Tower views at Shanghai scale. That’s the hook here. The Tianzhijin Restaurant on the 120th floor sits at an astonishing 556.36 meters, and it turns a simple meal into an all-in, big-city viewpoint moment. I love that you get a “from-the-top” feel without wasting time in long lines, thanks to the separate entrance and skip-the-line access. I also love the structure of the experience: sightseeing first, then sunset, then a cocktail stop so the sky actually has time to change. One caution: the meal is planned and included, but drinks like alcohol may not be, so don’t assume everything is bundled at the bar.

This is one of those Shanghai experiences that fits best when you care about height and timing more than wandering. It’s a private group setup (up to two people), paced for about 2.5 hours, and guided with English/Chinese. If you’re chasing the absolute widest panorama from every angle, keep in mind that not every spot inside the restaurant/bar area may give you a perfect full-circle view.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• 556.36-meter restaurant height makes the views feel like they’re happening above the city, not just over it
• 120th-floor luxury lunch turns a sightseeing ticket into a meal with a set menu and tea
• Guinness record for the tallest restaurant in a building gives this stop extra bragging rights (and real altitude)
• Separate entrance skip-the-line access saves time when your day is already packed
• Sunset timing built into the flow so the skyline shifts instead of staying one flat color

Shanghai Tower and Tianzhijin: Why 556 meters feels different

Shanghai Tower is already a statement. It’s 632 meters tall, with 127 floors above ground and 5 underground, and it’s the tallest building in China and the second tallest super skyscraper in the world. Tianzhijin is placed on the 120th floor, which means you’re not “near the top.” You’re basically in the sky category.

What makes it click is the restaurant’s exact elevation: 556.36 meters from the ground. At that height, the city stops looking like streets and starts looking like patterns—grids, waterways, and light layers. Even if you’ve seen plenty of skyscraper photos, the scale hits differently in person.

And the setting is part of the value. This isn’t just an observation deck where you snack. You’re there for a structured experience with a luxury meal—plus tea and a cocktail moment—so you get time to watch the light move across the skyline.

Getting in fast: separate entrance and a smoother start

Time matters at places like this. Shanghai Tower is a major destination, so the big win here is skip-the-line access via a separate entrance. That matters if you’re pairing this with other Lujiazui stops, or if you hate spending half your day standing around.

You’ll meet at Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. Then you’ll follow the experience flow inside the tower with an elevator plan. The provider sends a confirmation email that includes elevator guidelines—so check your inbox before you go, not after you’re already on-site.

Another practical plus: you’re not stuck in a huge crowd. This is a private group format (up to two), which usually means less waiting and less shuffling, especially during busy hours.

Your 2.5-hour flow: sightseeing, sunset, and a cocktail stop

The pacing is designed to keep you from feeling rushed. Over about 2.5 hours, the experience moves through three clear phases, and each one has a purpose.

First comes sightseeing inside the Shanghai Tower area tied to the experience timing. This is when you get oriented, take photos, and get your bearings so the view makes sense before the light changes.

Then you hit the sunset portion. This is the key moment. At this height, sunset isn’t just a pretty background—it’s the difference between sharp daytime city colors and a softer, warmer glow. If you’re the type who likes skyline photography, this timing is why you’re paying for the elevated restaurant location instead of doing an early-departure deck visit.

Finally, there’s a cocktail component. Even when you think you’re just there for lunch, this part helps you slow down and treat it like an evening meal experience, not a quick elevator-and-run photo stop. One note to keep in mind: the experience includes tea with your meal, but it does not clearly list alcohol as included across all drink types, so if you want a specific spirit, assume you may need to pay extra.

120th-floor lunch: what’s included, and what you’ll taste

This is a luxury meal setup, not a basic set menu. You get a luxury lunch on the 120th floor, plus two cups of tea. The menu is listed as:

• Five blessing snacks
• Matsutake meat ball
• Crab powder tofu, jade hibiscus
• Spicy crispy beef ball
• Truffle fresh abalone and catfish
• Seasonal vegetables
• Golden rice
• Fruit and snacks

So what does that mean for you in real life? It means you’ll likely get a mix of textures and flavors—some delicate, some savory-satisfying, and at least a couple dishes that push into richer territory (truffle, abalone, crab powder). It’s the kind of menu that makes sense if you want a high-rise version of “taste the good stuff” rather than trying to order a la carte while also managing views and timing.

