Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

Address No. 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Hours 09:00–21:00 (Last entry at 20:00)
Phone +86 21 3867 2008
Announcement: Skyscraper
Entrance ¥180
Hours 09:00–21:00 (Last...
Best Season Late afternoon to...
Time needed 1.5-2 hours
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Qiang Huang
Reviewer: Zekun Dong

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Overview

A supertall skyscraper in Pudong, instantly recognizable by its bottle-opener shape, offering one of the highest observation decks in the world.

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 09:00–21:00 (Last entry at 20:00)
  • Best season: Late afternoon to catch both daytime views and sunset/night cityscapes.
  • Ticket note: Tickets can be purchased online or at the ground floor ticket office.

Essential Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 21 3867 2008
  • Restrooms
  • Gift shops
  • Cafes
  • Wheelchair accessible

How to Get to Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

Metro Line 2 (Lujiazui Station), then a 10-minute walk via elevated pedestrian walkways.

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120 for medical emergencies; building security available on all floors.

Practical Info

  • No. 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
  • 09:00–21:00 (Last entry at 20:00)
  • +86 21 3867 2008
Qiang Huang
Qiang Huang
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Qiang Huang, a Shanghai-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Shanghai skyscraper and luxury shopping tour, culinary innovation tour, and West Bund art walk.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Tickets can be purchased online or at the ground floor ticket office.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Check the air quality and weather forecast before buying a ticket to ensure good visibility.

Reality Check

  • Visibility highly depends on weather/smog
  • Long queues during peak holiday seasons

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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (20)
VibezWithVic Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down the best view of Shanghai! I went at night and the glittering cityscape was unreal – felt like being in a movie. The elevator ride is an experience in itself (ears popped a bit but cool). The glass floor on the 100th floor gave me serious butterflies but I managed to walk across. I loved that you can see the Bund all lit up and the Pearl Tower changing colors. The whole place was clean and well‑maintained. Definitely the highlight of my trip. Pro tip: buy tickets online in advance to skip the line – we did and walked right in!

Coffee_And_C Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I’m a bit of a skyscraper nerd, and SWFC did not disappoint. The architecture is stunning – that trapezoidal opening at the top is iconic. The observation deck on the 97th floor (the indoor one) gives you a great intermediate view before heading up to the 100th. I spent nearly two hours just walking around, taking photos of the Oriental Pearl and the Jin Mao Tower from different angles. The gift shop has some cool mini models too. Only minor complaint: the coffee at the café on L94 was overpriced and mediocre. But the view makes up for it. Highly recommend going on a clear morning!

SunsetChaser Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely unforgettable! I timed my visit for sunset and it was pure magic. Watching the sun dip below the Huangpu River while the city lights gradually flickered on was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment. The 100th floor Sky Walk feels a bit gimmicky but the view from the 94th floor is simply breathtaking. Staff were friendly, queues moved fast at 4pm on a weekday. If you can, splurge on the combo ticket that includes the Museum of Illusions – it's a fun bonus. 10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Shanghai!

Travel_With_ Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid experience, but not without its flaws. The speed of the elevator is jaw‑dropping – 10 m/s! The 94th floor deck offers a great 360° view of Pudong and the Bund. However, we went around 2pm and the haze was pretty thick, so visibility wasn’t perfect. Also, I wish they had more seating areas; after walking around for 20 minutes my feet were sore. The skywalk on the 100th floor is a nice touch but honestly it's just a glass floor corridor – not as thrilling as the one in Tokyo Sky Tree. Worth doing once, but I'd probably pick the Pearl Tower next time for a different perspective.

Jenny_in_Sha Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit let down considering the hype. The view from the top is undeniably impressive on a clear day, but we paid ¥180 for the ticket and then had to queue for over 40 minutes just to get on the elevator. Once we got up, the glass was really reflective, making it hard to take decent photos without weird glare. The observation deck itself is nice, but it felt overcrowded and I couldn't find a quiet spot to just enjoy the skyline. For the price and wait time, I expected a smoother experience. Probably won't go back again.

Brett_Nomad Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I’ve been to several sky decks around the world, and SWFC stands out for its sheer height and the unique glass walkway. The view over Jin Mao and the Oriental Pearl is postcard-perfect. I spent an hour just walking around, snapping pictures. The cafe on the 94th floor is overpriced but the coffee is decent. Would 100% come back again.

