearby if you're coming from elsewhere in Pudong. Timing-wise, you can visit whenever suits your schedule, though sunset and early evening draw crowds. The ticket is valid for the date and time you select, so you're not locked into a specific hour once you arrive.

What’s included

• Your admission includes access to the 118th floor observation deck, the ultra-high-speed elevator ride, and the exhibition hall explaining the tower's architecture and design.
• The world's highest post office is also accessible if you want to send a postcard.
• You'll need to bring a valid photo ID or passport.

Options for this experience

3 options

Shanghai Center Tour7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 21:00Meet the on-site staff at the entrance of the Shanghai Tower Mall, where they will be holding a flag, and collect your ticket there. Included: a live Chinese-speaking tour guide, a Chinese audio guide, and admission to Shanghai Center.

Shanghai Tower 118th Floor7 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 20:30Admission to the Shanghai Tower 118th floor Observation Deck, ticket(s) included

118th + 126th Floor7 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 20:30Ticket for the 118th Floor Observation Deck plus the 126th Floor Damper Interpretation

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 21:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (under 9)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Royal Smart Tourism

Is this one for you?This works well if you want Shanghai's best city views without arranging transport or timing yourself. The ticket is valid for your chosen date and time, and the observation deck stays open for as long as you need to take it in.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 9).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How fast does the elevator go?

The ultra-high-speed elevator reaches 65 kilometers per hour and takes about one minute to reach the 118th floor.

How high is the observation deck?

The 118th floor observation deck is 546 meters above ground. Shanghai Tower itself stands 632 meters tall, making it the second-highest building in the world.

What do I need to bring?

You'll need a valid photo ID or passport to enter. E-tickets are sent by email the day before your visit and can be shown on your phone.

Is there a time limit on the observation deck?

No. Your ticket is valid for the date and time selected, and you can spend as long as you want on the deck once you're up there.

Is the tower wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Shanghai Tower is wheelchair accessible.

What's the highest post office?

There's a functioning post office on the observation deck, the highest in the world, where you can mail postcards.

How do I get my ticket?

E-tickets are emailed to you the day before your visit. You can show it directly from your phone at the entrance. Printing is not required.