Even though the skyline of Shanghai is dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the most astounding towers in the world in our opinion, some magnificent skyscrapers have been built that can hold a candle to this remarkable structure.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous skyscrapers in Shanghai, buildings that you will come across if you plan to visit this sprawling city.
1. Shanghai Tower
It’s hard to deny the fact that the Shanghai Tower is one of the most amazing buildings ever constructed. It’s the second-tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa as it stands 632 meters (2,073 feet) above the ground below. The tower was constructed between 2008 and 2015.
The curving structure also holds another record as it features the highest observation deck in the world as well (together with the Ping An Center in Shenzen). This tourist attraction can be found at a height of 562 meters (1,844 feet) and offers astounding views of the city.
2. Shanghai World Financial Center
The Shanghai World Financial Center is an equally remarkable structure that is situated just next to the Shanghai Tower. It was completed between 1997 and 200 and stands 492 meters (1,614.2 feet), an incredible height that is remarkably significantly shorter than its bigger neighbor.
The building is commonly referred to as the “bottle opener” due to its peculiar shape and fascinating neo-futuristic design. The tower also houses a hotel between the 79th and 93rd floors called the Park Hyatt Shanghai, a pretty awesome place to stay in Shanghai.
3. Jin Mao Tower
The Jin Mao Tower was the first of the 3 supertall skyscrapers that were built in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong District of Shanghai. The tower was completed between 1994 and 1999 and reaches a height of 420.5 meters (1,380 feet).
This not height not only made it the tallest building in China between 1999 and 2007, but it also means that these 3 famous skyscrapers in Shanghai are the world’s first adjoining supertall skyscrapers, quite an incredible sight from the Bund waterfront area on the other side of the Huangpu River.
4. Xinjinqiao Mansion
Xinjinqiao Mansion is the official name of a skyscraper in Shanghai also known as the King Tower. The antenna of the tower reaches a height of 212 meters (696 feet) and it’s located just east of the historical center of the city in the Pudong District.
Even though it only features 3 stories, it was the tallest building in China upon completion in the year 1996. It held this record just briefly as it was surpassed by the nearby Jin Mao Tower a few years later. The remarkable design of this skyscraper makes it a fascinating attraction in Shanghai.
5. Tomorrow Square
Tomorrow Square is located just near one of the largest and most important squares in Shanghai, People’s Square, right in the historical heart of the city. This is in the Huangpu District of the Puxi area which marks the center of the city.
The tower was completed between 1997 and 2003 and stands 285 meters (934 feet) tall. It remains one of the tallest buildings in Shanghai today. Its remarkable design required support piles that were driven 80 meters (260 feet) into the ground to provide structural support.
6. Shanghai Wheelock Square
Shanghai Wheelock Square is also located in Puxi, the historic center of Shanghai. It’s another very tall building that stands 298 meters (97 feet) tall, something that makes it stand out in the area where it’s located in.
The tower was designed by the international architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates which is headquartered in New York City. It was completed between 2003 and 2010 and has won multiple awards for its magnificent design.
7. White Magnolia Plaza
White Magnolia Plaza or the “Sinar Mas Center” is located just north of the Bund, the amazing waterfront near the historical center of Shanghai. The construction of the tower was originally started in 2008 but wasn’t completed until 2017 after being suspended for a couple of years due to the financial crisis.
The original plan was to build a tower with a height of 388 meters (1,273 feet) but this was eventually scaled down to 319.5 meters (1,048 feet). Its location across the river ensures it provides amazing views of the 3 supertall skyscrapers on the other side.
8. Bank of Shanghai Headquarters
The Bank of Shanghai Headquarters is located in the crowded Pudong District of Shanghai, just south of the 3 supertall skyscrapers that dominate the city’s skyline. It was completed between 2002 and 2005 and as its name implies, serves as an office tower for one of China’s major banks.
The tower was designed by Kenzō Tange (1913-2005), one of the most influential Japanese architects in history who managed to blend Japanese traditional architecture with a modernist design. The tower’s antenna reaches a height of 252 meters (827 feet) above the ground.
9. Plaza 66
Plaza 66 is the name of a large commercial complex just west of the historical heart of Shanghai. It consists of two skyscrapers and a large shopping mall. It’s another project that was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates from New York.
Tower One was completed in 2001 and stands 288 meters (945 feet) tall while Tower Tow was completed 5 years later in 2006 and stands 228 meters (748 feet). The shopping mall consists of 5 levels and is one of the best places to shop in Shanghai.
10. Shimao International Plaza
Shimao International Plaza is one of the most famous skyscrapers in Shanghai because it is the home of “Le Royal Méridien Shanghai hotel” on its upper 48 floors. This hotel is huge as it features 770 rooms and suites, and is located right in the heart of Shanghai’s historical center.
The tower reaches a height of 333.3 meters (1,094 feet) ad was completed between 2001 and 2006. The complex also features a shopping mall that consists of 9 floors and various other entertainment facilities such as bars, clubs, and restaurants.
