Shanghai Tower: 118th Floor Observation Deck & Fastest Elevator

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Duration1h–3h

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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.

1h–3h

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.