Introduction
The Oriental Pearl Tower is a famous landmark located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, China. Built in 1994, it stands at 468 meters (1,535 feet) tall and is one of the tallest towers in Asia. It is also one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, and a popular tourist attraction.
History
The Oriental Pearl Tower was designed by Shanghai-based architect Zhu Pei. Construction began in October of 1991, and the tower was completed in October of 1994. The tower was built as part of the city’s development plans for the Pudong district. It was designed to be a symbol of Shanghai’s prosperity and modernity, and it has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Architecture
The Oriental Pearl Tower is composed of 11 spheres of varying sizes. The two largest spheres, located at the bottom of the tower, are 15 meters (49 feet) in diameter. The smaller spheres gradually decrease in size as they ascend the tower. The entire structure is supported by three large columns, which are connected to the spheres by a network of steel cables.
Features
The Oriental Pearl Tower features several attractions and amenities, including an observation deck, a revolving restaurant, a shopping mall, and an aquarium. The observation deck, located at the top of the tower, provides a 360-degree view of the city. The revolving restaurant, located at the base of the tower, allows visitors to enjoy a meal while slowly rotating around the tower. The shopping mall, located at the base of the tower, features a variety of stores and restaurants. Finally, the aquarium, located on the third floor, contains a variety of sea life, including sharks, turtles, and fish.
Conclusion
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Shanghai, and a popular tourist attraction. It was designed to be a symbol of the city’s prosperity and modernity, and it stands as a testament to Shanghai’s growth and development. With its observation deck, revolving restaurant, shopping mall, and aquarium, the Oriental Pearl Tower is an attraction that visitors to Shanghai should not miss.