Lujiazui

Lujiazui is part of the Pudong New Area that has been developed into a financial district of Shanghai. Previously an industrial and residential area, Lujiazui is now what one envisions when thinking about Shanghai’s skyline.

Located across the Huangpu River from the Bund, Lujiazui has the tallest and most recognizable skyscrapers in Shanghai: the Oriental Pearl Tower (right), Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Tower. In its large buildings, the area has branches of many large international financial companies and investment banks.

Outside of being home to many businesses, Lujiazui also has quite a few entertainment options. There are large shopping malls in the area that have a variety of brands, including international luxury and designer brands. IFC Mall (right) has stores such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Lanvin, and it also has high-end restaurants like Morton’s Steakhouse. The area is also home to the world’s largest Disney Store. Lujiazui has great restaurants and bars, and some dining spots have incredible views of the city. Flair, a bar at the top of the Ritz-Carlton, seats you among the clouds with amazing views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the city fading into the distance.

For other great views, you can visit the observatories in the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center. The Oriental Pearl Tower has two observation floors: one designed to look like a space capsule and a transparent one. The transparent observation deck has glass sides and floors to give not only an uninterrupted view but also the thrill of looking as if you are walking on air. The Oriental Pearl Tower has a revolving restaurant that has spectacular views as well.

The Shanghai World Financial Center has three observation floors. Each offer a nice view, but the best comes from the 100th floor of the tower where you are above the Oriental Pearl Tower. The walls are made of glass and you can see the city sprawling out from either side of the building. The 100th floor of the SWFC is also better for those afraid of heights than the Oriental Pearl Tower as it has only certain areas with transparent tiles. However, the best part about the observatory in the SWFC is that you can visit all three observation floors for free on your birthday.

In the midst of all the skyscrapers is the Lujiazui Central Greenland. The park has beautiful natural scenery as well as angel sculptures and an art gallery.

Lujiazui offers plenty of entertainment and dining options, but it also has some very modern and high-end homes for those wanting to be close to work in Pudong. It is a little far from the city center, but Lujiazui is a perfect place to reside for those desiring a luxurious home with equally nice stores and dining options nearby.