9 of the Best Views in Shanghai and Where To Find Them

It may not be the highest of the Shanghai observation decks but The Stage, a converted helipad, offers dizzying 360-degree vistas in a city where open-air observation decks are few and far between. Poised an impressive 1,050 feet (320 meters) above the city, it’s on The Bund (Waitan) side of the river, enabling you to enjoy both historic waterfront architecture and the high-tech skyscrapers of Luijiazui. It's one of the best photo spots in Shanghai, but there’s only glass paneling to shield you from the drop, so it’s not for folks with a fear of heights.

The Shanghai Tower is only Earth’s third tallest building, but the Top of Shanghai maintains its title as the planet’s highest observation deck, standing 1,841 feet (561 meters) above the city on the 118th floor. Here, elevators whisk you up at spectacular speeds, while Shanghai panoramic views extend along the river over a whirl of sparkling lights. Top of Shanghai tickets include an informative gallery, with skyline displays and architectural info, plus a light art extravaganza even higher up the tower.

If you prefer your scenic spots in Shanghai to include space to sit in comfort with a steak and an icy cold drink, 100 Century Avenue Steakhouse at the Park Hyatt Shanghai offers sweeping views across Lujiazui, The Bund, and the Huangpu River from the 91st floor. Now that the observation deck has closed, it’s your best option for enjoying the nighttime vistas from the SWFC, which include the Oriental Pearl Tower and the river.

When it comes to the question of where to see the Shanghai cityscape, the Jin Mao Tower offers maximum thrills. The observation deck on the 88th floor is one of the city’s largest, but it’s the Skywalk that draws travelers with a sense of adventure. A vertiginous open-air glass platform with not so much as a rail between you and the elements, it lets you pose in a safety harness hanging out above the city. Do note that height, weight, and age restrictions apply; the Skywalk closes in bad weather; and you can’t bring your own phone or camera.

Flair Rooftop’s name is appropriate—its 58th-floor outdoor patio means it’s actually a rooftop, not just a sky-high bar. In fact, it’s the highest of the Shanghai rooftop bars with views. Here, inventive contemporary cocktails, mocktails, and bar snacks pair with picture-perfect views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the river for a memorable night out, although be aware that many travelers come just for the selfie. There’s also an indoor area if the weather doesn’t go to plan.

Positioned on the 29th floor, Roof (The Shanghai Edition) doesn’t offer the sky-high vistas of some of its competitors on the Pudong side of the river. But this elegant rooftop space, complete with ivy-covered trellis, privet hedges, and classy neutrals, delivers views straight across the river to the skyline you’ve seen in Skyfall and beyond. To complete the English country garden feel, there’s even an area for croquet and lawn bowling.

Shanghai sprung up around the Huangpu River, and a classic river cruise is a great way to discover the shape of the city. Shanghai night cruises let you admire both The Bund and Lujiazui decked in their evening lights, while the scale of the skyscrapers becomes even clearer when seen from the water. Dinner cruises typically include a Chinese buffet, but many travelers opt for packages that pair a cruise with a street food tour or a sit-down dinner of specialties from Sichuan, Xinjiang, or beyond.

Travelers on a budget will be pleased to know that one of the best Shanghai sightseeing viewpoints is completely free. The Bund, the historic waterfront promenade that’s at the heart of Shanghai, offers glorious views across the water to Lujiazui’s towers. Sunset on the Bund is a great time for photoshoots, as you can pose first during golden hour, then again when the skyline lights up for the night—or join a local professional to perfect your night shots on a photography tour.

With its double bubble and soaring spire, the Oriental Pearl Tower remains the most distinctive building on the Shanghai skyline more than 30 years after its construction. Picking this as your Shanghai viewpoint means missing out on the tower itself—but with that said, the Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, set 876 feet (267 meters) above the city, offers the chance to take in 360-degree views without lifting a finger, while the glass-bottom observation deck delivers giddying views of the city below.