Beijing Street Circuit
Location
E-Town, China
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Track Info
Beijing Street Circuit - Olympic Green, Beijing, China
Formula E’s first-ever race venue around the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube - clockwise - 3.44 km / 2.14 mi with 20 turns - temporary street course within the Olympic Park
First Race
Sep 13, 2014
The inaugural Formula E race was the 2014 Beijing ePrix, won by Lucas di Grassi after a last-corner crash between Nicolas Prost and Nick Heidfeld.
Circuit Length
3.44 km / 2.14 mi
Beijing Olympic Green Circuit was the longest track used in the early Formula E seasons.
Turns
20
A mix of 90-degree corners, chicanes and flowing links around Olympic venues.
Designer
Rodrigo Nunes
Developed with the FIA and local authorities to thread through the Olympic Park.
Lap Records
1:39.993 - Sébastien Buemi (Formula E race lap) - Oct 24, 2015
2015 layout tweak removed the first chicane and tightened the second, aiding overtakes.
When was the track built?
It’s a temporary street circuit mapped within the Beijing Olympic Green, first assembled for Formula E’s debut season. The course ran past the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and National Aquatics Center, using paddock and support areas adapted from the Olympic precinct.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was the 2014 Beijing ePrix on September 13, 2014. Lucas di Grassi won after Nicolas Prost and Nick Heidfeld collided at the final corner in one of Formula E’s most dramatic finishes. Pole time was 1:42.200 by Nicolas Prost.
What’s the circuit like?
- City-center precision: Walls close in through sequences of 90s and chicanes, so braking stability and rotation over bumps are key.
- Long-run energy game: The back-straight plus multiple heavy stops rewarded lift-and-coast discipline and regen deployment.
- Unique Gen1 flavor: Beijing featured the U-shaped pit lane used for mid-race car swaps in 2014 – a signature of Formula E’s first era.
- 2015 update: First chicane removed, second chicane tightened to improve overtaking into the mid-lap complex.
Lap records and benchmarks
- 2014 - pole: 1:42.200 - Nicolas Prost (e.dams-Renault). Fastest lap: 1:45.101 - Takuma Sato (Amlin Aguri). Winner: Lucas di Grassi.
- 2015 - pole: 1:37.297 - Sébastien Buemi (Renault e.dams). Fastest lap: 1:39.993 - Sébastien Buemi. Winner: Sébastien Buemi.
- Layout notes: Both years listed at 3.44 km around the Olympic Park, with 2015’s small chicane change.
Why go?
Beijing delivered a blueprint for city-center electric racing: iconic architecture, tight urban racing, and strategy-heavy energy management. If revived, expect drafting duels into the long back-straight brake zone and grandstand views framed by the Bird’s Nest.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Start/finish near the Bird’s Nest: Launches, pit lane action and the sprint to Turn 1.
- Back-straight braking zone: Prime overtaking after the high-speed run created by the 2015 chicane removal.
- Final corner complex: Scene of the 2014 last-lap incident and decisive dives to the line.
Not just one series - headline moments in Beijing
Formula E history: The championship’s first green flag flew here in 2014, and the 2015 return showcased the series’ first major layout evolution with quicker qualifying times.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to the Beijing Street Circuit - Olympic Green, Beijing
The Formula E Beijing ePrix used the Olympic Green circuit around the Bird's Nest stadium. The simplest access is Beijing Subway Line 8 or Line 15 to Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park station and a short walk inside the Olympic Park. Driving and on street parking are not recommended around major events.
Course area
Olympic Green - Bird's Nest
Circuit centered on Beijing National Stadium for the inaugural 2014 ePrix.
Closest subway
Line 8 - Line 15
Use Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park station for the park precinct.
Wayfinding
Inside Olympic Park
Line 8 to Olympic Park is the recommended route for visitors; exits open into the park.
Public transport - best choice
- Subway: Take Line 8 to Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park or nearby Olympic Sports Center stops. Line 15 also interchanges at Olympic Park.
- Buses: Multiple city routes serve the Olympic Green perimeter. Follow on site signs for event day stop adjustments.
Driving - expect restrictions near Olympic Green
- Event advice: Large events at Olympic Green rely on subway access and manage traffic with restrictions around stadium roads. Plan to park off site and ride the subway in.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Set destination: Beijing Olympic Park - National Stadium. Use signed taxi stands on perimeter roads, then walk to your gate per the event map. General practice for the precinct.
Walking from stations
- From Olympic Park station: It is typically a 5 - 12 minute walk within the park to grandstands and fan zones, depending on gate placement for the event.
About the course - quick context
- Temporary Olympic Green circuit: Hosted Formula E in 2014 with grandstands and paddock placed around the stadiums within the park.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Subway: Line 8 - Line 15 to Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park.
- Walking: exits place you inside the Olympic Park for short, signed walks to gates.
- Anchor area: National Stadium Bird's Nest in Olympic Green.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Beijing Street Circuit - Olympic Green - Chaoyang - Beijing, China
This temporary city circuit has used avenues around the Olympic Park and other downtown corridors for electric street racing festivals. When a race week comes together, you are steps from landmark venues, world class museums, imperial gardens and family friendly parks to fill non race time.
Motorsport in Beijing
Temporary Formula E style street course
Past layouts looped the Olympic Green around the National Stadium and Aquatics Center using wide boulevards and 90 degree corners set against iconic architecture.
Typical peak window
September - October or spring shoulder
Beijing is most comfortable in autumn and late spring. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, winter is cold and dry.
Nearby hubs
Olympic Green - Chaoyang - Dongcheng - Wangfujing - 798 Art District
Imperial City sights and modern galleries are a short ride from the circuit zone outside event closures.
Event impact
Street closures - venue security
Race weeks add fencing, temporary bridges and detours around Olympic Park. Museums and malls nearby can see post session surges.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- China Science and Technology Museum - Olympic Park: Big hands on galleries and a dome theater for an easy weather proof half day.
- National Stadium and Water Cube exteriors: Striking photo walk around the Bird's Nest and the glowing Aquatics Center after dusk.
- Olympic Forest Park: Lakes, bridges, rentable bikes and shaded paths for a gentle reset between sessions.
- Beijing Zoo and Aquarium: Wide grounds and one of Asia's largest inland aquariums for kids who love marine life.
- Chaoyang Park: Playgrounds, paddleboats and lawns in the heart of the eastern district.
- Beihai Park and Shichahai lakes: Island temple, pedal boats and old city vistas near the hutongs.
Popular museums and parks often use timed entry and daily caps on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Forbidden City - Palace Museum: Vast courtyards and galleries. Book dated tickets and set aside several hours.
- Temple of Heaven: Iconic prayer halls set in a massive park. Early mornings feature local music and tai chi.
- Summer Palace: Lakeside walks, painted corridors and hilltop views that pair well with cooler afternoons.
- National Museum of China - Tiananmen side: Excellent, encyclopedic collection for a full indoor day.
- 798 Art District: Contemporary galleries, outdoor installations and cafés inside a former factory zone.
- Lama Temple - Confucius Temple: Beautiful halls and incense courtyards on the same axis for a compact culture loop.
Eat and drink like a local
- Roast duck dinner: Beijing's signature dish with pancakes and condiments. Reserve early on headline weekends.
- Hutong bites: Noodle shops, jianbing crepes and sesame buns around Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Byway.
- Spicy late night street: Skewers, hot pot and snacks along well known food streets in Dongcheng and Chaoyang.
- Tea and dessert breaks: Traditional tea houses near the lakes or modern dessert cafés in Sanlitun for a cool intermission.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables near Olympic Green, Sanlitun and Wangfujing book fast. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Hutong and lake loop: Easy walk past courtyards, drum towers and the Houhai shoreline with snack stops.
- Jingshan Park hill climb: Short stair walk to the pavilion for panoramic views over the Forbidden City.
- Chaoyang Park laps: Flat greenway circuits for a jog or stroller friendly roll.
- Olympic Forest Park bikes: Family bike rentals and shaded lanes make a stress free hour close to the circuit zone.
- Winter note: In deep winter, parts of the Houhai area may open for controlled ice activities when conditions allow.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Great Wall at Mutianyu - 75 to 120 minutes. Restored wall with cableway options and forested ridges. Go early for quieter paths.
- Great Wall at Badaling - 60 to 90 minutes. The most famous section with robust facilities and bigger crowds.
- Gubei Water Town and Simatai - 2 to 2.5 hours. Evening wall views and an atmospheric canal town if you add a longer day.
- Ming Tombs - 60 to 90 minutes. Sacred Way statues and impressive burial chambers in a valley setting.
- Tianjin sampler - 35 to 50 minutes by high speed rail. Riverside European style streets, museums and a giant ferris wheel.
- Fragrant Hills and Botanical Garden - 40 to 70 minutes. Autumn foliage and easy garden loops on the west side.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Major sights often require dated tickets with ID checks and last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Autumn race festivals align with comfortable weather and clear skies. Hotels near Olympic Green and Sanlitun fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Continental monsoon climate. Spring can be breezy and dry, summer is hot with thunderstorms, autumn is sunny and mild, winter is cold and crisp. Pack layers, sunscreen and a light rain shell for pop up showers.
- Seasonal notes - National Day Golden Week in early October and Spring Festival dates lift demand citywide. Some attractions run evening light shows in summer.
Practical notes during race - festival weeks
- Street operations: Fencing, bridges and rerouted crossings change normal park routes around Olympic Green. Follow event signage and allow extra walking time.
- Tickets and IDs: Many museums and parks use real name bookings. Keep identification handy for entry checks.
- Cashless readiness: Mobile payments are common. Larger venues typically accept major cards, small kiosks may prefer local wallets. Carry a little cash as backup.
- Air quality planning: On hazy days, prioritize indoor museums in the afternoon and outdoor parks in the morning or evening.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light layers, refillable bottles and grippy shoes for park paths and temporary grandstands.
Attraction hours, ticket policies, park capacities and race week street closures can change - check official event and venue sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location
E-Town, China
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Track Info
Beijing Street Circuit - Olympic Green, Beijing, China
Formula E’s first-ever race venue around the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube - clockwise - 3.44 km / 2.14 mi with 20 turns - temporary street course within the Olympic Park
First Race
Sep 13, 2014
The inaugural Formula E race was the 2014 Beijing ePrix, won by Lucas di Grassi after a last-corner crash between Nicolas Prost and Nick Heidfeld.
Circuit Length
3.44 km / 2.14 mi
Beijing Olympic Green Circuit was the longest track used in the early Formula E seasons.
Turns
20
A mix of 90-degree corners, chicanes and flowing links around Olympic venues.
Designer
Rodrigo Nunes
Developed with the FIA and local authorities to thread through the Olympic Park.
Lap Records
1:39.993 - Sébastien Buemi (Formula E race lap) - Oct 24, 2015
2015 layout tweak removed the first chicane and tightened the second, aiding overtakes.
When was the track built?
It’s a temporary street circuit mapped within the Beijing Olympic Green, first assembled for Formula E’s debut season. The course ran past the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and National Aquatics Center, using paddock and support areas adapted from the Olympic precinct.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was the 2014 Beijing ePrix on September 13, 2014. Lucas di Grassi won after Nicolas Prost and Nick Heidfeld collided at the final corner in one of Formula E’s most dramatic finishes. Pole time was 1:42.200 by Nicolas Prost.
What’s the circuit like?
- City-center precision: Walls close in through sequences of 90s and chicanes, so braking stability and rotation over bumps are key.
- Long-run energy game: The back-straight plus multiple heavy stops rewarded lift-and-coast discipline and regen deployment.
- Unique Gen1 flavor: Beijing featured the U-shaped pit lane used for mid-race car swaps in 2014 – a signature of Formula E’s first era.
- 2015 update: First chicane removed, second chicane tightened to improve overtaking into the mid-lap complex.
