Adrenaline junkies can now take their dinners to sky-high heights

The 632-meter-high Shanghai Tower, China's tallest and the world's third-tallest building, has unveiled an exclusive dining space suspended 561 meters above, setting a new record for Shanghai's highest observation point.

Located on the 121st floor of Shanghai Tower in Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, the dining space surpasses the building's previous highest observation deck on the 118th floor by 15 m. This glass enclosure, measuring about 12 sq m, offers a private dining experience with panoramic views of Shanghai's iconic skyline.

"Unlike traditional viewing platforms, it allows guests to experience Shanghai's beauty more intimately," says Yang Difei, deputy general manager of operations at Shanghai Tower Commercial Operations Co.

The glass-enclosed space features three transparent walls that provide unobstructed views of the city's landmarks. From this vantage point, visitors can view the Oriental Pearl Television Tower, the Huangpu River, the historic Bund area, and Suzhou Creek.

The space, designed to accommodate one table for four to six guests, has already attracted interest. "Since we opened reservations in mid-July, four group bookings have been made as of Aug 5, with the first scheduled for Aug 7," Yang notes.

The venue comprises two sections: a dining area and a preparation space, equipped with amenities including climate control, audio systems, and Wi-Fi. Meals are prepared in a kitchen on another floor before being served in the dining area.

The space is one of four "glass houses", all featuring a steel frame, incorporated into the building's original design. It has taken over eight years to refine for its public debut.

Operating daily from 5 pm to 9 pm, the experience is priced at 6,888 yuan ($963) per group. The package includes a three-course meal featuring seafood dishes paired with champagne. "While we currently offer a set menu, we're exploring possibilities for customization based on guest preferences," Yang adds.

It also includes a guided tour to the skyscraper's other attractions, including the 126th-floor operations of the skyscraper's eddy current damper and the 118th-floor observation deck.

Mounted on the 125th floor of the 632-meter-high building, the 1,000-metric-ton eddy current damper is suspended from 12 steel cables and works like an automatic clock pendulum, with a sway range of two meters in all directions. Shanghai Tower is the first skyscraper in the world with this system, which increases its structural stability.

Each dining reservation includes a dedicated butler who oversees the entire experience, from monitoring weather conditions to providing health and safety briefings for high-altitude visits. While weather conditions play a crucial role, the management team maintains strict protocols regarding visibility and adverse weather.

"We proactively reschedule bookings during poor visibility conditions or severe weather events like typhoons," Yang explains. "This includes when visibility is restricted to the immediate Lujiazui area or when the neighboring Oriental Pearl Tower is barely visible."

Beyond its current role as a dining venue, the space holds broader potential. "We envision this as a versatile venue," Yang says. "It could host marriage proposals, anniversary celebrations, intimate gatherings, and even livestreaming events."

Shanghai Tower officially opened in April 2017 and is the latest addition to the cluster of super skyscrapers in Shanghai's Lujiazui financial area, alongside the 468-meter Oriental Pearl Television Tower, the 421-meter Jin Mao Tower, and the 492-meter Shanghai World Financial Center.