Lihpao Racing Park
Location
Houli District, Taichung, Taiwan
Current Local Time
Track Info
Lihpao Racing Park - Taichung, Taiwan
Modern FIA Grade 2 circuit in the Lihpao Resort - clockwise - technical, undulating and home to Taiwan's leading touring-car racing
When was the track built?
Lihpao Racing Park was developed beside the existing Lihpao Resort in Houli, Taichung. The project took around a decade to plan and develop, with the international karting circuit opening first in April 2017.
Construction of the full-size circuit followed, and the 3.5 km track was officially unveiled in November 2018. The result was a modern FIA Grade 2 venue with substantial run-off areas, pit garages and a layout designed to make use of the site's natural changes in height.
When was its first race?
The full circuit opened in November 2018, although its early calendar concentrated heavily on track days, manufacturer events and driving experiences rather than one headline international race.
National-level competition grew steadily, with an important milestone arriving in 2022 when the Super Touring Series and the new TCR Chinese Taipei championship made Lihpao their main home. Touring-car racing has since become a major part of the circuit's identity.
What's the circuit like?
- Lots to remember: Twenty-three corners in only 3.5 km make Lihpao a busy lap. Drivers need to learn several linked sequences rather than simply concentrating on a few major corners.
- Real elevation change: The circuit rises and falls by around 20 metres, roughly the height of a five-storey building. Crests and downhill braking zones make judging speed more difficult.
- Speed and handling both matter: A straight approaching 1 km rewards powerful cars, but the technical sections quickly punish poor braking, balance or traction.
The circuit is divided into sections traditionally named Wind, Fire and Thunderbolt, each with a different character. Together they produce a lap that moves constantly between fast, flowing sections and much tighter corners.
Lap records and benchmarks
- TCR qualifying: 1:44.080 - Choi Jeong Weon, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, 2025.
- TCR qualifying: 1:44.254 - Shi Shiwei, Honda Civic FL5 TCR, 2025.
- TCR B qualifying: 1:47.646 - Wang Jianmin, Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, 2025.
- TCR C qualifying: 1:47.749 - Joe Chen Junqiao, Honda Civic FK7 TCR, 2025.
- STS under 2.1 litre: 1:57.272 - Wei Shibin, Honda Civic EK, 2025.
These are published qualifying benchmarks rather than one universal circuit record. Different classes use different cars, tyres and regulations.
Why go?
Lihpao is a good introduction to Taiwanese motorsport because it combines a modern race circuit with regular touring-car competition, track events and karting. The elevation changes also make the cars much more dramatic to watch than the circuit map might suggest.
The track sits inside the larger Lihpao Resort complex, which also includes a theme park, outlet shopping, hotels and other attractions. That makes it unusually easy to combine a race weekend with activities for people who may not be motorsport fans.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and grandstand: The easiest option for first-time visitors, with race starts, finishes, pit stops and grid activity directly in front of you.
- Turn 1: Cars arrive after the circuit's long acceleration zone, making this a good place to see heavy braking and overtaking attempts.
- Elevated sections: Where event access allows, higher viewing positions show off Lihpao's biggest distinguishing feature: the way the circuit climbs and falls through its technical sections.
Grandstands and spectator areas can vary between events, so check the event map and follow circuit signage when choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Lihpao Racing Park (Taiwan)
Lihpao Racing Park is a permanent motorsport complex in Houli, northern Taichung. Driving is the easiest option, but public transport is unusually practical thanks to buses and free resort shuttles connecting the circuit with Houli Railway Station and the wider Lihpao Resort.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Lihpao Racing Park. The resort sits immediately beside Taiwan's motorway network, and the circuit is only a few minutes from the Houli/Waipu interchange.
Public transport is also a realistic option. Travel by Taiwan Railway to Houli Station and use the free Lihpao Resort shuttle, which stops at the racing park on its way to the main resort.
Tip: Search specifically for “Lihpao Racing Park” rather than simply “Lihpao Resort”, as the resort contains several attractions spread across a large site.
Driving & parking
- National Highway 1: leave at the Houli/Waipu interchange around kilometre 160.
- Final journey: the circuit is roughly five minutes from the interchange when traffic is light.
- National Highway 3: the Dajia/Waipu exit is another option, followed by around 15 minutes on local roads.
- Parking: Lihpao Resort has extensive visitor parking, but motorsport events may introduce separate spectator areas or entrances.
- Event day: follow circuit signs and marshals rather than automatically heading towards the theme park or outlet mall.
Normal resort parking charges may not apply unchanged during special motorsport events, so check the information supplied with your ticket.
Train & free shuttle
Houli Railway Station is the most useful station for the circuit itself. Lihpao operates a free shuttle between the station area and the resort.
- Houli Station: served by Taiwan Railway regional services.
- Shuttle pickup: walk towards Houli Elementary School for the resort shuttle stop.
- Shuttle route: the service runs via Yue-Mei Sugar Factory and Lihpao Racing Park before continuing to Lihpao Land.
- Return journey: check the current shuttle timetable before racing begins, particularly if your event finishes late.
The resort shuttle is particularly useful because it stops at the racing park itself rather than only at the main theme-park entrance.
