Shanghai's skyline is a testament to its ambition, a futuristic panorama dominated by a trio of architectural marvels. Known affectionately by locals as the "Lujiazui three-piece suit," these skyscrapers are the crown jewels of the Pudong district, piercing the clouds and defining the city's modern identity. To truly experience Shanghai is to witness this incredible view, a sight that shifts and transforms from the soft light of dawn to the dazzling electric glow of night. While ascending these giants is one way to see the city, the real art lies in finding the perfect vantage point to appreciate their collective grandeur.

This guide isn't just about reaching the highest floor; it's about discovering the most breathtaking spots from which to view these icons. The experience of

For the quintessential, postcard-perfect view of Shanghai's modern skyline, the banks of the Huangpu River are unparalleled. There are two key areas that offer slightly different, yet equally stunning, perspectives: the famous Bund and the increasingly popular North Bund.

The North Bund (北外滩滨江)

• According to seasoned city explorers, the North Bund is the ultimate spot for sunset chasers. As daylight fades, you can witness the Lujiazui three-piece suit and the entire glittering Pudong skyline come to life across the water. The combination of the river view and the architectural spectacle makes for an unforgettable photographic opportunity and a deeply serene urban experience. The gentle river breeze and the vast, open space provide a perfect setting to simply stand in awe of the city's scale.

The Bund (外滩)

• A stroll along the main Bund promenade offers a classic panorama that has captivated visitors for decades. To truly savor the view without the throngs of crowds, consider visiting during the early morning hours or on a weekday evening. At these times, the city feels more intimate, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in relative peace. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the city's history on one side and its future on the other.

For those looking for a specific walking itinerary, one recommended route starts from the Tian潼 Road subway station. This path takes you past the historic Postal Museum, across the iconic Zhapu Road Bridge, and eventually to the Bund waterfront, offering a series of evolving and dramatic views of the skyline along the way. This journey allows you to build anticipation before the final, grand reveal of the Lujiazui giants. More information on city walks can be found on travel blogs and resources like Shanghai's tourism website.

Why just look at the view when you can dine with it? Shanghai offers numerous opportunities to combine culinary delights with breathtaking urban landscapes. This approach offers a different kind of 'high'—an elevated experience for your senses where gourmet food is matched by world-class scenery.

Several establishments along the Bund provide this very luxury. Imagine stepping out of a chic, niche restaurant and being immediately greeted by the sight of the Oriental Pearl Tower, its iconic spheres illuminated against the dark sky. One such location is a unique auto-themed restaurant on the Bund, which boasts a fantastic environment and this immediate, stunning view right at its doorstep. It’s a perfect spot for a memorable date night or a celebratory meal where the city itself feels like part of the decor.

Another highly recommended option is the restaurant 外滩家宴 (Waitan Jiayan), located conveniently near Nanjing Road on the Bund. Here, you can savor authentic Shanghai cuisine while enjoying a direct view of the Oriental Pearl Tower. It's an experience that allows you to appreciate the city's beauty from a comfortable, intimate setting, turning a simple dinner into a lasting memory. Choosing a restaurant with a view transforms your meal into a multi-sensory event, making it a highlight of any trip to Shanghai.

Sometimes, the most powerful perspective is not from above, but from below. Standing at the foot of these giants in Lujiazui offers a humbling sense of scale and wonder. The Oriental Pearl Tower Plaza, for instance, becomes a magical viewpoint after dark. When the city lights come on, the ground-level view of the Lujiazui nightscape is truly enchanting. It's a different kind of immersion, where you are enveloped by the light and energy of the financial district, with the towers looming majestically above you. This spot becomes particularly special during city-wide events, where the festive atmosphere combines with the spectacular backdrop to create a vibrant urban celebration.

The Oriental Pearl Tower itself is more than just a structure with a viewing deck; it's a cultural landmark that often plays host to unique events and exhibitions. For example, it has previously been the venue for a limited-time special exhibition for the band Mayday, titled 'Dream Start Point'. This highlights how Shanghai's iconic towers are integrated into the city's cultural fabric, offering experiences that go beyond sightseeing. So, while you're in the area to capture that perfect skyline photo, be sure to check for any ongoing events. The journey to 'get high' in Shanghai is about more than altitude—it's about finding those high-impact moments, whether from a riverside promenade, a window-side dining table, or right in the heart of the architectural action.