Overview
Lujiazui is located along the Huangpu River in Pudong, Shanghai. It is China’s first national-level financial development zone, with finance, insurance, and securities as its main industries. The Shanghai Stock Exchange is also located here.
When people talk about “Lujiazui,” they usually mean the core area of the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone. This area is relatively small, covering less than one-tenth of the entire financial and trade zone. It is located in the northwestern part of the zone, right beside the Huangpu River and directly across the river from the famous Bund.
With its concentration of skyscrapers, Lujiazui is often described as Shanghai’s iconic skyline.
Lujiazui was originally an alluvial shoal shaped somewhat like a mouth. According to local tradition, the Ming Dynasty scholar Lu Shen and his family once lived here, which is said to be the origin of the name “Lujiazui.”
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are good times to visit Lujiazui.
In spring, you can enjoy the flowers and greenery around the area. Autumn generally brings clear skies and pleasant weather, making it a particularly good season for enjoying Lujiazui’s urban scenery.
Things to Do in Lujiazui
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower stands 632 meters tall and was completed in 2016. It is China’s tallest building and is popularly nicknamed the “egg beater” because of its distinctive shape.
The tower features a spiraling, streamlined design that resembles a giant dragon rising beside the Huangpu River.
On the 126th floor is the Shanghai Eye, a 1,000-ton tuned mass damper, also known as the “Dinghai Shenzhen.” A spectacular light show featuring the damper is played at scheduled times.
This attraction is suitable for families with children and visitors who enjoy technology. An admission ticket is required.
However, keep in mind that what you see on this floor is an artistic installation rather than the damper itself. If you are traveling on a tight budget, I would not consider this attraction essential.
The Top of Shanghai Observation Deck on the 118th floor features 360-degree floor-to-ceiling glass windows. From here, you can look down over the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the surrounding skyscrapers.
An adult ticket costs RMB 180.
For the best experience, visit on a clear day. On cloudy or hazy days, visibility can be very poor.
The Duoyun Bookstore on the 52nd floor is another option for enjoying views from high above the city. Reservations are required.
If you want to watch the sunset and stay for Shanghai’s nighttime skyline, booking an afternoon session is recommended.
Despite its name, the bookstore does not have many books and is not really a place I would recommend for reading. You also cannot see much of the outside scenery from inside the bookstore.
To enter the observation area, you need to show a receipt for your food or beverage purchase. You can simply purchase a drink or a pastry.
Shanghai World Financial Center
The Shanghai World Financial Center is 492 meters tall and was completed in 2008. It is popularly known as the “Bottle Opener.”
Its distinctive inverted-trapezoid opening at the top was designed as part of the building’s unique architectural form. The simple, clean design gives the skyscraper a strong modern character.
The Sky 100 Observation Deck is located on the 100th floor, offering 360-degree views of Shanghai.
An adult ticket costs RMB 180.
Jin Mao Tower
Jin Mao Tower stands 421 meters tall and was completed in 1998. It is popularly known as the “Syringe.”
The building incorporates the layered proportions and rhythm of traditional Chinese pagodas. Its tiered, pagoda-inspired design contrasts with the Western architectural style commonly associated with supertall skyscrapers, bringing a distinctive sense of traditional Chinese aesthetics into Shanghai’s modern skyline.
The observation deck is located on the 88th floor.
An adult ticket costs RMB 120.
The Best Photo Spot for Lujiazui’s “Three-Piece Set”
If you want to photograph Lujiazui’s famous “Three-Piece Set” of skyscrapers, head to the intersection of Dongtai Road and Huayuan Shiqiao Road.
This location is roughly at the physical center of the three skyscrapers, making it a popular photo spot.
Oriental Pearl Tower
As one of the original stars of Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower has long been an inseparable part of Shanghai’s image.
Unlike the minimalist and modern supertall buildings that came later, the Oriental Pearl Tower has a rounded and lively design that gives it a softer and more distinctive appearance.
Surrounded by skyscrapers in Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower does not compete in terms of height or elaborate modern design. Instead, its unmistakable appearance has made it one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the city’s most iconic symbols.
It also witnessed the early stages of Pudong’s development and transformation.
Lujiazui Central Green Space
At Lujiazui Central Green Space, blooming white magnolias can be photographed together with the glittering Lujiazui skyscrapers and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
It is a pleasant place to enjoy a combination of Shanghai’s modern skyline and urban greenery.
Sunset Promenade
The Sunset Promenade is located beside the Huangpu River, west of the Power Station of Art.
In the evening, you can come here to watch the sunset over the river. After sunset, wait for the lights along the Bund on the opposite side of the river to turn on and enjoy the nighttime view.
Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal
From the Sunset Promenade, follow the riverside greenway south for about 1 kilometer to reach Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal.
If you walk at a relaxed pace and stop along the way, the journey takes around 20–30 minutes.
Taking the ferry across the Huangpu River at night is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy Shanghai’s nighttime river views. The fare is only RMB 2, roughly the price of a regular bus ride.
After boarding, head up to the second deck and enjoy the views along the river.
Once you cross the Huangpu River, you will arrive at the Bund.
Photos Shared by Visitors
Lujiazui can be viewed and photographed from many different locations, including the North Bund and the riverside.
Sunset is an especially good time to photograph the Lujiazui skyline.
Practical Information
Lujiazui is a public urban area, and most of it can be explored free of charge.
How to Get to Lujiazui
Take Shanghai Metro Line 2 or Line 14 and get off at Lujiazui Station.
Use Exit 8, and you will be right near Lujiazui’s famous “Three-Piece Set” of skyscrapers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Lujiazui skyscrapers light up?
The exterior lights of the three iconic Lujiazui skyscrapers usually turn on at around 7:00 PM and remain on until approximately 10:00 PM.
Where is the Disney Store in Lujiazui?
The Disney Store is located west of the circular pedestrian bridge and north of Super Brand Mall, near the intersection of Fenghe Road（丰和路） and Lujiazui West Road.