Lujiazui is the financial district situated on a peninsula in Pudong, directly across the Huangpu River from the historic Bund. This haven of modern urbanism is centered on the Century Avenue artery, lined with a mix of iconic skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls. Within a few blocks, you can see architectural marvels ranging from the pagoda-inspired Jin Mao Tower to the sleek, bottle-opener silhouette of the Shanghai World Financial Center and the spiraling mega-tall Shanghai Tower. Stop for a sky-high afternoon tea, browse global luxury boutiques, and sample Michelin-starred dining in the clouds. Saunter along the landscaped riverside promenade for spectacular, unobstructed views of the city's colonial past across the water. Take a break from the sensory stimulation with a quiet stroll through the expansive green lawns of Lujiazui Central Green Space, an urban oasis surrounded by steel and glass.
Don't Miss
- Taking the ultra-fast elevator to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, currently the tallest building in China
- Admiring world-class contemporary exhibitions at the striking, Jean Nouvel-designed Museum of Art Pudong (MAP)
- A sunset cocktail at Flair, the Ritz-Carlton's soaring rooftop bar, offering unparalleled, eye-level views of the Oriental Pearl Tower
How to Get There
Lujiazui's main attractions are heavily concentrated right outside the metro, making it remarkably easy to navigate.
If you're traveling via the Shanghai Metro system, simply take Line 2 or Line 14 to Lujiazui Station. For a more scenic and traditional crossing from Puxi, take the historic public ferry from the Bund across the Huangpu River for just a couple of RMB.
Quick Facts
- Lujiazui was transformed from a landscape of low-slung warehouses and farmland into a global financial powerhouse in just three decades
- The district is home to Shanghai's famous trio of supertall skyscrapers, affectionately nicknamed the "Kitchen Set": the syringe (Jin Mao), the bottle opener (SWFC), and the whisk (Shanghai Tower)
- Internationally known as the symbol of China's rapid economic modernization and 21st-century urban planning
Home to Shanghai's most futuristic urban vision
Since the early 1990s, when the city embarked on the ambitious project to develop Pudong, Lujiazui has been an enclave long synonymous with astronomical growth and corporate power. From the area's iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower to some of the most groundbreaking engineering feats in modern skyscraper construction, Lujiazui's love of vertical living sees the district continually push the boundaries of what a modern metropolis can be.
Lujiazui's cinematic skyline has been featured throughout pop culture in films like Skyfall and Her. And while its international attention has brought the headquarters of global banks and five-star hospitality titans, the district hasn't forgotten the importance of public space, weaving parks and cultural institutions into its concrete jungle.
The Elevated Walkways—navigating the city in the sky
The pedestrian ring structure is Lujiazui's main circulatory system. Exiting from the metro, you'll immediately find yourself on massive, elevated circular walkways that safely carry pedestrians above the roaring traffic of Century Avenue, seamlessly connecting office towers, transit hubs, and retail centers.
Jam-packed with sharp-suited executives and wide-eyed tourists alike, these walkways offer a fascinating, multi-layered perspective of the city, serving as the perfect vantage point to photograph the towering glass facades that surround you.
Satisfy your appetite for high-altitude gastronomy
Inside almost every towering high-rise are Lujiazui's exclusive dining rooms pumping out world-class culinary experiences. A must-do for visitors to the area, these restaurants pair impeccable food with vertigo-inducing views. Whether you're after refined Jiangnan cuisine at the top of the Shanghai Tower, or a decadent, international Sunday brunch at the Park Hyatt, there's something for every sophisticated palate.
These sky-high dining rooms are essentially Lujiazui's hospitality staple, and you can't leave without securing a window seat and watching the city lights flicker on as the sun sets over the Huangpu River.
A paradise for ultra-luxury retail
Lujiazui is arguably Shanghai's glitziest retail capital, and what's a financial district without high-end shopping? No matter your style or budget, you can find an incredible, curated selection at the base of the district's towers.
The undisputed crown jewel of the area is the Shanghai IFC Mall, a gleaming complex that houses the flagship boutiques of virtually every major global luxury house, from Chanel and Hermès to boutique horologists. If you're hoping for a more accessible mix of dining and lifestyle brands, the massive Super Brand Mall sits just across the pedestrian ring.
Taking to the waterfront
Thanks to its global impact on commerce and tourism, the central roundabout of Lujiazui has become a bustling hotspot. Though the atmosphere here is thrilling, if you really want to immerse yourself in the softer side of Pudong's urban design, don't be afraid to wander toward the water.
If you head west towards the river, you'll find the Pudong Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Da Dao), a beautifully landscaped stretch of parks, cycling paths, and waterfront cafes. Strolling along this quieter, pedestrian-friendly esplanade offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the historic Bund architecture across the water—the perfect juxtaposition of Shanghai's storied past and its boundless future.
