Lujiazui is Shanghai's financial centre and its densest skyline. We combine the towers with an art museum, a courtyard, the riverfront and free viewpoints.
The skyline and its main landmarks
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- Shanghai's distinctive tower offers observation views across both riverbanks. We recommend its transparent walkway.
- The three supertalls
- Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower stand close together. We liken their silhouettes to a whisk, bottle opener and syringe.
- Museum of Art Pudong
- We highlight the rooftop terrace and framed Oriental Pearl view for sunset and evening photography, as well as the exhibitions.
A courtyard and the riverside
- Wu Changshuo Memorial
- A Chinese courtyard among the towers, with an old-and-new skyline composition from its patio. Entry has been free; confirm current access.
- Lujiazui Riverside Promenade
- A flat riverside walk for watching boats and looking across to the Bund, recommended in the early morning or evening.
Free skyline viewpoints
- Line 2 station, exit 6 escalator
- The exit 6 escalator gradually reveals the three supertalls, creating a natural skyline reveal.
- Grand Hyatt entrance plaza
- We recommend placing a phone low to the ground with a 0.5× wide lens for a dramatic upward view.
- Dongtai Road and Huayuanshiqiao Road
- A popular low-angle wide-lens viewpoint. Keep equipment and yourself out of the road and other people's way.
- Circular pedestrian bridge
- From exit 6, use the bridge railings as foreground for a combined view of the supertalls and Oriental Pearl Tower.
A river-to-river day
- Morning: Lujiazui
- Start at Lujiazui station, photograph the towers from the bridge and Dongtai Road, then continue to the Museum of Art Pudong.
- Midday: ferry
- We recommend the CNY 2 Dongjin ferry from Dongchang Road to Jinling East Road, approximately ten minutes, with river views along the way.
- Afternoon and evening: the Bund
- Walk the Bund promenade past the historic buildings and Peace Hotel, browse East Nanjing Road and stay for the evening lights. We recommend taking the ferry back from the Bund to Lujiazui for a final view of both illuminated riverbanks.
Transport, timing and ticket choices
- Metro and pickup points
- Use Lujiazui station on Lines 2 or 14, exit 6. For a car, we recommend the Grand Hyatt or the Dongtai/Huayuanshiqiao junction as navigation points.
- Check ferry times
- For reference, 07:00–18:30 for the Dongjin line and later operation on some other routes. Check the exact current timetable.
- Lighting and ticket trade-offs
- Lights have been listed from 18:00–22:00; we recommend the blue hour after sunset. Observation decks cost extra, while the free viewpoints suffice for exterior photographs. Decline unsolicited paid photographers.
- Walking
- Expect substantial walking and wear comfortable shoes. Prioritize safety over clothing or a low-angle photograph.