There are very few famous towers that are such distinctive landmarks as this one.
In this post, you’ll discover the ultimate list with Oriental Pearl Tower Facts, an amazing attraction in Shanghai.
1. It’s located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the most prominent buildings in Shanghai, China. It stands majestically in a bend of the 113-kilometer (70 miles) long man-made river that flows through Shanghai, the Huangpu River.
The tower is located at the edge of Lujiazui in a district now referred to as the “Pudong New Area.” This region is world-famous because it contains the world’s only series of 3 mega-tall skyscrapers, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Tower.
2. It’s right across a famous waterfront promenade
The bend in the Huangpu River is really the center of Shanghai. Right across the Pudong New Area on the other side of the river, you can find the old city-center of Shanghai.
There’s also a famous waterfront area called “The Bond” which provides amazing views of the area with both the tower and some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Especially the views at night are astounding!
3. This is the tower’s complete name
The Oriental Pearl Tower was originally constructed as a TV Tower that is able to broadcast TV and radio programs. Therefore, the tower’s complete name is the “Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower.”
4. It took 4 years to complete the tower’s construction
The construction of the immense tower started on July 30, 1991. It took about 4 years to complete as the tower was officially opened in the year 1995.
5. It used to be the tallest structure in China
The tower consists of 153 floors and has 6 elevators which can bring visitors to the attractions inside the tower. The top floor is located at a height of 351 meters (1,152 feet).
One of the most interesting Oriental Pearl Tower facts is that it was the tallest structure in all of China upon completion with a total height of 467.9 meters (1,535 feet). It held this record from 1994 (when the tower topped out) until 2007 when it was surpassed by the nearby Shanghai World Financial Center.
At the moment, it’s the 5th tallest structure in the city of Shanghai.
6. There’s a massive antenna on top of the tower
Since the top floor is located at a height of just 351 meters (1,152 feet), this means that the height is drastically increased by the massive antenna that is located on top of the tower.
One of the most astounding Oriental Pearl Tower facts is that the antenna extends the tower’s height by a massive 118 meters (387 feet)! That’s more than double the extension as going from the top-level observation deck of the Eiffel Tower (at 276 meters / 906 feet) to the tip (1,063 feet).
That’s one big antenna, don’t you think?!
7. The core of the tower consists of 3 massive columns
With a structure like this, it’s paramount that it’s built on a solid foundation. What makes this structure so stable is the fact that its core consists of 3 massive columns that run all the way to the top.
These columns are each 9 meters (30 feet) in diameter and start from below the ground right into the core foundation of the tower. This assures that the concrete tower doesn’t budge.
8. 11 spheres give the tower its distinctive appearance
Even though the spheres aren’t as prominent in a structure as the Atomium in Brussels, the overall look of the tower is determined by its 11 spheres.
All of these spheres have different sizes and the largest ones are located in the center of the tower. The largest sphere (the upper) has a diameter of 50 meters (164 feet) and the second-biggest (the upper) has a diameter of 45 meters (148 feet)
9. You can get amazing views of the city from 15 different levels
Just like most of the other famous towers all around the world, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a tourist attraction that allows visitors to get stunning views of the amazing city of Shanghai and the Pudong area.
Another one of those astounding Oriental Pearl Tower facts is that it has a total of 15 different observation platforms! The highest one is called the “Space Module” and is located on the top floor at a height of 351 meters (1148 feet).
Other prominent tourist areas are “Space City,” located at a height of 90 meters (295 feet), and the “Sightseeing Floor” at a height of 263 meters (863 feet).
Another very popular attraction is the revolving restaurant at an altitude of 267 meters (876 feet).
10. The tower provides an amazing light show every day
In the People’s Republic of China, they give tourist attractions a grade. The Oriental Pearl Tower has received an AAAAA score from the China National Tourism Administration.
This means it’s considered to be one of the most important tourist attractions in the country. One of the most famous events that ever took place at the tower was the Chinese Live Earth concert on July 7, 2007.
One of the coolest Oriental Pearl Tower facts is that it also provides an amazing light show every day using different lights. This results in some stunning sights, that’s for sure!
