Jin Mao Tower to open outdoor viewing platform this week

Shanghai’s Jin Mao Tower is set to open an outdoor clear glass viewing platform this week. At just over 340 metres above the ground, it will be the highest of its kind in the world, a distinction that comes thanks to the walkway having no fence around its edges.

Yes, in a country where nearly everything is fenced off – from art exhibits to the grass in some public parks – the Jin Mao is unveiling a platform with no barrier at its perimeter. Gulp.

Naturally, the 60 metre-long walkway is subject to some pretty stringent safety rules. Visitors – who will be limited to 13 at a time (and hopefully won’t be too superstitious about that number) – will be fitted with safety gear and accompanied by two ‘safety professionals’ at all times.

You’ll also be required to store any bags, cameras and phones before heading out onto the platform – meaning you won’t be able to take your own photos, though reports suggest that there will be a service provided for this (no pricing has yet been mentioned).

It’s not clear yet how much the 1.2 metre wide platform, which is being called ‘Walking in the Clouds’ in Chinese media reports, will cost to visit, but the Jin Mao is clearly hoping it’ll help win back some of the viewing crowds they’ve lost to newer additions to the Lujiazui skyline such as the SWFC and the Shanghai Tower.

It may also help legitimise the wishes of any wannabe daredevils hoping to follow in the footsteps of theteenagers who climbed the tower earlier this year.

Regardless, the views ought to be spectacular, particularly with this clear weather we’re enjoying at the moment, although there are storms forecast for Thursday’s public opening – you’d have to be pretty brave to go up there in the middle of one of those (and presumably, they wouldn’t let you anyway).

We hope to have more details on pricing and timings etcetera in the coming days, and of course we’ll be trying it out as soon as we can – so keep an eye on our blog for more information.