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.

Jinmao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center

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

Behind it and under construction, you see the Shanghai World Financial Center which topped out in 2007 at 492 meters (1,614 feet) to surpass the Jinmao Tower and become China's tallest building and second tallest in the world after Taipei's 101 Tower.

(The Burj Dubai, currently under construction, is set to become the world's tallest building upon completion by the end of 2008)

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

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By the time this pictures and video clips are posted, the Shanghai skyline might look completely different! So apologies in advance and if you have been to Shanghai recently, feel free to send in a picture and show us how it looks now! Share your pictures and stories here