Fang Wang
Let's cut to the chase. You're searching for the Jin Mao Tower Skywalk because you want to know one thing: is it just a tourist trap, or is it a genuinely unforgettable Shanghai experience? I wondered the same thing before I clipped into the safety harness. Having done it myself, I can tell you it's a unique rush, but it's not for everyone, and there are a few things nobody really talks about before you go up there.
The Skywalk 88, as it's officially called, is an open-air walkway on the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. You're outside, 340 meters (1,115 feet) above the bustling Lujiazui financial district, with nothing but a harness and a rail between you and the view. It's less of a casual stroll and more of a controlled, adrenaline-pumping perimeter check.
What's Inside This Guide
What It Actually Feels Like Up There
The experience starts inside, at the dedicated Skywalk counter on the ground floor of the Jin Mao Tower. You sign a waiver (standard stuff), and they weigh you. Yes, they weigh you right there. It's for safety equipment sizing, but it adds to the clinical, procedural feel that contrasts sharply with the raw thrill to come.
You take the express elevator to the 88th floor indoor observation deck first. The view from inside is already spectacular. But then you're led to a side door. This is the transition point. A staff member helps you into a full-body harness. It's bulky, and the leg loops need to be uncomfortably tight to be effective. They check it three times. That's reassuring.
Then, you step out. The first hit isn't the height—it's the wind. Even on a calm day, at that altitude, there's a persistent, cool breeze that wraps around the building. You're clipped onto a solid overhead rail with two carabiners. The rule is simple: at least one must be attached at all times. You shuffle along, facing the building, back to the void. The walkway is about a meter wide, with a solid floor, but your brain screams that it's a tightrope.
The view is, unsurprisingly, mind-blowing. You see the Huangpu River snake through the city, the Pearl Tower looks almost within reach, and the swarm of boats and cars below is silent. It's a powerful perspective on Shanghai's sheer scale. The walk itself is short, maybe 15-20 minutes of actual edge time. They pace it slowly for photos and to let the sensation sink in.
Getting to Jin Mao Tower: The Easiest Routes
Jin Mao Tower is in the heart of Lujiazui, Pudong. It's incredibly well-connected.
By Metro: This is the best way. Take Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. Use Exit 1 or 2. From there, it's a 5-minute walk. Exit 1 puts you right at the base of the skyscrapers. Look up, find the Jin Mao Tower (the one with the distinct pagoda-like tiers), and walk towards it.
By Taxi or Ride-Hail: Simply tell the driver "Jin Mao Da Sha" (金茂大厦). They all know it. The drop-off is under the tower's main porte-cochère on Century Avenue.
On Foot from the Bund: If you're coming from the historic Bund side, take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (a quirky, albeit dated, light-show ride) or, better yet, the ferry from Jinling East Road Pier to Dongchang Road Pier. The ferry is cheap, offers great views, and drops you a 10-15 minute walk from Jin Mao.
One pro tip: Avoid the area during the weekday morning and evening rush hours (8-9:30 AM, 5-7 PM). The Lujiazui metro station and surrounding streets get packed with office workers.
Tickets, Times, and Everything You Need to Know
Here’s the nitty-gritty, the information you need to plan your visit. I've put it all in one table so you can reference it quickly.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Skywalk 88 (Jin Mao Tower Skywalk) |
| Address | 88 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai |
| Operating Hours | 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Last Skywalk entry usually at 8:00 PM, but confirm on-site) |
| Skywalk Ticket Price | Approximately 388 RMB (includes access to the 88th-floor indoor observation deck) |
| Observation Deck Only | Approximately 120 RMB (for the 88th-floor indoor deck) |
| Purchase Location | Ground floor ticket counter. You can also check official WeChat channels for potential bookings. |
| Age/Height/Weight Restrictions | Minimum height is usually 1.4 meters. Participants must be between 30 kg and 120 kg. Not suitable for pregnant women, those with heart conditions, vertigo, or severe fear of heights. |
| What to Wear | Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. No heels, sandals, or slippers. Avoid loose clothing, long scarves, and skirts. They will make you change or refuse entry. |
| Weather Policy | The Skywalk closes in rain, strong winds, thunder, or fog. They usually offer a refund or a chance to reschedule. Always check the weather forecast before you go. |
| Photography | Personal phones/cameras are not allowed on the Skywalk. Official photographers take pictures, which you can purchase afterwards (around 100-200 RMB for a digital package). The indoor deck allows free photography. |
Skywalk or Standard Observation Deck? How to Choose
This is the biggest decision. Let me break down the difference so you can pick what's right for you.
The Standard Observation Deck (88th Floor Indoor)
You get the same elevator ride to the same incredible height. You're inside a spacious, climate-controlled floor with floor-to-ceiling windows. You can walk all the way around the building, take unlimited photos with your own phone, stay as long as you like, and enjoy the view without any harness or fear. There's a small café and souvenir shop. It's a relaxed, contemplative experience. Perfect for families with young kids, photographers, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the panorama in comfort.
The Skywalk 88 Experience
This includes access to the indoor deck, plus the outdoor walk. The value is in the adrenaline. It's a controlled challenge, a story to tell, and the photos are undeniably unique (you're in a harness on the edge!). It's for thrill-seekers, milestone celebrators (I saw a couple doing it for an engagement), or anyone bored of standard observation decks. The major trade-off is the lack of personal photo freedom outside and the relatively brief time actually on the edge.
My take? If you've never done anything like it and the idea excites (not paralyzes) you, do the Skywalk. It's a memorable Shanghai signature activity. If you're unsure, have a fear of heights, or are traveling with a group where not everyone would participate, the observation deck is still a world-class view and a fantastic experience in its own right.
