Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai (must see)
The Jin Mao Tower, an iconic emblem of Shanghai's modern skyline, is a magnificent 88-story skyscraper that reaches a height of 420.5 meters (1,380 feet). Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, it comprises a diverse mix of elements including a shopping mall, premium office spaces, and the prestigious Grand Hyatt Shanghai Hotel, which occupies the 53rd to 87th floors. Remarkably, upon its completion, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai held the title of the world's highest hotel, a testament to the tower's ambitious design and engineering.
The Jin Mao Tower is a quintessential part of the Lujiazui skyline, harmoniously standing alongside other architectural giants such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Tower. This ensemble of skyscrapers, visible from the historic Bund, symbolizes the city's rapid development and its aspirations for the future. The Jin Mao Tower held the title of China's tallest building from 1999 to 2007, before being surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. In 2015, the Shanghai Tower joined them, forming the world's first trio of adjacent supertall skyscrapers, each taller and more ambitious than the last.
The architectural design of the Jin Mao Tower, crafted by the renowned Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), is a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics. The building's postmodern form is inspired by the ancient tiered pagoda, featuring a series of setbacks that create a rhythmic pattern as the tower ascends towards the sky. Its design intricately weaves the number 8, a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture, into its structural and thematic elements. The tower has 88 floors, cleverly divided into 16 segments, each decreasing in height by 1/8 relative to the 16-story base, showcasing a fusion of modern engineering and cultural tribute.
Why You Should Visit:
It is one of the more interesting buildings architecturally in the area and you can get an up-close view of it from the high-story windows.
On top of that, it is immediately surrounded by some of the tallest buildings in the world, so you get to see those up close as well.
Tip:
Make sure you go downstairs upon entering the building to reach the observation elevator but don't be too focused on the exterior views to miss the view inside down 88 floors, which is amazing!
The Jin Mao Tower is a quintessential part of the Lujiazui skyline, harmoniously standing alongside other architectural giants such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Tower. This ensemble of skyscrapers, visible from the historic Bund, symbolizes the city's rapid development and its aspirations for the future. The Jin Mao Tower held the title of China's tallest building from 1999 to 2007, before being surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. In 2015, the Shanghai Tower joined them, forming the world's first trio of adjacent supertall skyscrapers, each taller and more ambitious than the last.
The architectural design of the Jin Mao Tower, crafted by the renowned Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), is a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics. The building's postmodern form is inspired by the ancient tiered pagoda, featuring a series of setbacks that create a rhythmic pattern as the tower ascends towards the sky. Its design intricately weaves the number 8, a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture, into its structural and thematic elements. The tower has 88 floors, cleverly divided into 16 segments, each decreasing in height by 1/8 relative to the 16-story base, showcasing a fusion of modern engineering and cultural tribute.
Why You Should Visit:
It is one of the more interesting buildings architecturally in the area and you can get an up-close view of it from the high-story windows.
On top of that, it is immediately surrounded by some of the tallest buildings in the world, so you get to see those up close as well.
Tip:
Make sure you go downstairs upon entering the building to reach the observation elevator but don't be too focused on the exterior views to miss the view inside down 88 floors, which is amazing!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Jin Mao Tower on Map
Sight Name: Jin Mao Tower
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...