Lap records and benchmarks
- 2014 - pole: 1:42.200 - Nicolas Prost (e.dams-Renault). Fastest lap: 1:45.101 - Takuma Sato (Amlin Aguri). Winner: Lucas di Grassi.
- 2015 - pole: 1:37.297 - Sébastien Buemi (Renault e.dams). Fastest lap: 1:39.993 - Sébastien Buemi. Winner: Sébastien Buemi.
- Layout notes: Both years listed at 3.44 km around the Olympic Park, with 2015’s small chicane change.
Why go?
Beijing delivered a blueprint for city-center electric racing: iconic architecture, tight urban racing, and strategy-heavy energy management. If revived, expect drafting duels into the long back-straight brake zone and grandstand views framed by the Bird’s Nest.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Start/finish near the Bird’s Nest: Launches, pit lane action and the sprint to Turn 1.
- Back-straight braking zone: Prime overtaking after the high-speed run created by the 2015 chicane removal.
- Final corner complex: Scene of the 2014 last-lap incident and decisive dives to the line.
Not just one series - headline moments in Beijing
Formula E history: The championship’s first green flag flew here in 2014, and the 2015 return showcased the series’ first major layout evolution with quicker qualifying times.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to the Beijing Street Circuit - Olympic Green, Beijing
The Formula E Beijing ePrix used the Olympic Green circuit around the Bird's Nest stadium. The simplest access is Beijing Subway Line 8 or Line 15 to Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park station and a short walk inside the Olympic Park. Driving and on street parking are not recommended around major events.
Course area
Olympic Green - Bird's Nest
Circuit centered on Beijing National Stadium for the inaugural 2014 ePrix.
Closest subway
Line 8 - Line 15
Use Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park station for the park precinct.
Wayfinding
Inside Olympic Park
Line 8 to Olympic Park is the recommended route for visitors; exits open into the park.
Public transport - best choice
- Subway: Take Line 8 to Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park or nearby Olympic Sports Center stops. Line 15 also interchanges at Olympic Park.
- Buses: Multiple city routes serve the Olympic Green perimeter. Follow on site signs for event day stop adjustments.
Driving - expect restrictions near Olympic Green
- Event advice: Large events at Olympic Green rely on subway access and manage traffic with restrictions around stadium roads. Plan to park off site and ride the subway in.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Set destination: Beijing Olympic Park - National Stadium. Use signed taxi stands on perimeter roads, then walk to your gate per the event map. General practice for the precinct.
Walking from stations
- From Olympic Park station: It is typically a 5 - 12 minute walk within the park to grandstands and fan zones, depending on gate placement for the event.
About the course - quick context
- Temporary Olympic Green circuit: Hosted Formula E in 2014 with grandstands and paddock placed around the stadiums within the park.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Subway: Line 8 - Line 15 to Aolinpike Gongyuan Olympic Park.
- Walking: exits place you inside the Olympic Park for short, signed walks to gates.
- Anchor area: National Stadium Bird's Nest in Olympic Green.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Beijing Street Circuit - Olympic Green - Chaoyang - Beijing, China
This temporary city circuit has used avenues around the Olympic Park and other downtown corridors for electric street racing festivals. When a race week comes together, you are steps from landmark venues, world class museums, imperial gardens and family friendly parks to fill non race time.
Motorsport in Beijing
Temporary Formula E style street course
Past layouts looped the Olympic Green around the National Stadium and Aquatics Center using wide boulevards and 90 degree corners set against iconic architecture.
Typical peak window
September - October or spring shoulder
Beijing is most comfortable in autumn and late spring. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, winter is cold and dry.
Nearby hubs
Olympic Green - Chaoyang - Dongcheng - Wangfujing - 798 Art District
Imperial City sights and modern galleries are a short ride from the circuit zone outside event closures.
Event impact
Street closures - venue security
Race weeks add fencing, temporary bridges and detours around Olympic Park. Museums and malls nearby can see post session surges.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- China Science and Technology Museum - Olympic Park: Big hands on galleries and a dome theater for an easy weather proof half day.
- National Stadium and Water Cube exteriors: Striking photo walk around the Bird's Nest and the glowing Aquatics Center after dusk.
- Olympic Forest Park: Lakes, bridges, rentable bikes and shaded paths for a gentle reset between sessions.
- Beijing Zoo and Aquarium: Wide grounds and one of Asia's largest inland aquariums for kids who love marine life.
- Chaoyang Park: Playgrounds, paddleboats and lawns in the heart of the eastern district.
- Beihai Park and Shichahai lakes: Island temple, pedal boats and old city vistas near the hutongs.
Popular museums and parks often use timed entry and daily caps on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Forbidden City - Palace Museum: Vast courtyards and galleries. Book dated tickets and set aside several hours.
- Temple of Heaven: Iconic prayer halls set in a massive park. Early mornings feature local music and tai chi.
- Summer Palace: Lakeside walks, painted corridors and hilltop views that pair well with cooler afternoons.
- National Museum of China - Tiananmen side: Excellent, encyclopedic collection for a full indoor day.
- 798 Art District: Contemporary galleries, outdoor installations and cafés inside a former factory zone.
- Lama Temple - Confucius Temple: Beautiful halls and incense courtyards on the same axis for a compact culture loop.
Eat and drink like a local
- Roast duck dinner: Beijing's signature dish with pancakes and condiments. Reserve early on headline weekends.
- Hutong bites: Noodle shops, jianbing crepes and sesame buns around Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Byway.
- Spicy late night street: Skewers, hot pot and snacks along well known food streets in Dongcheng and Chaoyang.
- Tea and dessert breaks: Traditional tea houses near the lakes or modern dessert cafés in Sanlitun for a cool intermission.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables near Olympic Green, Sanlitun and Wangfujing book fast. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Hutong and lake loop: Easy walk past courtyards, drum towers and the Houhai shoreline with snack stops.
- Jingshan Park hill climb: Short stair walk to the pavilion for panoramic views over the Forbidden City.
- Chaoyang Park laps: Flat greenway circuits for a jog or stroller friendly roll.
- Olympic Forest Park bikes: Family bike rentals and shaded lanes make a stress free hour close to the circuit zone.
- Winter note: In deep winter, parts of the Houhai area may open for controlled ice activities when conditions allow.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Great Wall at Mutianyu - 75 to 120 minutes. Restored wall with cableway options and forested ridges. Go early for quieter paths.
- Great Wall at Badaling - 60 to 90 minutes. The most famous section with robust facilities and bigger crowds.
- Gubei Water Town and Simatai - 2 to 2.5 hours. Evening wall views and an atmospheric canal town if you add a longer day.
- Ming Tombs - 60 to 90 minutes. Sacred Way statues and impressive burial chambers in a valley setting.
- Tianjin sampler - 35 to 50 minutes by high speed rail. Riverside European style streets, museums and a giant ferris wheel.
- Fragrant Hills and Botanical Garden - 40 to 70 minutes. Autumn foliage and easy garden loops on the west side.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Major sights often require dated tickets with ID checks and last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Autumn race festivals align with comfortable weather and clear skies. Hotels near Olympic Green and Sanlitun fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Continental monsoon climate. Spring can be breezy and dry, summer is hot with thunderstorms, autumn is sunny and mild, winter is cold and crisp. Pack layers, sunscreen and a light rain shell for pop up showers.
- Seasonal notes - National Day Golden Week in early October and Spring Festival dates lift demand citywide. Some attractions run evening light shows in summer.
Practical notes during race - festival weeks
- Street operations: Fencing, bridges and rerouted crossings change normal park routes around Olympic Green. Follow event signage and allow extra walking time.
- Tickets and IDs: Many museums and parks use real name bookings. Keep identification handy for entry checks.
- Cashless readiness: Mobile payments are common. Larger venues typically accept major cards, small kiosks may prefer local wallets. Carry a little cash as backup.
- Air quality planning: On hazy days, prioritize indoor museums in the afternoon and outdoor parks in the morning or evening.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light layers, refillable bottles and grippy shoes for park paths and temporary grandstands.
Attraction hours, ticket policies, park capacities and race week street closures can change - check official event and venue sites for your exact dates.
