Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit
Location
Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong, China
Current Local Time
Track Info
Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit - Hong Kong
Compact Formula E street circuit beside Victoria Harbour - famous for tight hairpins, close concrete walls and a spectacular city-centre waterfront setting
When was the track built?
The Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit was a temporary street track created for Formula E's arrival in the city in 2016. Existing roads around the Central Harbourfront were surrounded by barriers, fencing and temporary grandstands before returning to normal use after the event.
The course was designed by Rodrigo Nunes and passed landmarks including the Central Star Ferry Pier and Hong Kong City Hall, with Victoria Harbour on one side and the city's skyscrapers on the other.
When was its first race?
The first Hong Kong E-Prix took place on 9 October 2016 as the opening round of Formula E's third season. Nelson Piquet Jr started from pole, but Sébastien Buemi recovered from further back on the grid to win for Renault e.dams.
Hong Kong returned with two races in December 2017, won by Sam Bird and Felix Rosenqvist. Its final Formula E event took place in 2019 and became the championship's landmark 50th race.
What's the circuit like?
- Extremely compact: At only 1.860 km, drivers encountered traffic quickly and had little time to relax between corners.
- Two tight hairpins: The slow corners at Lung Wo Road and near the Star Ferry Pier were important places for overtaking and defending.
- 555-metre main straight: The longest flat-out section allowed drivers to build speed before a heavy braking zone and provided one of the best chances to pass.
- Technical middle section: A sequence of corners and a tight chicane punished small mistakes, with concrete barriers waiting immediately beside the racing line.
Formula E benchmarks
- First winner: Sébastien Buemi won the inaugural race in 2016.
- 2017 winners: Sam Bird won the first race of the double-header before Felix Rosenqvist won the second.
- Race lap record: André Lotterer recorded a 1:02.317 during the 2019 E-Prix.
- Final winner: Edoardo Mortara was awarded victory in 2019 after Sam Bird received a five-second penalty following contact with Lotterer.
- Championship milestone: The final Hong Kong E-Prix was the 50th race in Formula E history.
Why go?
Hong Kong offered one of Formula E's most impressive city-centre settings. Spectators could watch electric race cars speed past the Star Ferry Pier with Victoria Harbour and the skyline forming the backdrop.
The circuit was also easy to understand for newcomers. Its short lap kept the cars close together, while the hairpins provided obvious places for drivers to attack and defend.
Formula E has not raced on the Central Harbourfront Circuit since 2019. A separate, much shorter rallycross layout was created in the same harbourfront area for World RX in 2023.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 2 hairpin: One of the strongest overtaking locations, reached after the circuit's 555-metre main straight and heavy braking zone.
- Turns 3-4 chicane: A good place to see drivers change direction rapidly while running extremely close to the barriers.
- Star Ferry hairpin: A slow and technical section with one of the circuit's most recognisable Hong Kong backdrops.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former Formula E configuration; the circuit is not currently used for a Hong Kong E-Prix.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit
The Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit was a temporary Formula E street track beside Victoria Harbour in Central. Formula E no longer races here, but the former circuit area is extremely easy to visit by MTR, Airport Express, ferry or on foot.
Is the Hong Kong circuit still active?
The Formula E circuit is no longer an active race venue. Hong Kong's final E-Prix took place in March 2019, and the championship has not returned to this waterfront layout.
Because it was a temporary street circuit, the safety barriers, grandstands, pit lane and race infrastructure were removed. Lung Wo Road and the surrounding harbourfront have returned to normal city and event use.
You can visit the location easily, but do not expect to find a permanent race track or Formula E visitor facilities.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, MTR + walking is the easiest way to reach the former circuit. Hong Kong Station and Central Station are connected and place you close to the harbourfront.
From the station area, walk north towards the Central Harbourfront, Lung Wo Road and the Observation Wheel. These are useful landmarks for finding the streets used by Formula E.
MTR & ferry
- Hong Kong Station: the most useful station when arriving on the Airport Express or Tung Chung Line.
- Central Station: served by the Island Line and Tsuen Wan Line and connected with Hong Kong Station.
- From Tsim Sha Tsui: the Star Ferry to Central is a convenient and scenic alternative to the MTR.
- Final walk: head towards the Central ferry piers, Observation Wheel and Lung Wo Road.
Check MTR and Star Ferry information before travelling, particularly if visiting late in the evening or during major harbourfront events.
Driving & parking
Driving is possible, but public transport is usually much easier in Central. Traffic is heavy and parking can be expensive.
- Navigation: use Central Harbourfront, Lung Wo Road or the Hong Kong Observation Wheel as a reference point.
- Parking: use current public or commercial parking facilities in Central.