High-speed rail & buses
- HSR Taichung Station: useful if you are arriving from Taipei, Taoyuan or southern Taiwan.
- Bus 155: runs from HSR Taichung Station directly towards Lihpao Resort.
- Journey time: the resort advises allowing at least around 90 minutes for bus 155 from the high-speed rail station.
- Alternative: continue through the local rail network to Houli and use the free resort shuttle.
Taichung airport
- Taichung International Airport (RMQ): the closest commercial airport to Lihpao.
- Easiest option: taxi, private transfer or rental car directly to the resort.
- Public transport: take bus 302 from the airport towards Chaoma and transfer to the Lihpao free shuttle.
- International visitors: Taiwan Taoyuan Airport offers a much larger international network; from there, high-speed rail via Taoyuan and Taichung is a practical alternative.
About Lihpao Racing Park
Lihpao is Taiwan's leading permanent international-standard motorsport complex and forms part of the much larger Lihpao Resort.
- Main circuit: 3.5 km.
- Corners: 23, including 9 left and 14 right turns.
- Direction: clockwise.
- Elevation: the maximum height difference is approximately equivalent to five storeys.
- Facilities: G2 circuit, off-road track, kart circuit, pit garages and spectator areas.
Event-day tips
- Check the calendar: the circuit hosts races, private bookings and driving experiences, so public access changes from day to day.
- Arrive early: the surrounding theme park and outlet mall can create additional weekend traffic.
- Confirm your entrance: competitors, driving-experience customers and spectators may use different parts of the complex.
- Plan your return: check the final train and resort shuttle if you are relying on public transport.
- Stay on site: the wider resort includes hotels, restaurants and entertainment, making an overnight race weekend particularly convenient.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Lihpao Racing Park, contact the circuit or race organiser before travelling. The correct parking area and spectator entrance can vary depending on the event.
Race schedules, shuttle timetables, bus services, parking and spectator entrances can change. Check the official Lihpao Racing Park and Lihpao Resort information for your specific event shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Lihpao Racing Park (Taichung, Taiwan)
Lihpao Racing Park sits in Houli on the northern side of Taichung, inside a huge resort filled with rides, shopping and family attractions. Whether you’re visiting for racing, a track day or a driving experience, you can combine the circuit with theme parks, cycling routes, local history and some of central Taiwan’s best-known sights.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Lihpao Land: The easiest family attraction is already inside the resort. Exploration World offers roller coasters and gentler rides, so non-racing family members can easily spend a full day here.
- Mala Bay: Lihpao’s large water park is a good summer option, with pools and water attractions for different ages. Check seasonal opening dates before planning your visit.
- Sky Dream Ferris Wheel: Ride the huge wheel beside Lihpao Outlet Mall for wide views across Houli and the surrounding countryside.
- Lihpao Karting: Keep the racing theme going on the separate kart circuit. Rental karts make this much easier for beginners than taking a car onto the main track.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Yuemei Tourism Sugar Factory: Less than a few kilometres from the resort, this historic sugar factory preserves industrial buildings from the Japanese colonial period and includes an unusual tunnel beneath its chimney.
- LC Saxophone: Houli has a long connection with saxophone manufacturing. This local visitor attraction explains how the instruments are made and regularly offers tours and activities.
- National Taichung Theater: If you head into central Taichung, visit this striking modern performing-arts complex for exhibitions, architecture or an evening performance.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Lihpao Outlet Mall: The simplest choice after a race day, with restaurants, cafés and shops only minutes from the circuit.
- Houli: Head into the local district for Taiwanese noodles, dumplings and smaller restaurants if you want something away from the resort.
- Fengjia Night Market: If you are staying closer to central Taichung, finish the evening with street food at one of the city’s best-known night markets.
Get outdoors around Houli
- Houfeng Bike Path: This 5.8 km former railway route passes through Tunnel No. 9 and crosses the Dajia River on an old steel railway bridge. Bike rental shops around the route make it accessible to casual riders.
- Chung-she Flower Garden: Seasonal flower displays create an easy, colourful stop only a short drive from Lihpao.
- Houli Forest Park: Walking trails, lawns and more than 1,500 mature trees provide a quieter place to unwind after the circuit.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Gaomei Wetlands: Head towards the coast for boardwalks, birdlife, wind turbines and famous sunset views across the tidal flats.
- Central Taichung: Combine the National Taichung Theater with cafés, shopping districts and Fengjia Night Market for an easy city day.
- Dongfeng & Houfeng cycle routes: Longer rides can connect the Houfeng Bike Path with the Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way, following rivers, old railway infrastructure and countryside.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check what is happening: The circuit hosts different races, driving experiences and private activities, so spectator access and opening arrangements vary from day to day.
- You can experience the G2 track: Lihpao offers scheduled self-driving sessions and Racing Taxi experiences, giving non-racers a way to experience the main circuit when dates are available.
- Public transport is possible: Free resort shuttles operate from Houli Railway Station, while buses also connect Lihpao with other parts of Taichung.
- Plan extra time: Lihpao is a major leisure resort as well as a racetrack, so weekends and holidays can bring large crowds even when the circuit itself is quiet.
Race schedules, driving experiences, spectator access, shuttle services and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before you travel.