Introduction
Shanghai Tower and Canton Tower stand as two of China’s most iconic architectural achievements, each redefining their city skylines and offering world-class observation experiences. Shanghai Tower, located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. Canton Tower, in Guangzhou, is the tallest TV tower in China and the third tallest freestanding tower globally. This comprehensive 2025 guide compares both towers in terms of design, visitor experience, ticketing, and unique features-helping you decide which to visit, how to get the best value, and what to expect from each urban marvel.
History and Background
Shanghai Tower
- Location: Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai
- Height: 632 meters (2,073 ft), 128 stories
- Completion: 2015
- Developer: Shanghai Tower Construction and Development, a consortium including Shanghai Chengtou, Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone Development, and Shanghai Construction Group14.
- Design: By Gensler, with a unique twisted form for wind resistance and energy efficiency110.
- Significance: Tallest building in China, third tallest in the world, and the world’s largest LEED Platinum certified building since 20151.
- Notable: Part of the “super-tall trio” with Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center1.
Canton Tower
- Location: Haizhu District, Guangzhou, along the Pearl River
- Height: 600 meters (1,969 ft), including a 150-meter antenna
- Completion: 2010
- Architects: Mark Hemel and Barbara Kuit
- Significance: Tallest TV tower in China, third tallest freestanding tower globally, and a symbol of Guangzhou’s modernization5711.
- Notable: Known as “Xiao Man Yao” (Little Waist) for its slender, twisting design inspired by the human hip joint59.
Key Features and Attractions
Shanghai Tower
- Observation Deck:
- Top of Shanghai Observatory on the 118th floor (546m) and access to the 119th floor (552m), among the highest in the world23.
- 360-degree panoramic views of Shanghai, the Huangpu River, and nearby skyscrapers.
- Interactive exhibitions on skyscraper engineering and Shanghai’s urban development.
- Souvenir shop and the world’s highest post office.
- Café and fine dining on the 119th floor with lunch or dinner options2.
- Elevators:
- Among the world’s fastest, reaching 20.5 m/s (74 km/h)1.
- Priority access for observation deck ticket holders.
- Sustainability:
- Retail Podium:
- Six stories of shopping, dining, and leisure at the tower’s base4.
Canton Tower
- Observation Decks:
- Cloud Observation Deck (428m), Starry Observation Deck (433m), Outdoor Deck (450m), Bubble Tram (460m), and Outdoor Deck (488m)611.
- The 488m deck is one of the highest outdoor observation platforms in the world.
- Bubble Tram: A horizontal Ferris wheel with glass pods circling the tower at 460m, offering a unique thrill67.
- Sky Drop: The world’s highest vertical free-fall ride at 450m611.
- Spider Walk: A 1,000-meter spiral staircase with glass floors for adventurous visitors11.
- Dining and Entertainment:
- Multiple restaurants and cafés at various heights.
- 4D cinema, sci-tech exhibits, and wedding/event spaces5.
- Design:
Ticket Options, Prices, and How to Save
Shanghai Tower (2025)
| Ticket Type | Price (RMB) | Price (USD, approx.) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Observation Deck (118F) | 180–220 | $25–$30 | 118th floor access, interactive exhibits |
| Dining Combo (119F) | 350–500 | $48–$68 | Deck access + lunch/dinner2 |
- Where to Buy:
- Tips to Save:
- Book online for lower prices and to avoid long queues.
- Visit on clear days for best views; night visits offer stunning city lights3.
Canton Tower (2025)
| Ticket Package | Price (RMB) | Price (USD, approx.) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 433m Observation Deck | 150 | $21 | Cloud & Starry Decks (428m, 433m)6 |
| 450m Outdoor Deck | 228 | $32 | Above + Outdoor Deck, Sky Drop611 |
| 460m Bubble Tram Combo | 298 | $42 | Above + Bubble Tram6 |
| 488m Tower Glamour Pass | 398 | $56 | All decks, Bubble Tram, Sky Drop, 488m Deck6 |
- Where to Buy:
- Official website, Trip.com, Klook, and on-site counters6.
- Online purchase recommended for discounts and availability.
- Tips to Save:
- Children under 1.2m or under 6 years old enter free.
- Combo passes provide best value for full experience.
Visitor Experience: What to Expect
Shanghai Tower
- Arrival:
- Enter via the main entrance at 501 Yincheng Rd (M), Lujiazui, Pudong.
- Online ticket holders use dedicated kiosks for fast entry3.
- Experience:
- Start at the preface hall with exhibits on Shanghai’s skyscrapers.
- Ride the high-speed elevator to the 118th floor in under a minute.
- Enjoy unobstructed city views, telescopes (bring your own for free use), and a souvenir shop3.