- No race parking: Formula E parking maps and spectator entrances from 2019 are no longer relevant.
- Events: temporary road restrictions can occur when the harbourfront is hosting large concerts, exhibitions or festivals.
Hong Kong airport
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): the main airport for international visitors.
- Airport Express: trains run directly between the airport and Hong Kong Station.
- Journey time: approximately 24 minutes to Central.
- Hong Kong Station → harbourfront: continue on foot towards Lung Wo Road and the ferry piers.
- Alternative: taxis and airport buses are available, but road traffic can make journey times less predictable.
About the former circuit
The Hong Kong course was one of Formula E's shortest street circuits, using tight city roads beside Victoria Harbour.
- Length: 1.86 km.
- Corners: 10.
- Direction: clockwise.
- Type: temporary street circuit.
- Main straight: Lung Wo Road.
- Final Formula E race: 10 March 2019.
Visiting the area today
A good starting point is the Central Harbourfront beside the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. From here you can explore Lung Wo Road, the ferry-pier area and the waterfront roads used by the former course.
The Central Harbourfront Event Space remains an active events venue, so parts of the area may occasionally be fenced or occupied by temporary events. On non-event days, the current tenancy requires the space to be opened for public enjoyment.
Take an old circuit map with you if you want to identify individual corners; much of the area now looks very different without barriers and grandstands.
Accessibility
Central and Hong Kong stations provide accessible facilities, and much of the modern harbourfront uses paved, relatively level pedestrian routes. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should check current MTR accessibility information and any temporary event restrictions before travelling.
Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. MTR services, ferry timetables, harbourfront events, pedestrian routes and road access can change, so check current transport and local information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong’s former Formula E circuit squeezed electric street racing between Central’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour. Formula E no longer races here, but the old circuit area remains one of the easiest parts of Hong Kong for harbour views, museums, local food and famous attractions.
Family-friendly highlights around the harbourfront
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel: The 60-metre wheel stands directly on Central Harbourfront and gives families an easy introduction to the skyline and Victoria Harbour.
- Hong Kong Maritime Museum: Located at Central Pier 8, this museum explains Hong Kong’s long relationship with ships, trade and the sea, with interactive exhibits for younger visitors.
- Star Ferry: Take the short harbour crossing from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui for one of Hong Kong’s classic experiences and excellent skyline views.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Hong Kong Maritime Museum: One of the closest indoor attractions to the former circuit, with galleries covering maritime exploration, trade and modern shipping.
- Tai Kwun: A restored former police station, courthouse and prison complex that now combines heritage displays, contemporary art and cultural events.
- Central Market: This historic market building has been transformed into a covered destination for food, shops and cultural activities.
Eat & drink around Central
- Central: You will find everything from quick noodle shops and bakeries to international restaurants within walking distance of the harbourfront.
- Try Hong Kong favourites: Dim sum, wonton noodles, roast meats and egg tarts are approachable choices if this is your first visit.
- Old Town Central: Head uphill from the waterfront towards Central Market, Hollywood Road and Tai Kwun for cafés, restaurants and evening bars.
Explore Victoria Harbour on foot
- Central Harbourfront: Walk beside the water around the former circuit area for views towards Kowloon and some of Hong Kong Island’s tallest buildings.
- Victoria Harbour promenade: Continue east towards Wan Chai for a longer waterfront walk without needing to leave the city centre.
- The Peak: Take the Peak Tram uphill, then enjoy some of Hong Kong’s best-known views across Central, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon.
Hong Kong can be hot and very humid. Summer walks are easier early in the morning or after sunset, and sudden heavy rain is possible.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Tsim Sha Tsui: Ride the Star Ferry across the harbour, then walk the promenade and Avenue of Stars while looking back at the Central skyline.
- West Kowloon Cultural District: Visit M+ for modern visual culture or the Hong Kong Palace Museum for Chinese art and objects from the Palace Museum collection.
- The Peak: Allow a few hours for the tram, viewpoints and walking routes rather than treating it only as a quick photo stop.
- Tai O: For a completely different side of Hong Kong, travel to Lantau Island to explore this traditional fishing village known for its waterways and stilt houses.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent track: Formula E used public roads and temporary harbourfront areas, so the barriers, pit lane and grandstands are no longer present.
- Formula E has moved on: Hong Kong has not hosted an E-Prix since 2019, so check the current championship calendar if attending a live race is your main goal.
- Public transport is easiest: Central is exceptionally well connected by MTR, ferries, buses and trams, so a car is unnecessary for most visitors.
- Plan for the weather: Carry water and sun protection in warm weather, but keep an umbrella or light rain layer handy during wetter months.
Formula E no longer races at Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit. Museum hours, ferry services, attraction access and local events can change - check current information before travelling.