Shanghai Tower Observatory (Photo : Getty Images)
On Wednesday, the Shanghai Tower observatory was finally opened to the public following a long trial opening period. Located on the 118th floor of the skyscraper, the observatory offers tourists an opportunity to do sightseeing at incredible heights.
Standing at 2,073 feet, the Shanghai Tower located in Pudong District is the tallest building in China. It has a spiral architectural design which symbolizes the country’s dynamic emergence.
To enjoy a panoramic view of the city 546 meters above in the so-called “Top of Shanghai” observatory, one must pay 180 yuan ($36). The observatory is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tourists need not worry about how to reach the observatory, for it takes only 55 seconds to climb to the top--thanks to Shanghai Tower’s super fast elevators.
With a speed of 1,230 meters per minute or 20.5 meters per second, the elevators are the fastest in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
Though it takes less than a minute to get there, people still have to consider the time for waiting in line.
The mega-tall building has 106 elevators and has 127 floors above the ground and five underground floors.
It took six years for San Fransisco, California-based Gensler to construct the Shanghai Tower.
Last year, the magnificent skyscraper was finally declared as the second tallest building in the world, next to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Even if the construction was not yet finished, tourists were already climbing to the peak. Some post photos of the sceneries, including the sea of clouds, on their social media accounts, while others post photos of themselves making the climb.
The city is expecting an increase in the number of tourists with the opening of the Shanghai Tower observatory. Officials are hoping that the extraordinary view on the observatory can attract visitors to come and see.
