The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television is a TV tower in Shanghai. Its location at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong New Area by the side of Huangpu River, opposite The Bund, makes it a distinct landmark in the area.
The idea of building a new TV tower was first brought up in a broadcast considering the overwhelming situation of the existing TV transmission tower in 1983. And in 1991, the foundation of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower was officially laid and the construction started. The construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower was officially completed in 1994.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower consists of three main full-scope sightseeing spheres. Each of these spheres offers an observation deck.
The tower has fifteen observatory levels. The highest (known as the Space Module) is 351 m. It is excellent to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city, but it is difficult to see close-up views of attractions, such as the Bund. The lower levels are 263 m (Sightseeing Floor) and 90 m (Space City). There is a revolving restaurant at the 267 m level. The project also contains exhibition facilities and a small shopping center. There is also a 20-room hotel called the Space Hotel between the two large spheres. The upper observation platform has an outside area with a 1.5-inch glass floor.
Visitors travel up and down the Oriental Pearl Tower in double-decker elevators that can hold up to fifty people at the rate of seven meters per second. The elevator attendants recite an introduction to the TV Tower in English and Chinese during the rapid 1/4-mile ascent. Once you reach your destination, you will be amazed at the variety of activities available as the various spheres and columns actually house places of interest, commerce, and recreation.
The inner is a recreational palace, while the Municipal History Museum is located on the tower’s pedestal. The large lower sphere has a futuristic space city and a fabulous sightseeing hall. From here, on a clear day, a visitor can see all the way to the Yangtze River. The base is home to a science fantasy city. The five smaller spheres are a hotel that contains twenty-five elegant rooms and lounges. The pearl at the very top contains shops, restaurants, (including a rotating restaurant), and a sightseeing floor. The view of the city from this height fills you with wonder at the beauty that surrounds you. When viewed from the Bund at night, the three-dimensional lighting makes it a delight of brilliant color.
It is amazing that this ultra-modern Oriental Pearl TV Tower combines ancient concepts such as the spherical pearls, with 21st Century technology, commerce, recreation, educational, and conference facilities. It really is a TV and radio tower that services the city with more than nine television channels and upwards of ten FM radio channels. Truly, ‘oriental pearl’ is the most suitable name for it.
According to Wikipedia
