The Oriental Pearl Tower is a futurist TV tower in Lujiazui, Shanghai. Built from 1991 to 1994, the tower was the tallest structure in China until the completion of nearby World Financial Center in 2007. Its status as Shanghai's first AAAAA tourist attraction, the tower's unique architecture, height, and fifteen observation decks have made it a cultural icon of the city.
Architecture
thumb|left|The bottom-most [[sphere and its foundations.]]
The top floor of the Oriental Pearl tower is at , which, combined with its antenna, makes the tower tall. The tower was the tallest freestanding structure in China and Asia from 1994 to 2007, but was later surpassed by Canton Tower in Guangzhou.
Foundation
Located in Lujiazui on the banks of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands directly opposite of the Bund. Due to the area's soft soil, large concrete pillars were planted deep within the ground. Steel pipes and plates provided additional support. This technology was later used in nearby Jin Mao Tower.
Spheres
Three large spherical platforms are connected by three pillars and an elevator in-between. According to its designers, the design, which reflects the culture of Shanghai, was inspired by "Pipa xing", a poem by Tang poet Bai Juyi. The spheres, which were constructed using an integral steel framework, are covered by concrete tiles and laminated red glass panes.
Observation levels
thumb|left|100px|One of the glass floors.
The tower has fifteen observatory levels. Lower levels house amenities including a revolving restaurant, indoor roller coaster, and museums. Several levels, including the highest one, have panoramic glass floors.
History
Planning
An initial idea of building a new TV tower in downtown Shanghai in order to increase capacity and replace older infrastructure was introduced in a broadcast on August 25, 1983. On November 17 of the same year, the plan was refined and presented in Shanghai Media Group's sixth five-year plan. The tower was planned to be .
On March 25, 1984, the idea was formally proposed to the city congress, which chose a site in Lujiazui, an area rapidly developing due to the reform and opening up. The decision was made official by the Shanghai Radio and Television Bureau on August 23. On December 14, 1993, the tower's body was cappied. On Labour Day of the following year, the antenna was installed after 11 days of ascension. "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai", and the list of AAAAA Tourist Attractions of China.
In popular culture
thumb|150px|A Russian stamp depicting the tower.
Since its opening, the Oriental Pearl Tower has been a cultural icon of Shanghai. The tower has been depicted in various artworks and media and attracts millions of tourists yearly.
See also
- List of tallest buildings in Shanghai
- List of tallest freestanding structures in the world
- List of the world's tallest structures
- List of towers