How a 128-story twisting glass tower redefined the skyline of modern Shanghai

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Shanghai Tower is a feat of engineering that rises 632 meters above the Lujiazui district. Beyond its record-breaking height, the building features a unique double-layered glass facade that twists 120 degrees to combat wind loads, saving millions in steel costs while setting new standards for sustainable skyscraper design.

Completed in 2015, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and a centerpiece of the Lujiazui financial district. Designed by the firm Gensler, the structure is actually nine cylindrical buildings stacked vertically, all enclosed within a transparent, double-layered glass skin. This design is not merely aesthetic; the 120-degree twist reduces wind loads by 24 percent, allowing the builders to use 25 percent less structural steel than a conventional skyscraper of similar height. This efficiency saved an estimated US$58 million in material costs.

The tower is a pioneer in sustainable architecture, incorporating geothermal energy, rainwater harvesting, and 270 vertical-axis wind turbines that generate supplementary electricity. Its interior is organized into nine zones, each featuring its own atrium with gardens and retail space. The building also houses the world's highest observation deck on the 121st floor and the J Hotel, which occupies the 120th floor and holds the title of the world's highest luxury hotel. In 2022, the tower's Heavenly Jin restaurant was officially recognized as the highest restaurant in a building.

Despite its architectural success, the project faced significant hurdles. Early construction was plagued by ground subsidence in the surrounding area, and the tower struggled with occupancy permits and tenant acquisition for years after its completion. By 2022, however, occupancy rates for office and commercial spaces had climbed to 80 percent and 98 percent, respectively. Today, it stands as a testament to modern engineering, serving as a hub for global firms like JPMorgan and Alibaba while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in high-rise urban development.

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