How long does it take to walk around Lujiazui?

A standard neighborhood stroll takes about 2 to 3 hours. This allows for walking between the towers, a brief rest in the Lujiazui Central Greenland, and a walk along the Binjiang Avenue promenade.

Is it worth visiting the Pudong skyscrapers?

Yes, it is highly recommended for the views and engineering marvels. Even if you don't go up to the observation decks, the scale of the buildings from the ground, especially the twisting Shanghai Tower, is a defining Shanghai experience.

What is the best time to see the Shanghai skyline?

The best time is around 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This allows you to see the towers in daylight, watch the sunset over the Huangpu River, and see the neon lights illuminate the skyline at night.

Can I walk from Pudong to the Bund?

You cannot walk across the river directly as there is no pedestrian bridge. However, you can take a 2-minute ferry ride from Binjiang Avenue to the Bund or use the Sightseeing Tunnel (though the ferry is cheaper and more authentic).

Which skyscraper has the best view in Shanghai?

The Shanghai Tower has the highest observation deck (118th floor), but many prefer the Shanghai World Financial Center for its glass-floor skywalk or the Jin Mao for its view into the internal hotel atrium.

Is the Lujiazui walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the area is very accessible. There are wide sidewalks, elevators at all major intersections and malls, and the circular pedestrian bridge is equipped with ramps and elevators.

Where can I find food during the walk?

The Super Brand Mall and the IFC Mall are located right next to the Oriental Pearl Tower and the metro station. Both offer hundreds of dining options ranging from budget-friendly food courts to high-end restaurants.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where science fiction becomes reality. This self-guided walk through Pudong’s Lujiazui district offers a front-row seat to one of the most rapid urban transformations in human history. Just three decades ago, this area was a marshy expanse of warehouses and shipyards. Today, it stands as the 'Wall Street of the East,' boasting a skyline that rivals Manhattan and Dubai. This neighborhood stroll invites you to weave through a forest of steel and glass, where skyscrapers don't just reach for the clouds—they pierce them. As you follow this walking route, you will encounter the 'Big Three' supertall structures that define the Shanghai skyline: the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the record-breaking Shanghai Tower. Each building tells a story of architectural ambition and cultural symbolism, blending ancient Chinese motifs with cutting-edge engineering. Beyond the heights, the route takes you through the serene Lujiazui Central Greenland and concludes along the Binjiang Avenue promenade, offering breathtaking views of the historic Bund across the Huangpu River. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this exploration of Pudong’s vertical jungle provides a unique perspective on modern China's economic rise. This walking tour Shanghai provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace, allowing you to linger at observation decks or enjoy a coffee while gazing up at these giants. Discover the engineering marvels that have turned Shanghai into a global metropolis on this immersive audio walk. While many visitors opt for a traditional guided tour Shanghai, this self-guided format allows you to bypass the crowds and focus on the details that fascinate you most. From the futuristic spheres of the Oriental Pearl Tower to the sustainable 'double-skin' facade of the Shanghai Tower, prepare to be dwarfed by the sheer scale of the 21st century.

Highlights

Stand at the base of the Shanghai Tower, China's tallest building

Admire the 'Bottle Opener' design of the World Financial Center

Stroll through the lush Lujiazui Central Greenland amidst the towers

View the iconic pink spheres of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Walk the Binjiang Avenue promenade for iconic Bund views

Learn about the neo-pagoda architecture of the Jin Mao Tower

Tour Stops (6)

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Standing 468 meters tall, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower was the first true icon of modern Pudong. Completed in 1994, its design is inspired by a verse from the Tang Dynasty poem 'Pipa Song,' describing the sound of pearls falling onto a jade plate. The tower features 11 spheres of varying sizes, linked by three massive columns. While it served as a functional broadcasting hub, it quickly became a symbol of Shanghai’s rebirth. Look closely at the base; the structure rests on a grassy plaza representing the jade plate. Its futuristic, space-age aesthetic was a bold statement of intent for a city ready to reclaim its status as a global financial powerhouse.

Jin Mao Tower

The Jin Mao Tower represents a perfect marriage between traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern engineering. Its tiered structure evokes the form of a classic Chinese pagoda, but its materials are strictly 21st-century. The number eight, considered lucky in Chinese culture, is woven into every aspect of its design: it has 88 floors, and its octagonal core is surrounded by eight exterior composite columns. When it opened in 1999, it was the tallest building in China. Inside, a staggering 33-story atrium starts from the 56th floor, creating a 'tunnel of light' that remains one of the most photographed interior spaces in the city.

Shanghai Tower

The crowning jewel of the skyline is the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world upon its completion. Rising 632 meters, its distinctive twisting shape isn't just for show; the 120-degree rotation reduces wind loads by 24%, saving millions in construction materials. This building is a marvel of sustainability, featuring a 'double-skin' glass facade that acts like a thermos, regulating temperature and reducing energy consumption. It is essentially a vertical city, divided into nine zones with sky lobbies, gardens, and shops. Its presence completes the 'Big Three' trio, symbolizing China’s transition into a high-tech, eco-conscious future.

Shanghai World Financial Center

Often referred to as the 'Bottle Opener' due to the large trapezoidal aperture at its peak, the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) was built to be a hub of global commerce. Originally, the opening was designed to be circular, but it was changed to a trapezoid to avoid controversy regarding its resemblance to a specific national flag. This 492-meter giant was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and remains a masterpiece of structural minimalism. The aperture at the top serves a vital function: it reduces the pressure of wind gusts on the building, allowing for a lighter structural frame. It stands as a sharp, diagonal contrast to the ornate Jin Mao next door.

Lujiazui Central Greenland

Amidst the concrete and steel of the financial district lies the Lujiazui Central Greenland, the largest open green space in the heart of Pudong. Spanning 100,000 square meters, this park was designed in the shape of a white magnolia, the official flower of Shanghai. It serves as the 'green lung' for the thousands of office workers in the surrounding towers. From the central lake, you get a unique 'worm's-eye view' of the skyscrapers, providing a sense of scale that is hard to grasp from the sidewalk. It is a peaceful sanctuary where the roar of the city fades into the rustling of willow trees.

Binjiang Avenue

Your walk concludes at Binjiang Avenue, a 2.5-kilometer riverside promenade. This is arguably the best spot in the city to witness the contrast between 'Old' and 'New' Shanghai. Looking across the Huangpu River, you see the Bund, with its colonial-era stone buildings representing the city's 19th-century history. Behind you, the neon-lit giants of Pudong represent the 21st century. The promenade is built on former wharf land and now features gardens, fountains, and open-air cafes. As the sun sets and the lights of the Bund flicker on, reflecting in the river, you are witnessing the pulse of a city that never stops moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Lujiazui district is the best way to see the 'Big Three' skyscrapers: the Jin Mao Tower, SWFC, and Shanghai Tower. This route covers approximately 3 kilometers and highlights the evolution of Shanghai's skyline from 1994 to the present.