Located on the banks of the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, Lujiazui is the financial center and iconic cultural tourism hub of the city. Geographically, Lujiazui spans from Pudong South Road and the Ring Road in the east, Dongchang Road in the south, to the Huangpu River in the west and north, covering a total area of approximately 1.7 square kilometers. As a core landmark of Shanghai's Pudong development and opening-up, Lujiazui is characterized by its dense cluster of super high-rise buildings, a comprehensive financial service system, and unique riverside landscapes. It houses several skyscrapers among the world's tallest, with the Shanghai Tower reaching a total height of 632 meters, making it the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world; the Shanghai World Financial Center stands at 492 meters, and the Jin Mao Tower at 420.5 meters. These three structures collectively form the "Lujiazui Three-piece Set" urban skyline. As of 2025, the Lujiazui area is home to over a thousand financial institutions and dozens of regional headquarters of multinational corporations. It also integrates diverse tourism functions such as riverside leisure, urban sightseeing, and cultural experiences, welcoming more than ten million visitors annually, solidifying its status as the core destination of Shanghai's urban tourism.
History and Culture
The name Lujiazui derives from Lu Shen, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy during the Ming Dynasty, whose family once resided here. Additionally, the area lies at a bend in the Huangpu River, resembling a "mouth," hence the name. In modern times, Lujiazui was once a major center for light industry and a hub for wharf storage in Shanghai, witnessing the initial development of modern Shanghai's industry and preserving a small number of relics of modern industrial architecture, serving as important evidence of Pudong's historical context.
In 1990, the national strategy for the development and opening-up of Pudong in Shanghai was officially launched, designating Lujiazui as a national-level financial and trade zone. Since then, it has embarked on a transformation journey from a traditional industrial zone to an international financial center. Over the past three decades, Lujiazui has evolved from an area of farmland and old factories into a modern urban district integrating finance, trade, tourism, and culture. Its development journey is a vivid epitome of China's reform and opening-up, and it has fostered the unique cultural core of Lujiazui—the "Pudong Spirit" of daring to explore, innovate, and take the lead.
Today, while retaining its core financial functions, Lujiazui continuously integrates Shanghai-style culture and modern urban culture. Urban public spaces such as the Bund Riverside Avenue, various art galleries, and cultural exhibitions and performances have transformed Lujiazui into not only a financial hub but also a vital platform for cultural exchange in Shanghai, achieving mutual empowerment between economy and culture.
Main Attractions
Shanghai Tower
Standing at 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Lujiazui, the Shanghai Tower has a total floor area of 578,000 square meters and a height of 632 meters. Designed by the American architectural firm Gensler, it was officially put into use in 2016. With 118 floors above ground and 5 underground floors, the tower integrates office, hotel, sightseeing, and commercial functions. Its iconic "Shanghai Skyline" observation deck is located on floors 118-119, at an altitude of 546 meters. Equipped with the world's fastest super high-speed elevator (reaching a speed of 18 meters per second), it takes only 55 seconds to travel from the underground 1st floor to the observation deck. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai, making it the premier high-altitude sightseeing spot in Lujiazui.
Shanghai World Financial Center
Located at 100 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, the Shanghai World Financial Center stands at a height of 492 meters with 101 floors above ground and 3 underground floors, covering a total floor area of 381,600 square meters. It officially opened in 2008. Its most distinctive feature is the "wind tunnel" shape at the top. The observation facilities are located on floors 94 (423 meters), 97 (439 meters), and 100 (474 meters), among which the 100th-floor suspended observation corridor uses transparent glass floors, allowing visitors to directly view the urban landscape beneath their feet. It is a highly distinctive high-altitude sightseeing experience spot in Lujiazui. The tower also accommodates international financial offices and commercial facilities.
