Dinner above Shanghai feels unreal. This outing takes you up Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, where the 118th-floor observation decks deliver a 360-degree view and the 119th-floor cafe turns sightseeing into a meal. You’ll ride the world’s fastest elevators to the top levels at about 65 kilometers per hour, so the whole experience starts fast.

I love two parts most. First, the express elevator gets you up to the 118th-floor observation area quickly, which matters because waiting is what kills the vibe in big cities. Second, you’re not rushing to just take photos; you get real time to look around, then sit down on the 119th floor for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner.

One thing to plan for: weekends can bring serious crowding. You’ll want to arrive early for better seats, and you may wait in line; on weekends, it’s strongly recommended to go to the 119th floor right after the elevator to get a number.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Express elevator to the 118th-floor observation deck, saving you from the longest waits.
• 360-degree Shanghai views from above, with the 118th and 119th floors included in your ticket.
• Meal on the 119th floor so the skyline is part of your dining experience.
• Clear meal time windows: afternoon tea (13:00–15:00), weekend lunch (11:00–13:00), dinner (from 18:00 daily).
• Arrive early for better seating, especially on weekends when lines are more likely.
• Simple, included set menu with salad, soup, main (salmon or beef), dessert, and drinks.

Shanghai Tower’s 118th-Floor View: Why This Height Changes Everything

Shanghai can feel like a video game from street level: tight grids, fast-moving traffic, and towers stacked so close they blur together. From the 118th-floor observation deck, the city finally gets clear. You get a full 360-degree view, and the scale clicks into place in a way street-level sightseeing can’t match.

The ticket also covers the 119th floor, which means you’re not stuck outside in the weather or wandering endlessly. After you look around from the observation deck, you transition into a meal that stays tied to that same sky-high perspective.

This is one of those experiences where the main draw is simple: being above the city. Still, the best value comes when you use your time smart. The elevator brings you up quickly, but your enjoyment depends on when and how you settle in—especially on busy days.

Getting Up There Quickly: Express Elevators and Your 2-Hour Flow

Your total scheduled time is about 2 hours, so think of it as a compact “view + meal” block, not a long wandering day. The biggest time-saver is the fast elevator ride to the 118th-floor observation deck. Even if you’ve toured big-city landmarks before, rushing through lines is usually what you remember most—here, the express access helps prevent that.

Here’s how to structure your mindset. When you arrive, you’re not just ticketing; you’re preparing for a tight sequence:

1) Get up via the express elevator to the 118th-floor deck.

2) Take in the view while you’re fresh.

3) Then move into your 119th-floor dining slot.

A key note for weekend timing: it’s strongly recommended to go to the 119th floor to get a number first after reaching the 118th floor. That small step can reduce stress later, since your meal timing is tied to seating flow.

Also, the meeting point is at Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Lujiazui, Pudong. Lujiazui is a famous skyline area, but it’s still smart to show up a bit early so you don’t waste your view time trying to find the exact check-in.

119th-Floor Dining Options: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, or Dinner

This experience is built around one idea: you eat while the skyline is in front of you. Depending on what day you’re going and what time you choose, you’ll have different meal options.

Dinner

• Dinner is available every day starting at 18:00.
• Your dinner window in the included plan is typically 18:00–19:00.

Afternoon tea

• Offered 13:00–15:00.

Weekend lunch

• Weekend lunch runs 11:00–13:00.

If you’re deciding between lunch and dinner, pick based on the kind of view you want. Dinner usually pairs better with darker skies and city lights, while afternoon tea and weekend lunch can be ideal if you want brighter visibility and less late-night fatigue.

One practical detail: you’ll want to plan around the seating. The experience notes ask you to arrive early for seats with a better view, and on weekends you should expect possible waiting in line.

What’s Actually Included in the Set Menu (So You Can Decide Fast)

The included meal is a set menu. That’s good news if you’re trying to avoid decision fatigue while jet-lagged, hungry, or simply tired of options.

