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

Planning a trip to Shanghai isn’t complete without seeing its skyline from the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. This experience promises a quick, hassle-free way to access the observation decks, combined with a meal on the 119th floor. But is it worth the price? We’ve looked into it so you can decide if this combo ticket fits your travel style.

What we love about this experience is that it offers priority access, saving you from long lines, especially during busy weekends. Plus, the breathtaking views from the 118th and 119th floors are truly hard to beat—imagine 360-degree vistas of Shanghai’s skyline, all from the world’s fastest elevator. One consideration? The high demand during weekends can lead to waiting in line, and some reviews suggest arriving early or booking in advance helps secure a better seat with a top view.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine architecture, panoramic views, and a delicious meal, all with minimal hassle. It suits those who appreciate a bit of added comfort and want to avoid the rush of standing in line during peak hours. If you’re on a tight schedule or traveling with family, this may be a convenient and memorable way to tick off one of Shanghai’s must-see landmarks.

Key Points

• Fast Track Access: Skip the line with express elevators, saving up to an hour during busy seasons.
• Top-Notch Views: Reach the 118th-floor observation deck — the highest in China — for sweeping views of Shanghai.
• Dining at Height: Enjoy a meal or afternoon tea on the 119th floor, with options like seafood salad, mushroom soup, salmon, or beef.
• Family Friendly: Kids under 3 enter free, and ticket prices vary based on height and age.
• Flexible Options: Choose between afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner—available daily and weekends.
• Practical Tips: Arrive early for better seats, especially on weekends, and consider heading to the 119th floor first to secure a good number.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visiting the Tallest Building in China: What to Expect

The Shanghai Tower is a marvel of modern engineering and design, soaring 632 meters into the sky. From the moment you step into the building, there’s an undeniable sense of grandeur. The elevator ride is nothing short of spectacular — it’s the world’s fastest elevator, reaching 118th floor in just 55 seconds at 65 km/h. As you ascend, the city’s hustle transforms into a stunning, smooth panorama.

Once on the observation deck, you’ll be greeted with a 360-degree view of Shanghai’s skyline, the Huangpu River, and beyond. Reviewers frequently mention the “breathtaking” scenery, especially on clear days. The deck offers plenty of space to take photos, and the glass floors add a dash of thrill for those who aren’t afraid of heights.

The meal experience on the 119th floor is designed to complement the views. You can opt for afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner, with the menu including seafood salads, mushroom soup, salmon or beef options, and sweet treats like chocolate mousse cake. The inclusion of soft drinks and red wine adds a touch of indulgence. Availability varies: afternoon tea runs from 13:00 to 15:00, lunch on weekends from 11:00 to 13:00, and dinner from 18:00 daily.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Starting Point: The tour begins at the Shanghai Tower’s entrance in Lujiazui, Pudong. The check-in process is straightforward, especially if you’ve pre-booked your skip-the-line ticket, which reduces waiting time during peak season.

Elevator Ride: Once inside, you’ll hop into the express elevator that whisks you up to the 118th floor in less than a minute. Reviewers appreciate this part — many say it’s an adrenaline rush, especially for those who dislike waiting in lines. During weekends, it’s strongly recommended to go straight to the 119th floor to get a number for the meal reservation, which can be busy.

Observation Deck: The 118th floor has panoramic windows that offer an expansive view of Shanghai. It’s a perfect spot for photography, with many travelers noting the “spectacular skyline” and the chance to see the city in all directions. Some reviews mention that arriving early provides better seats and views, so plan accordingly.

Dining Experience: The 119th floor offers a unique dining setting — with windows framing the city below. The meal options include dishes like Garden Seafood Salad, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Salmon or Beef, and desserts like Chocolate Mousse Cake. Many find that the food is good quality, and the experience of dining with such a breathtaking backdrop is memorable.

Additional Tips: During weekends, travelers recommend arriving early, securing a number for the 119th-floor seating, and being prepared for possible lines. The tour includes a ticket to both floors, so you can explore the observation area after your meal or at your leisure.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating hovers around 3.6 out of 5, based on 35 reviews. Many travelers love the easy access and the spectacular views, with comments like “the best vantage point of Shanghai” and “the elevator was an experience in itself.” Others have noted that lines can be long on weekends, and arriving early helps.

Some reviewers pointed out that the meal was a nice perk, though not a gourmet experience; it’s more about the view and the novelty of dining at such heights. A common tip is to arrive early and to go straight to the 119th floor to get a good number for the meal reservation, especially on busy days.

A few reviews mentioned that the cost of $119 might seem high for some, but considering the combination of fast access, meal, and view, many feel it offers good value, especially if you’re short on time or want a hassle-free experience.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

For $119, you’re getting a skip-the-line ticket, access to the highest observation deck in China, and a meal at 119th-floor height. When you consider that the elevator ride alone can be a highlight, and the views are genuinely impressive, many travelers find this experience worth the price.

However, it’s important to note that during peak times, you might encounter lines, and arriving early or booking ahead is advisable. The meal adds a luxury touch but isn’t necessarily gourmet; it’s an experience focused on spectacle and convenience rather than fine dining.

In terms of value, if you’re eager to see Shanghai from above without the hassle of waiting, this tour packs in convenience, views, and a memorable dining experience for a reasonable premium.

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Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive early to improve your chances of securing a good seat and avoiding long lines.
• Head directly to the 119th floor to get a number for your meal reservation during weekends.
• Use the skip-the-line feature to save time, especially during busy seasons.
• Bring your passport; it’s required for entry.
• Be prepared for potential waiting times on weekends and public holidays.
• Consider the weather — clear days offer the best panoramic views.
• If you’re traveling with children, check the ticketing rules based on height and age.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for view lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and those who want a convenient, all-in-one visit to Shanghai’s skyline. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer priority access and enjoy combining sightseeing with a meal. Families with children over 3 years old will find it manageable, especially since kids under 3 enter free.

If you’re on a tight schedule, this tour provides a quick, hassle-free way to tick off a major landmark. However, if you prefer a more in-depth exploration or don’t mind waiting in lines, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai Tower skip-the-line experience offers a balanced mix of breathtaking views, convenience, and a memorable dining setting. For those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a spectacular perspective of Shanghai, this tour provides good value—especially with its fast elevator ride and included meal. It’s particularly suited to travelers short on time, families, or anyone eager to combine sightseeing with a special meal at lofty heights.

While it’s not a luxury dining experience, the overall package delivers a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and skyline. If you’re seeking a hassle-free way to see Shanghai from above, this could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Kids under 3 years old can enter free, but children over 3 and under 140 centimeters need a child ticket. Kids over 140 centimeters need an adult ticket.

Do I need to arrive early? Yes, especially on weekends. Arriving early improves your chances of a better seat and shorter wait times. During weekends, it’s strongly recommended to get a number for the 119th floor meal first.

Does the ticket include access to the 118th and 119th floors? Yes, the ticket covers admission to both floors, with the 118th being the observation deck and the 119th hosting the meal or tea service.

What meals are included? The experience offers afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner options daily, with menus including seafood salad, mushroom soup, salmon or beef, and desserts like chocolate mousse cake.

What is the elevator ride like? The elevator is the world’s fastest, reaching 118th floor in about 55 seconds, at speeds of 65 km/h. It’s an exciting start to the visit.

Can I visit during peak times? Yes, but expect longer lines; arriving early and booking in advance helps. During weekends, going directly to the 119th floor to get a meal number is highly advised.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket & Meal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, it offers a quick, scenic, and comfortable way to take in Shanghai from one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers.

You can check availability for your dates here: