New Highlight in UK Travel: Admire London’s Skyline from The Shard

By TRAVELER Luxe旅人志

 

The race to reach new heights has become a fierce competition among many cities, and London’s The Shard is no exception. Yet this cone-shaped structure, resembling a transparent pyramid, has captivated the world. Head to the observation deck on the highest floor to gaze at the River Thames and London’s cityscape — it feels as if you could almost touch the soft clouds in the sky. That must be what it’s like to soar through the air.

Since its completion last year, The Shard has quickly become one of the brightest new stars in London’s skyline. Located in the bustling heart of the city and overlooking London Bridge, it’s within walking distance of many famous landmarks, such as the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, as well as the artsy Southbank Centre and Waterloo. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, The Shard features over 11,000 glass panels, drawing inspiration from the spires of London churches. Its fragmented glass aesthetic also inspired its name. Rising 310 meters with 72 floors, it includes office spaces on the lower levels, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, a five-star Shangri-La Hotel, luxury residences, and London’s highest observation gallery offering 360-degree panoramic views on the upper levels — earning it the nickname “vertical city.” The topmost glass panels tilt upward rather than converging, allowing the building to “breathe” in the sky. The transparent façade reflects the beautiful daylight, letting sunlight stream in effortlessly. Since its official public opening on February 1 this year, it has triggered a surge in visitors, and this skyscraper craze shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

 

 

● Read More: Louvre-Lens Opens — A New Cultural Revolution in a Former Coal Mining Town

http://goo.gl/9u2gc