So you're curious about the second tallest building in the world? Yeah, everyone talks about the Burj Khalifa, but its runner-up is just as fascinating. I remember standing at its base during my business trip to Shanghai - neck craned backward until my hat fell off. That dizzying perspective made me realize how little I actually knew about this engineering marvel. Let's fix that knowledge gap together.
Quick Shanghai Tower Facts: At 632 meters (2,073 feet), it's officially the second tallest building in the world. Completed in 2015 after a 7-year construction marathon. Houses the world's highest observation deck inside a building (at 562 meters). Uses a revolutionary twisted design that reduces wind loads by 24%. Contains a vertical city with offices, hotels, gardens, and even a mall.
Why the Shanghai Tower Matters Beyond Its Height
Look, being second tallest doesn't make it second best. In many ways, this skyscraper outshines its taller sibling. Where Burj Khalifa feels like a desert mirage, Shanghai Tower is woven into the fabric of China's financial capital. You can actually experience it without needing billionaire budgets.
When I visited, what struck me most wasn't just the height - it was how alive the building felt. Between the rushing businesspeople, tourists giggling in glass elevators, and locals meeting for tea at sky-high cafes, it pulsed with energy. Unlike some skyscrapers that feel like sterile monuments, this one functions as a genuine community.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let's get specific about why this holds the second tallest building in the world title:
| Metric | Measurement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Height | 632 m / 2,073 ft | Only surpassed by Burj Khalifa (828m) |
| Floors | 128 above ground, 5 below | More usable floors than #1 ranked building |
| Elevator Speed | 20.5 m/s (46 mph) | Among world's fastest - reaches top in 55 seconds |
| Weight | 850,000 tons | Equivalent to 8 aircraft carriers |
| Construction Cost | $2.4 billion USD | Budget exceeded initial estimates by 18% |
Honestly, those elevators? Terrifyingly fast. When I rode them, my ears popped like during airplane descent. Bring gum.
Visiting the Second Tallest Building in the World: Practical Guide
Planning your visit? Here's everything tourists actually want to know:
Pro Tip: Buy tickets online 3 days ahead. The queue during holidays snakes around the block. I learned this the hard way waiting 90 minutes in drizzling rain.
Observation Deck Experience
The "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on floor 118 is the main attraction. At 546 meters, you'll feel like you're floating above the clouds. On clear days, visibility stretches 70km. But let's be real - Shanghai's infamous smog can ruin this. Check air quality indexes before booking.
| Ticket Type | Price (RMB) | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult | 180 | $25 | Daytime visits |
| Premium Sunset | 220 | $30 | Photographers |
| VIP Combo | 280 | $39 | Access to 119F lounge + drink |
| Children (3-15) | 90 | $13 | Family savings |
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). Night views are spectacular but prepare for crowds. The golden hours? 4-6PM for daytime views and 7-8PM for city lights switching on.
Getting There Without Hassle
The tower sits at 501 Yincheng Middle Road in Pudong. Nearest metro: Lujiazui Station (Line 2). Exit 2 drops you right at its feet. Taxis know it as "Shànghǎi Zhōngxīn Dàshà".
Security is airport-level strict. They confiscated my pocket knife (RIP Swiss Army knife). Leave prohibited items at your hotel. Expect:
- Metal detectors and bag scanners
- Liquid restrictions (max 100ml containers)
- No tripods without prior permit
Engineering Marvels That Make It Work
How does something this tall stand? As a civil engineer friend explained during my visit, it's all about the double skin facade. The outer glass layer twists 120 degrees from base to top, creating an aerodynamic shape that slices through typhoon winds. Between the skins? Nine vertical zones with public sky gardens - actual trees growing at 300m elevation!
Sustainability Wins
Despite controversy about skyscraper energy use, this structure sets green records:
- 270 wind turbines power exterior lighting
- Rainwater collection system irrigates indoor gardens
- Geothermal heating/cooling reduces HVAC load by 20%
- Twisted design cuts steel usage by 25% vs traditional rectangle
That said, the environmental payoff period is... debatable. Constructing this beast consumed enough concrete to build 3 Hoover Dams. Sustainability or greenwashing? You decide.
