Visit Shanghai for a taste of the high life

The vibrant Chinese city of Shanghai has undergone a massive building boom in the last decade, emerging as one of the country’s most popular cities and attracting tourists from all over the world, many coming to get a taste of the city’s high life – its tall skyscrapers and towers. The most iconic of them is the Oriental Pearl Tower which totally dominates the Shanghai skyline. It is the highest tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world. Standing next to the Huangpu River in the futuristic Pudong area of the city, the tower contains 11 differently sized spheres and is supported by three massive external columns. The views over Shanghai from the highest viewing level of 1,148 feet are said to be spectacular, but that level is normally reserved for special occasions and visiting dignitaries, however there are 14 other lower observatories up the length of the tower that also offer superb views of the city.

The Oriental Pearl features a revolving restaurant and for those who wish to experience high-rise living, accommodation is also available; but as there are only 20 rooms in the Space Hotel anyone wishing to stay there must book early. This symbol of Shanghai is very popular with visitors and its best to visit on weekdays as the queues at weekends can be quite lengthy. Although it is undoubtedly the symbol of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower is almost matched in height by the futuristic Jin Mao skyscraper. At only 155 feet lower it is a massive 88-storey building which contains shops and offices as well as the world’s highest hotel — The Shanghai Grand Hyatt — which occupies the top 38 floors, excluding the very top floor. The Jin Mao, clad in aluminium, steel and glass boasts the world’s highest bar — Cloud 9, situated on the 87th floor, just one level below the observation deck at the top of the building.

The views from the 1,520m Skywalk are far superior to those available from the plane on flights to Shanghai airport, and many prefer them to the vista that can be enjoyed at the Oriental Pearl Tower. But, both the Pearl and the Jin Mao are dwarfed by the brand new Shanghai World Financial Centre which stands at a height of 1,614 feet and is due to be officially opened in 2008 as the tallest building in China. Looking rather like a giant bottle opener the building is smooth and sleek, in stark contrast to its close neighbour the Jin Mao, which is a futuristic angular blend of traditional oriental and modern architecture. Of course there is much more on offer than just tall buildings in the fabulous city of Shanghai, but as three of the countries tallest dominate the skyline it is difficult to ignore them. The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.