In Seattle, we have the 605-feet tall Space Needle, world famous for being the centerpiece of the 1962 World’s Fair. Chengdu’s answer to the Space Needle is the 1,112-foot-tall West Pearl Tower. Home to Sichuan Radio and Television, the tower has been in existence for 8 years — younger than the Space Needle — but only opened its observation deck to the public last year.
The elevator ride to the top lasts 90 seconds, during which a tour guide gives you a brief introduction on the tower. Like the Space Needle in Seattle, there are several elevators to the top, some which have glass walls, others which offer no view.
On the day that we went, the weather wasn’t optimal, but we were able to see out several kilometers.
The observation deck features four overhangs that extend out of the main observation deck.
The observation deck itself was nothing fancy. The view however, compensated for that.
Our observation deck ticket included a complimentary beverage on the top of the deck, so we waited in the small lounge until after sunset for the night-time view. It was worth the wait.
