Dominating the skyline in Pudong New District, sandwiched between two other sky-high skyscrapers, the Jin Mao Tower is infused with traditional Chinese architectural quirks which have helped shape its unique Pagoda like design. A story of 8’s, the number associated with luck in China, it was announced on 08 August 1998 with a decision to build about 88 stories above ground. Till 2007 it was the tallest building in China but has since given up that title to two other super tall buildings (the current title is held by the Shanghai Tower) in the vicinity and now stands at number three.
Disembarking from line 2 of the metro at Lujiazui station, a short walk takes visitors to Jin Mao tower.
Within, there is shopping, entertainment, business and the 5-star Grand Hyatt Hotel which occupies floors from 53 to 87. The 88th floor is the 360-observation deck which not only offers a breathtaking view of the city but also of the hotel atrium several floors below, something that visitors find most fascinating. Connected to the deck is a sky bridge made of glass (and without any railing) to give visitors dizzying views of the vibrant metropolis below.
The admission to the viewing platform is RMB120 (kids under 3 feet go free while those between 3 and 4 feet are charged at RMB60), which is on the low side among comparable viewing platforms in the area. There is also less of a crowd here than at the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower, meaning less wait time in ques. The admission cost for the sky bridge is RMB388. Timings are from 08:30 to 21:30. Only 15 people are allowed on the bridge at one time (including a couple of security professionals) for 30 minutes. There is safety equipment required to be strapped in and visitors are required to be present 45 minutes in advance of the allotted time for security check and stowing away their belongings. However, a photography service is provided to secure precious memories. Tourists are advised to seek out clear weather days for this activity because in case of smog or cloudy weather the fun is pretty much ruined. Going at sunsets time provide the prettiest contrasts between sunlit skyline to nightlife dazzle.
An exciting element of the mega tall tower are the technologically advanced elevators inside which whiz up and down at great speed. Guests can go from ground floor to the observation deck in 45 seconds, thanks to the two dedicated lifts working at almost 30 feet/ second. Additionally, there are 5 to 6 elevators dedicated to every set of 10 floors to cater to heavy traffic timings.
There are three floors underground which have parking space for thousands and made safe with round the clock security cameras at every corner.
The luxury Grand Hyatt is home to some of the finest gourmet restaurants and the Cloud 9 bar so you can submerse in an exquisite meal enjoying the views of one of the busiest cities in the world.