Atlas of China
Lujiazui 陆家嘴Lùjiāzuǐ
Shanghai's skyline in a loop of river: spheres, a twisting tower and the Bund opposite
- Best time
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Days to budget
- Half a day
- Stay in
- Shanghai
- Region
- Shanghai
- Type
- City
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area
Why go to Lujiazui
Lujiazui is the financial district on a bend of the Huangpu in Pudong, home to the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower and the twisting Shanghai Tower. The 468-metre Oriental Pearl Tower, opened in 1995, has spheres strung on concrete columns, with an outdoor viewing corridor in the lower sphere and a glass-floored walkway at 259 metres in the upper sphere. From the riverfront here you look straight across the water at the Bund.
The story
Until the early 1990s Lujiazui was mostly low houses, warehouses and factories; the development of Pudong was officially announced in 1990, with a new financial and trading centre planned here. The Oriental Pearl Tower, completed in 1994, was the first landmark; its designers say the spheres were inspired by a Tang poem by Bai Juyi, in which pipa notes fall like pearls on a jade plate.
What to see at Lujiazui
- Oriental Pearl Tower 东方明珠广播电视塔: The 468-metre TV tower with its spheres on columns; lifts reach observation levels, an outdoor corridor in the lower sphere and a glass-floored walkway at 259 metres in the upper sphere.
- Jin Mao Tower 金茂大厦: A tiered tower finished in 1999, 420.5 metres high and 88 storeys tall, with stepped profile inspired by a pagoda; the Grand Hyatt hotel occupies the upper floors.
- Shanghai Tower 上海中心大厦: At 632 metres China's tallest building, with a 120-degree twist; the 118th-floor Top of Shanghai deck sits at 546 metres, one of the highest in the world.
- Riverside promenade 滨江大道: The Pudong waterfront looks straight across the Huangpu at the Bund's historic façades, best at sunset.
How to visit Lujiazui
Come out of Lujiazui station and walk to the three towers, which stand close together; the river promenade is a few minutes away. Choose one observation deck: the Oriental Pearl's quirky spheres, or Shanghai Tower's much higher deck. A half-day covers the towers and the riverfront; add the Bund on the other bank for an evening.
How to get to Lujiazui
Metro Lines 2 and 14 stop at Lujiazui station, a short walk from the Oriental Pearl Tower. It is one stop by Line 2 from the East Nanjing Road station on the Bund side.
Where to stay
Stay in Pudong around Lujiazui for the views, or cross the river to the Bund and East Nanjing Road for easier access to the old streets and more food.
What to eat
- Xiaolongbao 小笼包: Thin-skinned steamed pork buns filled with hot soup, a Shanghai staple sold in stalls and restaurants across the city.
- Shengjianbao 生煎包: Pan-fried pork buns with a crisp base and juicy filling, eaten hot from the pan.
- Scallion oil noodles 葱油拌面: Noodles tossed in oil flavoured with slowly fried spring onions, a simple local favourite.
Tips for visiting Lujiazui
- Book Shanghai Tower's observation deck ahead for a time slot and bring your passport; large bags and suitcases are not allowed on the decks.
- Allow time for security checks at the tower entrances, and go on a clear day: on hazy days the view is washed out.
- Come just before dusk, when the Bund's lights are coming on across the river.
Nearby
- The Bund & Lujiazui Skyline 外滩与陆家嘴 under 10 km
1920s banks on one bank of the river, a sci-fi skyline on the other - Yu Garden & City God Temple 豫园与城隍庙 under 10 km
A Ming-dynasty garden of rockeries and dragon walls beside a Taoist city temple - Shanghai Museum 上海博物馆 under 10 km
Ancient Chinese bronzes, ceramics, painting and jade, now shown at Shanghai Museum East - Former French Concession 原法租界 under 10 km
Plane-tree streets, garden villas and shikumen lanes for Shanghai's best city walk - Shanghai Disney Resort 上海迪士尼度假区 20 km
Mainland China's first Disney theme park, with a castle, rides and nightly shows - Zhouzhuang 周庄古镇 60 km
Jiangnan's most famous water town, famed for its Twin Bridges and merchant halls
Also within 30 km: Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 上海海洋水族馆 (under 10 km), North Bund International Cruise Terminal 北外滩国客中心 (under 10 km), Jin Mao Tower 88th-Floor Observation Deck 金茂大厦88层观光厅 (under 10 km), Top of Shanghai Observatory, Shanghai Tower 上海之巅观光厅 (under 10 km), Holy Trinity Church 圣三一堂 (under 10 km), Shanghai General Post Office 上海邮政总局 (under 10 km).
On the map
Open Lujiazui on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Lujiazui on the map