The Broadcasting & Television Tower of Oriental Pearl is the world's third tallest TV tower after the 553-meter CN Tower in Toronto and the 535-meter Moscow TV Tower. It is located in the tip of Lujiazui on the eastern shore of Huangpu River, confronting the classic beauty of the Bund. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is 468 meters high. Tourists can get to several observatory decks. In fine weather people can have a commanding view of The Bund and Shanghai, Chongming Island and the Yangzi River in the distance. The tower also has a hotel, revolving restaurant, karaoke parlors and bars. The ground floor features a shopping area, cafe and an international city exhibit. It also offers deluxe conference rooms that have hosted leaders and VIPs from around the world.
The design for the Tower uses eleven spheres (or "pearls") and three huge columns connecting the green grass below to the blue sky above. There are six high speed passenger elevators inside the column bringing visitors up to the viewing platform which commands good views of the city. One of the most attractive aspects of the tower is the lighting. A computer controlled system alternates the light on the tower according to the weather conditions.