Jin Mao Tower
Located at 88 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, the Jin Mao Tower has a total height of 420.5 meters with 88 floors above ground and 3 underground floors, covering a total floor area of 290,000 square meters. Completed and opened in 1999, it is an early super high-rise landmark building in Lujiazui. The tower integrates traditional Chinese pagoda architectural style with modern skyscraper design. The 88th-floor observation deck, at a height of 340.1 meters, features an open-air high-altitude viewing platform, offering a close-up view of the Huangpu River and the cityscape on both banks. The tower also houses the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, occupying floors 53 to 87, making it one of the tallest hotels in the world and setting a benchmark for the integration of business and sightseeing.
Bund Riverside Avenue, Lujiazui
Stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers from Dongchang Road Ferry to Pudong South Road, covering an area of about 100,000 square meters, the Bund Riverside Avenue, Lujiazui, is an urban riverside public space integrating leisure, sightseeing, and ecology. Adjacent to the Huangpu River and facing the Bund International Architecture Exposition across the river, the avenue is equipped with hydrophilic platforms, viewing walkways, green landscapes, and various leisure facilities. Visitors can stroll along the river to admire the Huangpu River scenery and the Lujiazui skyline, making it a popular spot for photographing Shanghai's urban landscape. It is open 24 hours a day and serves as the core area for leisure activities for both residents and tourists in Lujiazui.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Located at 1388 Huansha Road, Lujiazui, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium covers a total floor area of approximately 20,500 square meters. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction that officially opened to the public in 2002. The aquarium features a 155-meter-long underwater tunnel, one of the longest in the world, showcasing over 500 species and 10,000 aquatic organisms from all five continents and four oceans, including rare species such as the Chinese sturgeon and Chinese alligator. It serves as an integrated marine-themed exhibition hall combining display, popular science, and education, welcoming over 2 million visitors annually.
Shanghai Disney Store
Located at 180 Fenghe Road, Lujiazui, the Shanghai Disney Store (Lujiazui Branch) is the first flagship store of Disney in Mainland China, covering a floor area of approximately 5,000 square meters. The store features a comprehensive range of Disney-themed products, from classic cartoon character merchandise to limited-edition souvenirs, making it a popular destination for family outings and Disney fans. Its architectural exterior incorporates classic Disney elements, serving as a distinctive node of Lujiazui's commercial and cultural tourism.
Recommended Itinerary
Recommended one-day classic itinerary for Lujiazui: Arrive at Lujiazui Metro Station (Line 2) at 9:00 AM. First, visit the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (approximately 2 hours) to get up close with marine life. At 11:30 AM, head to the Bund Riverside Avenue and walk along the Huangpu River to the Dongchang Road Ferry section, enjoying the Bund and Lujiazui skyline. Take a break in the riverside leisure area for a light meal. At 1:30 PM, visit the 88th-floor observation deck of the Jin Mao Tower (approximately 1 hour) to experience high-altitude sightseeing. At 3:00 PM, go to the Shanghai World Financial Center to check out the 100th-floor suspended observation corridor (approximately 1.5 hours). At 4:30 PM, visit the Shanghai Tower to reach the "Shanghai Skyline" observation deck (approximately 1 hour) and enjoy the panoramic view of Shanghai during sunset. After 6:00 PM, head to Lujiazui Center L+Mall or the New World Department Store for dinner. Afterward, enjoy the Bund night view from the Bund Riverside Avenue to conclude the day's journey. If time permits, you can add the Disney Store and Lujiazui Center Green Space to create a two-day itinerary. On the first day, focus on high-altitude sightseeing and riverside landscapes; on the second day, focus on the aquarium and commercial experiences.
Travel Tips
- Best travel time: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), when the weather is pleasant and visibility is high, ideal for high-altitude sightseeing. For night views, it is recommended to visit on Fridays and Saturdays, when the Bund and Lujiazui light shows are more spectacular, running from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
- High-altitude sightseeing tips: Choose 1-2 out of the Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower to avoid redundant experiences. It is advisable to book tickets 1-2 days in advance through official platforms to save time waiting in line.
