The Jin Mao Tower was the first of Lujiazui's great skyscrapers to be finished, and it still looks like nothing else around it. Its stepped, tapering profile borrows from the tiers of a Chinese pagoda, and the number eight, a lucky number in Chinese culture, runs through its design, from the 88 floors to the proportions of its sections. The public observation deck sits on the 88th floor, high above the Huangpu River, with floor-to-ceiling glass on every side. From here you look across at the Oriental Pearl Tower and down on the curved glass spire of the Shanghai Tower, while to the west the Bund and the old city spread out in a grey and gold patchwork of roofs. Because the deck is lower than the Shanghai Tower's, you are closer to street life, and you can pick out ferries on the river, the grid of the Bund's historic buildings and the long ribbon of the elevated roads. It is a good choice for visitors who want a skyline view without the longest queues, and it works well at dusk, when the city shifts from daylight to lights. The tower is also home to a hotel in its upper floors, which gives the building a refined, quiet feel in the lobby.
Why choose Jin Mao over the taller decks? Mostly for the atmosphere and the angle. At the 88th floor you are high enough for a sweeping panorama, yet low enough to see detail: the pattern of the Bund's rooftops, the movement on the river, the shapes of the towers around you.
The building itself is a landmark worth looking up at from the street, with its metallic, stepped silhouette and the way the sun catches the facade. Many visitors tour two or three decks in a single trip, and the Jin Mao is the most relaxed of them.
Working the visit
Go on a clear day, because haze can flatten the view, and consider arriving about an hour before sunset so you see the city in daylight, golden hour and after dark in one visit. Weekday afternoons are usually quieter than weekends and public holidays. Bring a light layer, since the air conditioning inside can be cool, and keep your phone close to the glass but not touching it to reduce reflections. The deck has seating and a small cafe area, so you can stay a while rather than rushing through.
Practical notes
The entrance is through the tower's own lobby, and you will pass a security check on the way in. The nearest metro station is Lujiazui, a short walk away, and the tower is close to the Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Center, so combining decks, a riverside walk and a meal in the nearby malls makes an easy half day. Check the opening hours and any maintenance closures when you book, and choose a timed entry if one is offered. The deck is mostly step-free, but check access needs before you go.
Who it suits
Anyone who likes architecture as much as views. Look at the lobby and the way the tower rises in tiers, and notice the repeated motifs that nod to traditional Chinese building. The deck is also a good place to understand the geography of the city, because the river curves in a way that makes the Bund's layout obvious from above.
What to expect
The experience
An indoor observation deck on the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower, with glass walls on all sides and views across Pudong and the Bund.
Best time
Late afternoon on a clear day, so you see the skyline in daylight and after dark.
How long
About an hour, longer if you wait for the lights.
Tips
Pick a clear day, go on a weekday if you can and combine it with a walk along the Pudong riverside.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a skyline view without the biggest queues.
- Families
- Fine for children who like views; the deck is enclosed and safe.
- Couples
- A good sunset stop before dinner in Lujiazui.
- Pair with
- The Oriental Pearl Tower or a Huangpu River cruise.
- Time needed
- About one to two hours including security and lifts.
Good questions
Where is the Jin Mao Tower?+
It stands in Lujiazui in Pudong, a short walk from Lujiazui metro station and close to the Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Center.
What floor is the observation deck on?+
The public deck is on the 88th floor, with indoor views in every direction.
Is it better than the Shanghai Tower deck?+
It is lower and calmer, with a closer view of the city. The Shanghai Tower is much higher, so many visitors do one or the other, or both.
When is the best time to go?+
A clear afternoon, arriving before sunset so you see both day and night views. Haze can reduce visibility, especially in summer.
Can I cancel my tickets?+
Cancellation terms vary by ticket type, so check them when you book.
