Shanghai Tower Height – China's Supertall Giant
Shanghai Tower soars 2,073 feet (632 meters) above Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district, standing as China's tallest building, the world's third-tallest structure, and the tallest building with a twisted form. Completed in 2015, this 128-story mega-tall skyscraper features a distinctive 120-degree twist from base to top, with a transparent outer facade creating dramatic double-skin construction for energy efficiency. The tower's revolutionary design and sustainable engineering make it a landmark of 21st-century Chinese architecture, symbolizing Shanghai's role as a global financial and cultural center.
Shanghai Tower Quick Facts
- Total Height: 2,073 feet (632 meters)
- Architectural Height: 2,073 feet to spire
- Floors: 128 stories
- Location: Pudong, Shanghai, China
- Completed: 2015
- Architect: Gensler
Twisted Design at 2,073 Feet
Shanghai Tower's 2,073-foot height is achieved through an innovative twisted cylindrical form that rotates 120 degrees from bottom to top, reducing wind loads by up to 24% compared to conventional straight towers. The building employs a unique double-skin facade system with an inner curtain wall and transparent outer glass layer separated by atrium spaces, creating natural ventilation zones and significantly reducing energy consumption. The tower's nine cylindrical buildings stacked vertically create distinct zones, each with its own sky lobby and indoor garden at the atrium levels. The structural system consists of a reinforced concrete core, composite mega-columns at the perimeter, and outrigger trusses at mechanical floors, providing exceptional rigidity while accommodating the twisted geometry.
The engineering required to construct a 2,073-foot twisted tower involved groundbreaking computational design, with every floor plate having a unique geometry requiring customized formwork and precise construction tolerances. The foundation consists of a 20-foot thick concrete raft supported by 955 foundation piles extending to depths of 282 feet through Shanghai's soft alluvial soils to reach bearing strata. Construction utilized advanced slip-form techniques for the concrete core, climbing with the building at a rate of approximately 13 feet per week. The double-skin facade required innovative installation methods, with the outer glass skin supported on diagrid space frames spanning between mega-columns. The building achieved China's highest green building rating, with features including wind turbines, rainwater collection, and thermal insulation from the facade cavity reducing HVAC requirements by over 40% compared to conventional towers.
Observation Deck and Mixed-Use Programming
The tower contains diverse programming across 128 floors including office space, luxury hotels including J Hotel Shanghai occupying floors 84-110, conference facilities, cultural venues, and retail spaces. The observation deck at 1,841 feet on the 118th floor ranks among the world's highest, accessible via some of the world's fastest elevators traveling at 59 feet per second. The observation level features glass floor panels allowing visitors to look directly down the building's height, with panoramic views extending across Shanghai, the Huangpu River, and neighboring supertalls including Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower. Nine sky lobbies at approximately every 12-15 floors feature indoor gardens with natural vegetation, providing green spaces at elevation and enhancing the building's sustainable design. The tower's position in Lujiazui creates a dramatic three-tower composition with its neighbors, establishing Shanghai's most recognizable skyline cluster.
Comparison to Other Tall Structures
| Structure | Height | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Tower | 2,073 ft (632 m) | World's 3rd tallest building |
| Taipei 101 | 1,667 ft (508 m) | 406 feet shorter |
| Shanghai World Financial Center | 1,614 ft (492 m) | 459 feet shorter |
| Riga TV Tower | 1,209 ft (368.5 m) | 864 feet shorter |
Related Asian Supertalls
Explore heights of other mega-tall structures: Shanghai World Financial Center, Taipei 101, Roppongi Hills, Shibuya Sky, and Riga TV Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Shanghai Tower?
Shanghai Tower stands 2,073 feet (632 meters) tall with 128 stories, making it China's tallest building and the world's third-tallest structure after Burj Khalifa and Merdeka 118.
Why does Shanghai Tower twist?
The 120-degree twist from base to top reduces wind loads by 24%, improving structural efficiency and stability. The twisted form also creates distinctive aesthetics and optimizes interior spaces across different floor levels.
What is unique about Shanghai Tower's facade?
Shanghai Tower features an innovative double-skin facade with an inner curtain wall and transparent outer glass layer separated by atrium spaces. This design reduces energy consumption by over 40% through natural ventilation and thermal insulation.
Can you visit Shanghai Tower's observation deck?
Yes, the observation deck on the 118th floor at 1,841 feet is open to the public and ranks among the world's highest. Ultra-fast elevators traveling at 59 feet per second transport visitors to the top.
How sustainable is Shanghai Tower?
Shanghai Tower achieved China's highest green building rating with features including 270 wind turbines, rainwater collection systems, sky gardens on nine levels, and the double-skin facade reducing HVAC energy use by over 40%.