- Family-friendly travel tips: Prioritize the combination of the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Disney Store. The aquarium is recommended to be visited for 2-3 hours, avoiding weekends and holiday peaks, as the venue is less crowded at 9:00 AM when it opens daily.
- Photography tips: The best spot to capture the Lujiazui skyline is near the Dongchang Road Ferry section of the Bund Riverside Avenue. The optimal time to photograph the Bund and Lujiazui together is one hour before sunset ("golden hour"). For high-altitude panoramas, it is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens. The 118th-floor observation deck of the Shanghai Tower allows the use of non-professional photography equipment.
- Dining tips: Dining options in Lujiazui are relatively expensive. You can choose to eat at comprehensive malls such as the New World Department Store and Lujiazui Center L+Mall, or opt for light meals and coffee shops in the riverside area.
- Travel duration: A full-day visit (8 hours) is recommended to cover all core attractions. For in-depth experiences (such as hotel afternoon tea or detailed exploration of exhibition halls), a 1.5-2 day itinerary is suggested.
Notes
- High-altitude sightseeing notes: The observation decks of the Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower prohibit the carrying of flammable and explosive items and large luggage (luggage exceeding 20 inches). Glass walkway areas are off-limits to visitors wearing high heels. Children must be accompanied by adults, and children under 1.2 meters are eligible for free admission at some venues.
- Crowd control: During holidays (such as the Spring Festival and National Day), crowd control measures will be implemented in the core area of Lujiazui, with some roads possibly temporarily closed. It is recommended to check announcements from the Pudong New Area Cultural and Tourism Bureau in advance and travel during off-peak hours.
- Transportation tips: The Lujiazui Metro Station (Line 2) will implement passenger restrictions during holiday peak hours. It is recommended to exit at Pudong South Road Station (Line 14) or Shangcheng Road Station (Line 9) and walk to the destination to avoid congestion.
- Weather tips: High-altitude sightseeing is highly affected by weather. If encountering haze or heavy rain, visibility will be significantly reduced. It is recommended to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before traveling; the viewing effect is optimal when the AQI is below 100.
- Property safety: In crowded areas with many tourists in Lujiazui, please keep valuables such as mobile phones and wallets safe. In open areas such as the Bund Riverside Avenue, be cautious of falling objects from drones, kites, and other high-altitude items.
- Facility usage: Public facilities such as benches and restrooms on the Bund Riverside Avenue are free to use. It is prohibited to occupy public spaces for vending or camping; please abide by public place management regulations.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (Exit 1, 2, or 6 leads directly to the core area). Take Line 14 to Pudong South Road Station (Exit 4, walk approximately 800 meters to the Bund Riverside Avenue). Take Line 9 to Shangcheng Road Station (Exit 1, walk approximately 1 kilometer to the Lujiazui Central Area).
- Bus: Bus routes in the Lujiazui area include Routes 81, 82, 583, 799, 939, 961, etc. Key bus stops are Lujiazui Ring Road Fenghe Road Station and Lujiazui Metro Station, which provide direct access to various attractions.
- Ferry: Take the East Jin Line ferry from the Jinling East Road Ferry in Puxi's Bund to the Dongchang Road Ferry, which takes approximately 10 minutes. After landing, walk for 5 minutes to reach the Bund Riverside Avenue, offering a unique way to experience Huangpu River transportation.
- Self-driving: Parking lots in the core area of Lujiazui mainly include the New World Department Store Parking Lot, Shanghai Tower Parking Lot, and Jin Mao Tower Parking Lot. Parking spaces are in high demand during holidays; it is recommended to prioritize public transportation.
- Taxis/Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing drop-off points in Lujiazui are mainly concentrated at the south gate of the New World Department Store, the east gate of the Shanghai Tower, and the Dongchang Road entrance of the Bund Riverside Avenue. It is prohibited to stop and pick up passengers randomly on main roads.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tickets
Admission is free. Some entertainment facilities require separate fees.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.