Your Skywalk Questions, Answered Honestly
Is there a best time of day to go for the best photos?Standing on the edge of the Jin Mao Tower is more than a checkbox on a tourist itinerary. It's a physical conversation with one of the world's great cities. You feel its energy from a silent, privileged vantage point. The Skywalk 88 packages that sensation with a shot of adrenaline. It's expensive, it's brief, and it will test your nerves. But for the right person, it's absolutely worth it. For everyone else, the view from inside is still one of the best in Shanghai, no harness required.
Hands down the most thrilling thing I did in Shanghai. The moment you lean forward over the edge, your brain screams ‘stop!’ but your heart says ‘go!’ – such an incredible sensation. The equipment felt brand new and the instructors were calm and reassuring. I especially liked how they let us choose our own music for the walk – I went with some upbeat EDM and it made the whole experience feel like a scene from a movie. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Pro tip: go on a clear morning for the best visibility.
Booked the sunset slot and it was pure magic. The sky turned shades of orange and pink as we stepped onto the platform – my heart was pounding but in the best way. The staff encouraged us to lean out and take silly photos, which helped break the tension. There’s also a small interactive bit where you can see your heartbeat on a screen – neat touch. My only minor gripe: they should offer a small drink or souvenir photo included in the price. Otherwise, totally unforgettable.
I’ve done skywalks in other cities, so I had high expectations for this one. Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown. The views are nice, but you can get almost the same thing from the observation deck inside for a fraction of the price. The walk itself only lasts about 10 minutes, and for the cost it felt overpriced. Also, they rushed us through – barely any time to just stand and soak it in. If you’re on a budget or limited on time, skip the skywalk and just go to the bar on the 87th floor instead.
My first time on an outdoor skywalk and I chose Jin Mao Tower. The harness felt secure and the staff were professional – they checked everything twice before letting us step out. Standing on that narrow ledge with nothing but air below was surreal. The wind was fierce at that height, which added to the thrill. I loved how it felt like flying. The only downside? The wait to get up was a bit long (about 40 mins), but the experience made up for it. Highly recommend if you’re not afraid of heights!
I finally worked up the nerve to try the skywalk at Jin Mao Tower, and honestly, I’m glad I did. The view from 88 floors up is absolutely breathtaking – you can see the entire Huangpu River snaking through the city. The guide was super patient with my trembling knees and even took a couple of photos for me. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, though I wish the glass was a bit cleaner – some smudges distracted from the view. Still, worth every penny for the adrenaline rush!
Honestly a mixed bag. The staff were friendly and all safety gear seemed well-maintained, but the overall setup feels a bit gimmicky – you're walking on a platform barely wider than a sidewalk while clipped to a rail. The price is steep for what amounts to a few laps around the building. I’d give it a 3 because it's fun once, but I wouldn’t do it again. There are better skywalks in the world.
My heart was pounding the entire time! The harness clicks and the wind make it feel way more intense than it looks in photos. I'm not a big thrill seeker, but the guides were super encouraging and even helped me take a selfie leaning over the edge. It's a short experience, maybe 15 minutes, but the memory lasts forever. Would totally recommend for anyone visiting Shanghai.
Maybe it was just my luck, but we went on a hazy day and the visibility was terrible – barely saw the buildings below. The skywalk itself is narrow and the safety lines restrict movement a lot. Honestly, it felt less like an exciting walk and more like being on a leash. Not worth the premium if the weather isn't crystal clear. Save your money and just enjoy the indoor observation deck.
Loved the concept and the views were stunning, but I felt the whole thing was a bit rushed. They hustle you through the pre-walk briefing and onto the skywalk in a big group, so you only get about 10 minutes out there. For the price (around 300 RMB on top of the tower ticket), I expected a bit more time to soak it in. Still, the thrill is real and the photos came out amazing.
Absolutely worth every penny! The harness felt secure and the staff were super professional. Walking out on that glass path with nothing but air beneath you is a surreal adrenaline rush – I must have taken fifty photos. The view of Pudong from up there is unbeatable, especially around sunset. If you’re not afraid of heights, this is a bucket-list experience in Shanghai.
Honestly, a bit of a letdown for the price. The skywalk is well-maintained and safe, but it's really just a short walkway — nothing like the longer outdoor decks I've done elsewhere. The staff were friendly, but the whole experience felt over in 10 minutes. I'd recommend the observation deck on the 88th floor instead if you just want the view without the gimmick.
Booked this as a surprise for my partner's birthday and we both had an amazing time. The staff were incredibly patient with our nervous friend, helping her every step of the way. The views of the Huangpu River and the Bund are stunning. Only minus: the queue to enter the elevator took nearly 30 minutes, even with a reservation. Otherwise perfect.
If you're afraid of heights, skip this one — I was shaking the whole time! But for thrill-seekers, it's a blast. The wind really hits you up there, and peering down through the glass floor gave me butterflies. My only complaint is that they rushed us a bit at the end; felt like a conveyor belt. Still, a unique memory.
Decent experience overall, but I left feeling slightly underwhelmed. The skywalk itself is short — you basically walk a small loop outside the building. The glass is cloudy in spots, so the photos aren't as crisp as you'd hope. For the ticket price, I expected more time up there or a better explanation of safety gear. It's fun, but not a must-do.
Absolutely breathtaking! The view from the top of Jin Mao Tower is unreal. I did the skywalk at sunset and watched the city lights flicker on one by one. The harness felt secure, and the staff were super encouraging. A bit pricey, but 100% worth it for the adrenaline rush and photo ops. Five stars without hesitation!