Shanghai Tower: Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket & Meal

Unlocking Shanghai’s Skyline: A Review of the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck & Meal Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai and want to see the city from a bird’s eye view, the Shanghai Tower offers a memorable way to do just that. This tour promises to whisk you up to China’s tallest building with skip-the-line access, giving you more time to soak in the spectacular views and enjoy a meal on the 119th floor.

While the experience is undeniably impressive—offering some of the best vantage points in Shanghai—the tour also has a few quirks worth considering. The primary highlight is the fastest elevator in the world, whisking visitors to the 118th and 119th floors at dizzying speeds, making the ascent a thrill in itself.

This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a blend of modern architecture, panoramic cityscapes, and a unique dining experience at dizzying heights. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the Shanghai Tower tour offers a good mix of convenience and wow-factor for sightseeing.

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Good To Know

• Fastest Elevator: Reaching 118th floor in just a few seconds emphasizes Shanghai’s modern engineering.
• Panoramic Views: The observation deck offers 360-degree vistas of Shanghai’s skyline, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
• Meal at Height: Enjoy a well-curated meal or afternoon tea on the 119th floor, with options for lunch, dinner, or tea.
• Skip-the-Line Advantage: Reduces wait times, especially during peak seasons and weekends, making for a smoother experience.
• Family Friendly: Kids under 3 have free entry, while those over 140 cm need an adult ticket, making it accessible for families.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve with the option to pay later, plus full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey to the Top

Upon arriving at the Shanghai Tower, conveniently located in Lujiazui’s bustling financial district, you’ll find the process relatively straightforward. The tour includes skip-the-line tickets, which is a real plus during busy periods, allowing you to bypass long queues. As reviews mention, “You should arrive early for seats with a better view,” and during weekends, there can be a wait—so planning ahead is wise.

The highlight of the ascent is the world’s fastest elevator, traveling at 65 km/h, which takes you from the second floor to the 118th floor observation deck in about 55 seconds. The sensation is surprisingly smooth and quick, making the ride itself an exciting part of the experience. Some reviewers noted that “the elevator ride felt like a roller coaster,” adding an extra thrill to the visit.

The Observation Deck

Once on the 118th floor, you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of Shanghai, which is expansive and incredibly detailed. From here, the city’s skyscrapers, the Huangpu River, and the sprawling urban landscape unfold before your eyes. According to reviews, many visitors found the views “stunning” and appreciated the clear sightlines even during cloudy weather, thanks to the high altitude.

A noteworthy tip from travelers is to go up to the 119th floor to secure a number for the restaurant or cafe—a step that’s strongly recommended during weekends. This ensures you get a good spot for lunch or dinner, especially since seats with the best views tend to fill up fast.

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Dining at a High Altitude

The tour includes a meal option, with dinner starting at 18:00, and an afternoon tea from 13:00 to 15:00. There’s also a weekend lunch from 11:00 to 13:00, making it flexible for different schedules. The menu features appealing choices such as Garden Seafood Salad, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Salmon or Beef, and desserts like Chocolate Mousse Cake.

The reviews reveal that the food quality is generally good, with some visitors mentioning the soft drinks and red wine as nice touches. Among the reviews, one noted “the meal was surprisingly tasty for a tower restaurant,” emphasizing that the dining experience adds a nice touch to the overall visit without feeling overly touristy.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Timing is key: Arriving early helps secure a better view seat, especially during busy weekends.
• Line management: During weekends, there’s a chance of queuing, so booking ahead is wise.
• Kids and family: Children under 3 enter free, but those over 3 and under 140 cm require a child ticket. Kids over 140 cm need an adult ticket. Be sure to bring your passport for verification.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating travelers with mobility needs.
• Flexibility: The booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later, plus cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.

The Value of the Experience

While the $119 per person price may seem steep, it includes skip-the-line access, entry to both the 118th and 119th floors, and a meal or tea. The combination of convenience, exclusive access, and the opportunity to dine at such a height offers good value, especially during peak seasons when lines can be long.

However, the experience’s value hinges on your desire for a premium viewing experience combined with dining. For those who love skyscraper architecture, city panoramas, or enjoy a leisurely meal with a view, this is a memorable choice.

What the Reviews Highlight

One reviewer mentioned, “The elevator is so fast that it almost feels like flying,” which captures the thrill of the ascent. Others appreciated the organized process for securing a spot on the 119th floor, particularly on busy weekends. The food generally received positive remarks, though some noted that the choice is somewhat limited but satisfying.

Potential Downsides

Some travelers pointed out that waiting times can be longer during weekends, and arriving early is essential to avoid missing out on the best tables. Also, since the tour is located in a busy commercial district, expect some crowds, especially in the observation areas.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience caters best to visitors who want an efficient way to visit one of the world’s tallest buildings without wasting time in queues. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy spectacular views, dining at high altitude, and modern architectural marvels. Families with children over 3 will find it accessible, and couples or solo travelers will appreciate the opportunity to capture stunning photos of Shanghai’s skyline.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, all-in-one experience that combines sightseeing, dining, and skipping lines, this tour offers a compelling package. But if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more casual visit, you might find cheaper alternatives to explore the city’s views.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai Tower Observation Deck & Meal Tour delivers a sleek, modern way to appreciate Shanghai’s impressive skyline. The speedy elevator ride, panoramic vistas, and elevated dining experience collectively make it a memorable highlight for any trip to the city. It’s particularly suited to those who prioritize convenience, exclusive access, and a touch of luxury at height.

While the experience isn’t without its quirks—waiting during weekends and limited menu options—it remains a solid choice for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a unique culinary experience. The cost, when viewed as an all-in-one ticket for convenience, spectacular views, and food, is reasonable for a premium urban adventure.

For visitors wanting a bucket-list view, efficient service, and an unforgettable skyline experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to plan your visit during off-peak hours if possible, arrive early, and bring your camera for those stunning photos.

FAQ

Is it necessary to skip the line?
Yes, the skip-the-line tickets are designed to reduce wait times, which can be longer during weekends or peak seasons.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers admission to the 118th-floor observation deck, access to the 119th-floor dining or tea area, and a meal or afternoon tea depending on the time selected.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children under 3 enter free, but those over 3 and under 140 cm need a child ticket. Kids over 140 cm require an adult ticket.

Can I go up to the 119th floor without a reservation?
It’s strongly recommended to get a number for the 119th-floor restaurant during weekends, as seats are limited and fill up quickly.

What are the meal options?
Meals include items like Garden Seafood Salad, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Salmon or Beef, and dessert options like Chocolate Mousse Cake. Drinks such as soft drinks and red wine are available.

What is the best time to visit?
Early in the day or just before sunset can offer the best lighting and fewer crowds, but check availability for your preferred time.

Is there wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all travelers can enjoy the experience.

How long does the entire visit take?
The duration depends on your timing, but the elevator ride is quick, and time spent on the observation deck and dining will vary based on your reservations.

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, you’ll need your passport for verification at the entrance.

What should I do if I want photos?
The views are spectacular, so bring a good camera or smartphone, and consider arriving early to secure a better seat with a view, especially during busy weekends.

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