On a somewhat hazy Shanghai afternoon, I visited the top of Shanghai World Financial Center-the second tallest building in the world with the highest observation deck. From virtually everywhere in the city, you can see this massive “bottle opener” building, and I have become quite familiar with its presence from miles away on the elevated subway to standing within its massive shadow cast across Pudong. The SWFC is centered at the heart of Pudong New Area, overlooking the architecturally rich Lujiazui business district (home to the Oriental Pearl and Jin Mao Tower) and the equally impressive Bund, the west river bank home to ornate, Western designed buildings from the early 20th century. Even though the SWFC was designed by American architects and financed mainly by the Japanese, the building has become a symbol of Shanghai’s power and position within the world.
Getting out of the cab at the World Financial Center, it was difficult to take in just how tall the building actually is. I walked by the Empire State Building in New York every day this summer, which will always feel tall, but the SWFC is nearly 400 feet taller. Due to its shape, the glass building feels totally different from each angle and its curves give it the illusion of going even higher.
The building’s architects thoughtfully designed the observation deck as a tourist attraction and carefully integrated it into the building. With clear signs on the ground level, you start the journey to the observation deck by first going down a long escalator to the first basement waiting area to purchase tickets. The prices range from 110RMB (approximately $15) to go to the 94th floor to 150 RMB (approximately $21) to go to the 100th floor-I elected for the 100th floor option. You then enter a series of waiting areas that are staffed by well dressed, English speaking employees who were enthusiastic about their job in China’s tallest building. Since it was a weekday and somewhat hazy, there was literally no line; however, earlier this fall, I’ve heard of the line snaking around the block with people waiting well over two hours to go to the top.
Once through the queue, it takes two elevators and an escalator to get to the hundredth floor. You get off the elevator that features a Chinese style light show on the 94th floor; compared to most elevators in China, this was very smooth, quiet, and fast. The 94th floor features a large room with big windows that can be rented out for any event or promotion. When I went, there was a temporary gift shop with a weak selection of expensive souvenirs. From the 94th floor you take an escalator up two floors to the bottom part of the “bottle opener.” There are windows on the sides and the roof that opens up. It’s a pretty stark space, but great first impression of the views. On this floor you enter the final elevator to the 100th floor observation deck.
Getting off the elevator at the top of the “bottle opener,” it is a long, somewhat narrow space. The floor is reinforced glass that is shaded in areas but completely clear in other areas. The windows angle outward, so you have to lean to look down. For the first few minutes, I felt a bit sick-we were very high up. Photos do not do the views justice, especially on such a cloudy day, but the views were simply incredible. You could barely make out the people on the streets; all the cars looked the same; and it was very neat to see “new” Shanghai from one side, and the rows and rows of communist housing from another side.
For anyone coming to Shanghai, a stop at the Shanghai World Financial Tower is a must. It gives a great perspective on just how massive the sprawling, the ever metropolis of Shanghai is. The SWFC will only remain the tallest building in Shanghai for another six years, when the 2208 foot Shanghai Tower opens across the street.
Fascinating. I cannot begin to contemplate how tall the SWFC building is. I particularly love the images from the top (especially your reflection in the window). It must have been incredible.