The Jinmao Tower (金茂大厦, Jīnmào Dàshà; 88 Century Ave, 世纪大道88号), at 420.5m tall (10m taller than the Empire State Building), was briefly China's tallest building at the time of its completion in 2007. It's still one of the nation's most iconic, an 88-story block with a crystalline art deco edifice resembling a pagoda, a high-altitude hotel and a wonderful viewing gallery, accessed by a super-speedy 45-second lift.
Adrenaline junkies can now participate in a skywalk on the ledge outside the building, during which participants step out onto a platform on the 88th floor while attached by a harness and cable. Instructors lead those willing onto this 1.2m-wide platform, where they can peer right over the side, feel the wind from 360m above street level and even balance with one leg over the ledge and lean back with no hands off the ledge, if they desire. As part of the experience (which must be pre-bought at the ticket desk on the ground floor) you get a gift box with a photo, certificate and medal saying you've completed the JM Tower Skywalk.
Aim for clear days at dusk for both day and night views. Alternatively, sample the same view through the fizz of a gin and tonic at Cloud 9 on the 87th floor of the Grand Hyatt (accessed on the south side of the building), and photograph the hotel’s astonishing barrel-vaulted atrium.
