Information
Landmark: National Museum of the RepublicCity: Brasilia
Country: Brazil
Continent: South America
National Museum of the Republic, Brasilia, Brazil, South America
The Oriental Pearl Tower is a television and radio tower located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It stands as a prominent feature of the Shanghai skyline.
Visual Characteristics
The tower measures 468 meters (1,535 feet) in height. Its design features eleven spherical orbs of varying sizes, interconnected by a central column. The spheres are constructed from steel and are illuminated at night with colored lights. The base of the tower is supported by three large columns.
Location & Access Logistics
The Oriental Pearl Tower is situated at 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is approximately 5 kilometers east of the Bund. Access is available via the Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, which is a 5-minute walk from the tower. Several bus lines also serve the area, including routes 81, 82, 870, and 961. Paid parking is available at the base of the tower.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Construction of the Oriental Pearl Tower began in 1991 and was completed in 1994. It was designed by the Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design and Research. The tower was built to serve as a television and radio transmission tower and to become a landmark for Shanghai.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can ascend to multiple observation decks, including the Space Module at 351 meters, the Observation Deck at 263 meters, and the Revolving Restaurant at 259 meters. The Shanghai Municipal History Museum is located at the base of the tower. The tower also features a small amusement area.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on multiple levels. Limited shaded areas are present within the tower's structure and surrounding plaza. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the tower and the immediate vicinity. Food and beverage options are available within the tower, including the revolving restaurant and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal city views, visit during daylight hours. Evening visits offer views of the illuminated skyline. The tower is open year-round. No specific tide requirements apply.
Facts & Legends
The design of the Oriental Pearl Tower is said to be inspired by a poem from the Tang Dynasty, "A Dream of the Red Chamber," which describes the sound of jade bowls and pearls falling. A specific tip for visitors is to book tickets online in advance to potentially reduce wait times, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearby Landmarks
- Shanghai Tower (0.8km West)
- Shanghai World Financial Center (0.6km West)
- Jin Mao Tower (0.5km West)
- The Bund (5km West)
- Yu Garden (6km Southwest)