Included items:

• Garden Seafood Salad
• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Salmon or beef (your main choice)
• Chocolate Mousse Cake
• Soft drink and red wine

The meal plan also includes your ticket access to the observation levels:

• Admission to the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck on the 118th floor
• Plus coverage of the 118th and 119th floors as part of the package

For most people, the value is that you’re paying for more than a view. You’re paying for reserved meal time tied to the top floors, with drinks included. If you were to visit Shanghai Tower on your own and separately find a high-rise restaurant with a proper setting and timing, you’d likely spend more effort and money stacking those separately.

Best Seats and Weekend Timing: How to Avoid the Crowds

The view is the headline, but your comfort is the supporting actor. This is where the “arrive early” advice becomes real.

On weekends:

• You may need to wait in line.
• Seats with a better view can be easier to secure if you show up early.
• It’s strongly recommended to go to the 119th floor to get a number first after you reach the 118th floor.

So what should you do in practice? Keep it simple:

• Arrive early enough that you’re not rushing at the last minute.
• Once you’re up at the 118th-floor deck, follow the weekend flow and head to the 119th floor to get your number before you lose time to delays.

If you dislike lines and tight schedules, consider going on a weekday if your calendar allows. Same concept: fewer people means more relaxed viewing time and fewer seating worries.

Price and Value: Is $85 Worth It for Tower Access Plus a Meal?

At $85 per person for a 2-hour plan, you’re not just buying elevator tickets and a photo stop. You’re getting:

• Admission tied to the 118th and 119th observation experience
• A structured meal slot (lunch/afternoon tea/dinner depending on your selection)
• A set menu with multiple courses
• Soft drink plus red wine included

Value is strongest when you compare it to the cost of doing both sightseeing and dining separately under similar “high floor, timed experience” conditions. Even without doing any math in your head, the package is designed to reduce two common pain points in big landmarks: long ticketing lines and meal timing chaos.

This also helps you if you don’t want to gamble with your day plan. When you book a time-based meal tied to the tower floors, you’re less likely to arrive hungry, then spend half your limited time hunting for food.

If you’re coming purely for the observation deck and you’d rather skip the set menu, then this option may not be the best match. But if you want the skyline plus a proper sit-down break, the included meal structure makes the price feel easier to justify.

Who This Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This fits best if you want a “one-and-done” skyline experience:

• You want the top views without turning it into a long day.
• You like the idea of a timed meal with included courses and drinks.
• You want a predictable plan with a clear start and end around 2 hours.

It’s also a solid choice for couples and small groups who prefer shared moments. A shared meal with the city spread out in front of you is exactly the kind of setting that makes pictures look better, but more importantly, it makes the experience feel calmer.

It may be less ideal if you’re the type who wants flexible wandering time, since this is built around specific dining windows. Also, if you strongly hate waiting and you’re going on a busy weekend, be prepared to follow the “get a number first” advice and to arrive early.

Wheelchair accessible is listed, which helps if mobility access is a concern for your group.

Should You Book Shanghai Tower Lunch or Dinner on the 119th Floor?

I’d book this if you want Shanghai’s best view experience paired with a no-hassle meal. The express elevator to the 118th floor and the direct connection to dining on the 119th make it feel efficient, not rushed for the sake of rushing.

I’d hesitate only if you’re traveling with very flexible priorities or you plan to go on a weekend without allowing extra buffer time. Crowds are possible, and the best seating and timing depend on arriving early and following the weekend flow.

If you want skyline + dining in one tidy plan, this one delivers.

FAQ

What is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai.

What floors are included with the ticket?

All packages include a ticket to the top of Shanghai 118th floor and 119th floors, with admission to the 118th-floor observation deck.

What time does dinner start?

Dinner is available every day starting at 18:00.

When is afternoon tea offered?

Afternoon tea is offered from 13:00 to 15:00.

When is weekend lunch available?

Weekend lunch is available from 11:00 to 13:00.

What’s included in the meal?

The included meal set includes Garden Seafood Salad, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Salmon or beef, Chocolate Mousse Cake, plus soft drink and red wine.

Are there child ticket rules?

Kids under 3 years old have free entry. Kids over 3 years old and under 140 centimeters require a child ticket. Kids over 140 centimeters require an adult ticket.

What do I need to bring for entry?

A passport is required at the entrance.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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