Luna_Explore Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Easily one of the best skyscraper experiences I’ve ever had. The bottle opener design is iconic, and the observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama that’s just magical at night. I loved how quiet and spacious the top floor felt — not as crowded as other towers. The souvenir photo service was a nice touch too. Totally worth every yuan.

Mike_Adventu Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The 100th floor Sky Arena is insane — you feel like you’re floating above the city. I went on a clear morning and could see all the way to the Huangpu River. The staff were friendly and the elevators are super fast. Definitely a highlight of my Shanghai trip. Don’t miss the glass-bottom segment!

Jenny_in_SH Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great views from the top, especially at sunset — the way the light hits the Bund is stunning. But I found the indoor areas a bit cramped and the gift shop overpriced. The sky walk on the glass floor gave me a thrill, though. Overall a solid attraction, just wish they had more seating areas to relax and enjoy the view.

Travel_With_ Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Went up on a hazy afternoon and honestly felt a bit let down. The observation deck is impressive in height, but the glass was so smudged it ruined the photos. Also, the queue for the elevator was way too long — waited almost 40 minutes. For the ticket price, I expected a smoother experience. Not bad, but definitely not worth the hype.

Chris_Review Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A decent attraction, but not as impressive as I expected. The viewing area is spacious and the elevator ride is cool (ear-popping fast), but the interiors feel a bit dated – like it hasn't been renovated since opening. The glass skywalk is fun for about 5 minutes. For the price, I'd say it's a one-time thing. If you're on a budget, the free rooftop bar at the Hyatt nearby gives a similar vibe.

Luna_Explore Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Incredible at night! The entire city sparkles like a jewel. I went around 8 PM and the crowds were manageable. The highlight was stepping onto the glass floor and looking straight down – my legs literally turned to jelly. The staff were friendly and even offered to take photos for me. Only minor thing: the souvenir shop is tiny and overpriced. But the view alone is worth every penny.

Mike_Adventu Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit let down. The day I went was hazy so visibility was poor – not the building's fault, I know. But what really bothered me was how dirty the windows were. Tons of smudges and fingerprints made it hard to take clear photos. Also they closed the glass skywalk due to wind without any warning. Felt like I wasted 180 RMB for a cloudy view through dirty glass.

Sarah_in_Sha Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Good experience overall, but I think the ticket price is a bit steep for what you get. The elevator ride is super fast and the view is nice, but the wait to get up took almost 40 minutes even on a weekday. Also, the cafe upstairs is overpriced and the coffee was mediocre. If you have limited time in Shanghai, I'd recommend the Bund observation deck instead.

Travel_Junki Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down the best skyline view in Shanghai! I went up right before sunset and watched the city lights flicker on one by one. The observation deck is massive with floor-to-ceiling windows — felt like I was floating above the clouds. The glass-bottom skywalk gave me chills but totally worth it. A must-do for any first-timer in Shanghai.

Adrenaline_J May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Total thrill! The transparent Sky Walk on level 100 is not for the faint-hearted – standing on glass 474 meters up gave me a real rush. I even lay down on it for a photo. The view of the Bund from that height is breathtaking, especially when the sun hits the modern skyscrapers. Staff were friendly and the whole place felt clean and well-maintained. Best attraction in Shanghai, hands down! Will go again at night.

ChinaExpat_S May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Been to many observation decks around the world and this one holds its own. The speed of the elevator is insane – 10 m/s! Felt a slight pressure change. The highlight for me was the open-air glass corridor on 100F; you can lean out and see the street below. Hot tip: go on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds. The cafe up there is overpriced but the coffee is decent. Four stars because the entry fee is steep for what it is.

BudgetTravel May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, a bit let down. Paid 180 RMB for the top deck but the visibility was poor due to haze – could barely see the Pearl Tower. The indoor observation levels are nice but felt like just another mall with a view. Also the glass floor area is smaller than I expected. If you get clear weather it’s probably amazing, but on a smoggy day it's just overpriced. Service was fine though.

ViewHunter_M May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great spot for daytime photos. The glass floors on level 97 are thrilling – my palms were sweating! But I wish the windows were cleaner; there were smudges that ruined a few shots. Still, the 360-degree panorama of Pudong and the Huangpu River is unbeatable. Fast elevator, no queuing on a Tuesday morning. Would come back for a sunset visit.

NightOwl_Emm May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning! Went up around 7pm and watched the city lights flicker on. The 100th floor skywalk is a bit scary but the view is unreal. Took some amazing photos of the Bund and Oriental Pearl. Definitely worth the ticket price if you time it for sunset. The elevator ride itself is an experience – ears popped but in a fun way!

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