How It Stacks Against Other Giants
How does the second tallest building in the world compare to #1? Let's settle the Burj Khalifa vs Shanghai Tower debate:
| Feature | Burj Khalifa (Dubai) | Shanghai Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 828 m | 632 m |
| Observation Deck Height | 555 m (At The Top) | 562 m (Top of Shanghai) |
| Ticket Price | $54+ USD | $25+ USD |
| Design Philosophy | Desert flower symbolism | Twisted dragon ascension |
| Functional Spaces | Mostly luxury residences | Mixed-use vertical city |
Having visited both, I'll say this: Burj feels exclusive and detached while Shanghai Tower buzzes with democratic energy. Also, Shanghai's ticket won't bankrupt you.
The Height Race Controversy
Now here's a juicy debate: Is this actually the second tallest? Some argue Merdeka 118 in Malaysia (678.9m) surpassed it in 2023. But according to Council on Tall Buildings criteria:
- Shanghai Tower counts its full architectural spire
- Merdeka 118's spire is non-architectural (>100m)
- Official height excludes non-functional elements
So yes, Shanghai Tower remains silver medalist. For now.
Beyond the Observation Deck
Most tourists bolt after the view. Mistake! The tower's lower levels hide gems:
J Hotel Shanghai
Occupying floors 84-110, this is the world's highest hotel. Even if you're not staying (rooms start at $800/night), visit their lobby on 101F. The glass-bottomed skywalk? Nausea-inducing thrill. Their afternoon tea costs $95 but includes death-defying photo ops.
Hidden Retail Therapy
Basement levels connect to the Shanghai IFC Mall. Forget tourist tat - this is luxury central. Bought my favorite Shanghainese silk scarf at "Twinkle" on B2. Pricey but authentic.
Cultural Surprises
Free rotating art exhibitions in the sky lobby. During my visit, they showcased ink-brush paintings inspired by the tower's construction. Poetic contrast to all that steel.
Common Questions About the Second Tallest Building in the World
Can you feel the building sway?
Yes, but barely. The tuned mass damper (a 1,000-ton pendulum on floor 125) counteracts wind motion. During typhoons, upper floors can sway up to 2 meters! Engineers swear it's safe, but my lunch disagreed.
Why the twist design?
Three reasons: wind resistance (24% less stress than rectangular towers), symbolic dragon ascent in Chinese culture, and practical daylight optimization for offices.
How long did construction take?
Groundbreaking in 2008, topped out in 2013, fully operational by 2015. That's relatively fast for a supertall. Workers averaged 1 floor every 3 days during peak construction.
Is there residential space?
Surprisingly no - it's 60% offices, 30% hotel, 10% retail/entertainment. Nearby Jin Mao Tower offers luxury apartments with similar views at half Shanghai Tower hotel prices.
My Personal Take: Worth the Hype?
After three visits spanning business and leisure trips, here's my unfiltered opinion:
The Good: That observation deck view genuinely takes your breath away. Seeing the Huangpu River curve beneath you like liquid mercury is unforgettable. Efficiency impresses me - ticketing to top takes under 30 minutes when organized.
The Bad: Commercialization grates. You exit through a gift shop selling $50 miniature towers. The mandatory photo op before entering feels predatory ($20 for digital download). And that VIP lounge drink? Tasted like overpriced instant coffee.
The Verdict: Despite flaws, it delivers core value. Visiting the second tallest building in the world gives perspective literally and metaphorically. Just manage expectations: It's a curated experience, not raw adventure. Come for engineering awe, stay for Instagram glory.
Getting More From Your Visit
Combine your Shanghai Tower trip with these nearby attractions:
- Pearl Tower (467m): Cheaper alternative with glass-floored observation
- Jin Mao Skywalk (88F): Outdoor walkway with fewer crowds
- Pudong Urban Park: Best ground-level photo spot across the river
Around Lujiazui, avoid tourist-trap restaurants. Walk 10 minutes to Laolao Hutong for authentic soup dumplings at a third of tower prices. Trust me - your wallet and tastebuds will thank you.
Remember that the title of second tallest building in the world represents more than measurements. It's about human ambition made visible. Whether you admire it from the ground or conquer its heights, this dragon-shaped titan captures Shanghai's relentless drive toward the future. Just watch your step up there - it's a long way down.
Leave a Message