Views & landmarks
Shanghai World Financial Center
Shanghai World Financial Center
Located in the Pudong New Area, this 494-meter skyscraper is a primary landmark of the city skyline. Travelers visit the building primarily to access the observation deck, which provides a high-altitude view of Shanghai's urban landscape and the surrounding river.
Getting There
The tower is accessible from the city center via the Shanghai Metro. Depending on your starting point in the central districts, the journey typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. The nearest stations are within walking distance of the building.
Duration of Visit
Allow approximately 1.5 to 3 hours for a visit. This includes time for the elevator ascent, exploring the observation deck, and the descent.
When to Visit
Late afternoon is a common time to visit to see the city in both daylight and evening lights. The site gets crowded during national holidays and weekends. Visibility can be affected by smog or fog, which may obscure the view from the top.
Nearby Attractions
Due to its location in the financial district, several other landmarks are within walking distance:
- Jin Mao Tower: 0.1km
- Shanghai Tower: 0.2km
- Shanghai IFC: 0.5km
- Bank of China Tower, Shanghai: 0.6km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors