High dining: Heavenly Jin breaks record for lofty setting

At 556.36 meters aboveground, Heavenly Jin restaurant in Shanghai was certified by Guinness World Records as the "highest restaurant in a building" on Tuesday. It beats the record held by AT.MOSPHERE restaurant in Burj Khalifa, Dubai by more than 100 meters.

Located on the 120th floor of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, the Heavenly Jin is part of J Hotel, a luxury hotel brand by leading travel and hospitality conglomerates Jin Jiang International.

In the Tuesday ceremony, the Guinness World Record adjudicator Maggie Luo confirmed the measurements, issued a certificate and unveiled a plaque with Jenny Zhang, general manager of J Hotel Shanghai Tower.

"It's of great significance for us. The height of the restaurant is proof of the dedication of the Heavenly Jin management and operational teams," Zhang said. "We welcome guests and friends from all over the world with a higher-level experience above the clouds."

As the Shanghai Tower sits in the skyscraper-filled Lujiazui financial area, the restaurant offers unparalleled views of the Shanghai skyline. Customers can choose European, Japanese and Chinese cuisines for lunch and dinner, or have a relaxed afternoon tea.

The price for lunch is around 700 yuan ($110) per person, and dinner is some 1,500 yuan. A reservation is needed weeks ahead for a special occasion, for example, Valentine's Day.

Hugo Cheng, head chef of the restaurant, said the team overcame many challenges to operate a high-quality restaurant at such a height to ensure the safe use of gas, efficient transportation of ingredients, and food freshness.

Raw ingredients will be washed and processed in a kitchen in the tower's underground level, before traveling on three elevators to reach the restaurant, Cheng said.

The restaurant was first opened together with the J Hotel in June 2021, which features hundreds of artworks in its overall decoration and in individual guest rooms. David Amador, the hotel manager, who has worked here for three years, said he was excited to witness the realization of the restaurant from scratch.

"I'm confident to say that the expectation people had for this place is met and exceeded," Amador said. "As a homegrown hotel brand, our team have proved ourselves to be among the top of the hospitality industry."

Stepping out the elevator to the restaurant, guests will first see a long mosaic mural made in Italy, which depicts the ancient Silk Road trade route.

"Personally, I wish this brand booms internationally," Amador said. "That the J Hotel opens in every important city along the Silk Road, which connects the East and West."