The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, but it wasn’t built to join a skyline, it was built before the skyline existed.

In this episode of Architecture Topics, we travel back to 1980s Shanghai to understand how the city transformed from an inward-looking industrial center into a global financial hub, and how the development of Pudong changed everything.

We explore the history of Shanghai, the impact of Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms, and the decision to build a new district from scratch across the Huangpu River.

You’ll learn how the Oriental Pearl Tower was designed, why its unique spherical form was chosen, and how it became both a broadcasting structure and a cultural symbol.

We also look at how it paved the way for iconic skyscrapers like the Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower, shaping one of the most famous skylines in the world.

If you’re interested in architecture, urban planning, skyscrapers, or the history of modern China, this episode gives you the full story behind the tower that helped define Shanghai.