Modern Shanghai Skyline
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The most recognizable landmark of the modern Shanghai skyline is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It rises 1,500 feet (457 meters) on the Huangpu's east bank, in Shanghai's newest district of Pudong.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower holds up three metallic spheres that are supposed to resemble jewels:

• the largest and lowest is a dance hall and karaoke bar
  
  
• the next up is the rotating restaurant
  
  
• and the top and smallest "jewel" is the observation deck

There are some stunning views from here if you can get pass the layer of smog that seems to envelop the city permanently...

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Pudong, used to be farm land until not too long ago. In 1990, it acquired the status of Special Economic Zone and investment poured in. Pudong today has become a vast business district and China's financial center, with some of the highest buildings in the world.

Pudong is home to over 300 of the Global Fortune 500 companies (another 100 reside on the other side of the river) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Another skyline landmark is the Jinmao Tower, with 88 (lucky) floors, once the tallest building in China.

Behind it, is the newly built Shanghai World Financial Center at 492 meters (1,614 feet) it is now China's tallest building and third tallest in the world after the Burg Dubai in the United Arab Emirates which reached 512 meters in early 2009, and Taipei's 101 Tower with 509 meters.

Below is a short clip featuring the construction of the Shanghai World Financial Center, captured by National Geographic and the views available from the observation deck.

You can also get some great views of the Shanghai skyline by taking a boat cruise in the Huanpu.

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The Shanghai World Financial Center

Views from the Observation Deck:

On August 30, 2008 the Observation Deck opened, consisting of 3 different levels, the highest at 474 m (1,555 ft) above ground level. The views are spectacular:

Check out our Shanghai Map for these and other Shanghai Attractions locations and areas of interest.

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