Best Rooftop Bars in Shanghai with a City Skyline View

Shanghai offers some of the world's most spectacular rooftop bars, primarily located along the historic Bund and in the futuristic Lujiazui financial district. For the ultimate skyline experience, visit Flair at The Ritz-Carlton for a close-up of the Oriental Pearl Tower, or VUE Bar at the Hyatt on the Bund for a panoramic perspective of the river’s famous bend. These spots provide the perfect backdrop for a cocktail while watching the city light up.

The Ultimate Shanghai Rooftop Experience

Shanghai is a city defined by its skyline. On one side of the Huangpu River, you have the Bund, a collection of colonial-era buildings that tell the story of the city's past. On the other side, Lujiazui rises with skyscrapers that look like they were plucked from a sci-fi film. To truly appreciate this contrast, you need to get above street level.

When visiting these upscale venues, staying connected is essential. Whether you are using maps to navigate the winding streets of the French Concession or trying to upload a high-resolution video of the skyline to Instagram, you will need a reliable data connection. Most visitors soon realize that the "Great Firewall" blocks many Western apps, and local Wi-Fi often requires a Chinese phone number to log in. This is where see plans for a ChinaRoam eSIM becomes invaluable, providing uncensored access to the apps you use daily.

Top Rooftop Bars in Shanghai

Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Located on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Pudong, Flair is arguably the most famous rooftop bar in the city. It sits so close to the Oriental Pearl Tower that you feel as though you could reach out and touch it. The outdoor terrace is the place to be, offering a dizzying view of the river and the Bund far below.

Because of its popularity, Flair often has a minimum spend or an entrance fee that includes a drink. It is a prime spot for a sunset cocktail. The vibe is sophisticated and international, making it a great place to start an evening of exploration. If you are planning a broader cultural trip, you might also enjoy exploring Art and Culture at the Shanghai West Bund, which offers a different, more contemporary side of the city's aesthetic.

VUE Bar

Situated at the top of the Hyatt on the Bund, VUE Bar offers a unique 270-degree view. While many bars focus on either the Bund or Pudong, VUE’s location at the bend of the river allows you to see both simultaneously. The bar is famous for its large whirlpool bath in the center of the terrace, where guests can soak their feet while sipping champagne.

The Captain

For a more relaxed and slightly more affordable experience, The Captain (located in the Captain's Hostel) is a hidden gem. It has a nautical theme and an outdoor deck that puts you right at the level of the Bund’s historic domes. It’s one of the best places to see the light show on the skyscrapers across the water without the steep prices of the five-star hotels.

Char Bar and Grill

Located at the Hotel Indigo on the South Bund, Char Bar offers a perspective that many tourists miss. Because it is slightly further down the river, you get a long-view of the entire skyline. The terrace is spacious, and the atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a great view without the extreme crowds of the central Bund area.

Staying Connected: Why an eSIM is Essential

Navigating Shanghai's nightlife and transport system requires constant internet access. However, international travelers often face two major hurdles: high roaming costs and internet censorship.

Bypassing the Great Firewall

In mainland China, many websites and apps are blocked, including Google Maps, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. While some travelers try to use VPNs, these are often slow and unreliable. ChinaRoam data is routed outside the Great Firewall, meaning your apps work natively just like they do at home. You can post your rooftop photos to Instagram or call home via WhatsApp without any extra configuration.

Coverage and Local Carriers

Shanghai is a 5G powerhouse. ChinaRoam plans connect to the three major networks: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. This ensures that even when you are on the 58th floor of a skyscraper, you maintain a strong signal.

Feature	UK Roaming (EE, O2, Vodafone)	ChinaRoam eSIM
Cost	Often £6-£7 per day	Competitive prepaid rates
Data Allowance	Usually very limited (500MB/day)	Up to 50GB per plan
Censorship	Varies by carrier	Completely Uncensored
Network	Often restricted to 4G	5G on all major networks
Convenience	Automatic	Instant digital delivery

Choosing the Right Data Plan

Depending on the length of your stay, you can choose from a variety of fixed and daily plans. If you are just in Shanghai for a long weekend to see the sights and perhaps take a day trip to see The Master of the Nets Garden in Suzhou Guide, a 3GB or 5GB 30-day plan might be sufficient. For heavy users who are streaming video or working remotely, the 20GB or 50GB options are better suited.

ChinaRoam also offers daily passes for those who want a set amount of high-speed data every 24 hours. These include options like 1GB, 2GB, or even 10GB per day. If you exceed the daily limit, the speed throttles to 384 Kbps (or 512 Kbps on the 3GB daily plan), ensuring you are never completely cut off. All plans are data-only and do not include a local phone number, but they fully support VoIP services like WhatsApp calls.

Installation and Setup Guide

Setting up your eSIM is a simple setup process that you should ideally complete before you land at Pudong International Airport (PVG). This allows you to have data the moment you step off the plane, which is vital for booking a Didi (China's version of Uber) or checking the Maglev train schedule.

For iPhone Users

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Use your phone to scan the QR code sent to your email.
4. Label the new plan "ChinaRoam" or "Travel".
5. Set the ChinaRoam eSIM as the preferred line for Cellular Data.
6. Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON for the ChinaRoam line.

For Android Users

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Once downloaded, ensure the eSIM is active.
5. Enable Data Roaming in the mobile network settings for the eSIM.

Before purchasing, make sure to check if your phone is compatible with eSIM technology, as older models may only support physical SIM cards.

Beyond the Rooftops: Exploring Shanghai

While the rooftop bars are a highlight, Shanghai has much more to offer. From the art galleries of the West Bund to the traditional gardens of nearby Suzhou, having a reliable 5G connection makes the journey smoother. You can use translation apps to read menus, check real-time subway updates, and use digital payment platforms like Alipay, which can now be linked to international credit cards.

When you are ready to move on from Shanghai, you can easily see plans for other regions or even neighboring destinations like Hong Kong or Macau, where the same uncensored data benefits apply.

The bottom line

Shanghai’s rooftop bars offer some of the most iconic urban views in the world. To make the most of your visit, avoid the pitfalls of expensive UK roaming and the frustrations of the Great Firewall. By using a ChinaRoam eSIM, you get high-speed 5G data on China Mobile, Unicom, and Telecom, allowing you to share your experiences and navigate the city with ease. It is the most efficient way for international travelers to stay connected in mainland China.