- Write a wish at the artificial wishing tree or send a postcard from the sky post office.
- Dining with a view: Lunch or dinner at the 119th floor café2.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Clear afternoons for distant views, or night for illuminated skyline3.
Canton Tower
- Arrival:
- Located near Chigang Pagoda, Haizhu District, Guangzhou; easy subway access.
- Enter via the main lobby; online tickets can be redeemed at self-service kiosks6.
- Experience:
- Explore multiple observation decks, each higher than the last.
- Ride the Bubble Tram for a unique horizontal Ferris wheel experience at 460m6.
- Try the Sky Drop (world’s highest free-fall ride) or Spider Walk spiral staircase11.
- Dine at sky-high restaurants or enjoy a 4D cinema show5.
- Enjoy dynamic light shows after sunset.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Evenings for city lights and cooler temperatures.
- Weekdays for fewer crowds.
Comparing Shanghai Tower and Canton Tower
| Feature | Shanghai Tower | Canton Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 632m (building) | 600m (tower, incl. antenna) |
| Main Function | Mixed-use: offices, retail, leisure | TV tower, sightseeing, entertainment |
| Observation Deck | 118F (546m), 119F (552m) | 433m, 450m, 460m, 488m decks |
| Elevator Speed | 20.5 m/s (74 km/h) | Standard high-speed |
| Dining | 119F café/restaurant | Multiple sky restaurants |
| Unique Experiences | Highest post office, wishing tree | Bubble Tram, Sky Drop, Spider Walk |
| Ticket Price Range | 180–500 RMB | 150–398 RMB |
| Booking | Online, onsite, travel platforms | Online, onsite, travel platforms |
| Accessibility | Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai | Haizhu District, Guangzhou |
| Best For | Urban skyline, engineering, luxury | Adventure, family fun, city views |
Commercial Intent: How to Book, Save, and Plan
- Buy tickets online through the official website or authorized platforms (Klook, Trip.com, WAUG) for discounts, priority entry, and combo deals236.
- Choose combo passes (especially at Canton Tower) for the best value and access to all attractions6.
- Book dining experiences in advance for window seats and sunset views at both towers2.
- Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
- Check weather forecasts to maximize visibility from observation decks.
Related Attractions
- Shanghai World Financial Center & Jin Mao Tower:
Both adjacent to Shanghai Tower, offering additional observation decks and dining options. - Pearl River Night Cruise:
Near Canton Tower, popular for evening cityscape views in Guangzhou. - Other Tall Towers in Asia:
Tokyo Skytree (Japan), Taipei 101 (Taiwan), KL Tower (Malaysia).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is taller, Shanghai Tower or Canton Tower?
Shanghai Tower is taller at 632 meters; Canton Tower is 600 meters including its antenna15.
Which observation deck is higher?
Shanghai Tower’s 119th floor is at 552m, while Canton Tower’s highest open deck is at 488m36.
Where can I buy tickets?
Both towers offer online booking via official sites and major travel platforms for the best prices and convenience236.
What’s unique about each tower?
Shanghai Tower: World’s highest post office, green tech, luxury dining, city’s tallest building.
Canton Tower: Bubble Tram, Sky Drop, Spider Walk, dynamic lighting, tallest TV tower in China.
Is it worth visiting both?
Yes-each offers a distinct experience: Shanghai Tower for urban grandeur and engineering, Canton Tower for adventure and panoramic cityscapes.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Shanghai Tower and Canton Tower are among China’s top observation experiences, each with unique attractions, record-breaking heights, and iconic city views.
- Book tickets online for the best prices, combo deals, and priority access.
- Shanghai Tower is best for those interested in skyscraper engineering, luxury, and Shanghai’s skyline.
- Canton Tower excels for adventure seekers, families, and those wanting unique experiences like the Bubble Tram and Sky Drop.
- Both towers are easily accessible and offer world-class amenities, dining, and entertainment.
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Shanghai Tower vs. Canton Tower 2025: Tickets, Observation Decks, and Visitor Guide
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Compare Shanghai Tower and Canton Tower-China’s tallest observation experiences. Get 2025 ticket prices, booking tips, unique attractions, and visitor advice for Shanghai and Guangzhou’s iconic towers.
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Shanghai Tower, Canton Tower, China observation decks, tallest buildings China, Shanghai attractions, Guangzhou attractions, Bubble Tram, Sky Drop, Shanghai Tower tickets, Canton Tower tickets
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A split image: Shanghai Tower rising above Pudong’s skyline at sunset, and Canton Tower illuminated over the Pearl River at night.
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Would you like a detailed itinerary for visiting both towers in one trip, or a deeper dive into dining and shopping options at each landmark?
