Shanghai Grand Opera House Starts Charging to Climb Its Staircase and Roof
Visitors who want to climb the spiral staircase and reach the roof of the Shanghai Grand Opera House in China now have to pay 50 yuan per person. The building was designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, and the new charge was reported by Dezeen on 12 November 2026.
The ground floor of the opera house is still open to the public without charge. A temporary barricade now separates that free space from the staircase that leads up to the roof. To pass it, visitors must book a ticket online ahead of time, for a visit between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
People who already hold a ticket to a performance at the venue still need a separate ticket to use the staircase and roof. The 50 yuan fee includes accident insurance, according to Dezeen.
Snøhetta told Dezeen that the firm sees visitor management as necessary. It cited what it called exceptional public interest, along with the limited space on the roof and on the public stairs. The firm also said the access arrangements will continue to develop, which suggests the rules may change.
The move has also drawn attention online. Dezeen reported that the question "is it worth spending 50 yuan to visit Shanghai Grand Opera House" trended on Chinese social media after the fee was introduced.
For anyone planning a trip, the practical steps are simple. Book online before you go, pick a time slot between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, and expect the barricade at the foot of the stairs. Those who only want to see the lobby and public ground floor can still do so for free.