Also, because this is a set experience, you’re protected from indecision. You don’t have to debate what to order, and you don’t have to worry that the meal will arrive too late for the sunset light. The trade-off is that you can’t easily switch items, so if you have strong dietary restrictions, you should check what’s possible with the provider before confirming.

One more practical caution I’d take from on-the-ground experience: if you start adding bar drinks, read what’s included versus what’s charged. Alcohol can end up as an extra cost even when the experience is marketed as luxury.

Views from the 120th: best expectations for photos and atmosphere

Let’s talk about the view without pretending it’s perfect everywhere. At 556.36 meters, you’re high enough to see the city spread out in layers. Clearer days generally reward you the most, because distance details matter when you’re that high.

Where people get picky is angle and coverage. One diner noted the bar area didn’t cover a full 360-degree panorama, which is totally plausible in buildings where interior layout, walls, and viewing zones matter. That doesn’t mean the view is bad. It means you should treat the experience like a “great viewpoint from the restaurant zone,” not like a free-for-all observation deck where every corner gives the same wraparound view.

If your goal is the widest photo coverage possible, build in a little time to walk around inside the restaurant area during the sightseeing phase. You’ll get more from it than snapping one quick shot and assuming that’s all you’ll see.

And sunset is where it usually pays off. Even if daytime looks sharp and impressive, sunset tends to add depth—warm light on taller buildings, softer contrasts on roads and waterways, and a city glow effect that feels special at altitude.

Price value for two: is $250 per group worth it?

The price is listed as $250 per group up to 2, and the duration is 2.5 hours. On paper, that sounds like a splurge. In practice, the value comes from what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• Skip-the-line entry through a separate entrance
• Luxury lunch on the 120th floor
• A full listed menu plus two cups of tea

That combo is where the math starts to make sense. If you were to pay separately for an experience ticket and then order a meal at that height, you’d likely spend more. The “private group” format also helps; you’re not financing a big bus of strangers in your timeline.

But here’s the honest counterpoint. If you only want the view and you plan to skip the included meal, the cost per person can feel steep. And if you’re the type who plans to add alcohol or extra items on top, your final bill may rise quickly. This is one of those experiences where the included set menu is the core value, and optional extras should be treated as add-ons, not assumptions.

So I’d treat $250 per group as a high-value splurge when you want a true meal-at-the-top moment. If you mainly want cheap skyline time, you’ll probably feel better choosing a less expensive viewpoint option.

Should you book the 120th-floor Tianzhijin experience?

Book it if you want:

• A luxury lunch with the skyline built in
• A sunset-focused timeline
• Skip-the-line time savings
• A private, paced experience for up to two

Think twice if you:

• Care most about a full wraparound panorama from every angle
• Are mainly budget-driven and would rather spend money on other Lujiazui viewpoints
• Plan to heavily order alcohol and want full clarity on what’s included versus charged

My practical take: if this is a “once in Shanghai” meal you want to remember, this is a strong pick. The height and the set-menu lunch are the point. Just go in knowing the included meal is the main package, and treat bar drinks like extras unless you confirm otherwise.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

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

On what floor is the restaurant located?

The Tianzhijin Restaurant is located on the 120th floor of Shanghai Tower.

How tall is the restaurant from the ground?

The restaurant has an absolute height of 556.36 meters from the ground.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch includes the listed set menu items (five blessing snacks, multiple entrée dishes including matsutake meat ball and truffle fresh abalone and catfish, seasonal vegetables, golden rice, plus fruit and snacks) and two cups of tea.

Do I get a sunset experience?

Yes. The experience flow includes a sunset portion timed into the overall schedule.

Is there a cocktail included?

The experience includes a cocktail component as part of the 2.5-hour flow.

Is skip-the-line access included?

Yes. You get skip-the-line entry through a separate entrance.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. The restaurant requires reservations, and you’re advised to book at least one day in advance.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 2.5 hours.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

What language is the host or greeter?

The host or greeter provides support in English and Chinese.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Shanghai Evening Street Food Walking and Cruise TourMutianyu&Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall: Guided Tour or TransferBeijing: T-Square & Forbidden City Group or Private TourMutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Small-Group Tour with Lunch