Shanghai International Circuit
Location:
Jiading, Shanghai, China
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Shanghai International Circuit
|
Shanghai ePrix
Formula E
3 - 5 Jul
|
Track Info
Shanghai International Circuit - Shanghai, China
Permanent road course in Jiading - clockwise - distinctive "snail" complexes and a 1.17 km back straight
When was the track built?
Commissioned in the early 2000s to showcase China on the global stage, construction began in 2003 on reclaimed marshland in Jiading. The Hermann Tilke design opened in 2004 with vast twin grandstands over the pit straight and a paddock styled as lakeside team pavilions.
The layout was inspired by the Chinese character for "shang" and is known for its tightening, multi-apex first corner and a very long back straight. The venue has hosted annual international events and received surface and facilities refreshes ahead of recent Grands Prix.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race was the 2004 Chinese Grand Prix, won by Rubens Barrichello. Formula 1 returned in 2024 after a hiatus, restoring Shanghai to the calendar.
What's the circuit like?
- Snail openers: Turns 1-4 form a tightening right into a looping left that tests patience, front-end bite and traction. A small mistake at Turn 1 snowballs through the entire complex.
- High-g mid sector: Turns 7-8 are fast direction changes that load the car for seconds at a time, exposing balance issues and tyre temps.
- Long back straight: About 1,175 m from Turn 13 to the heavy-braking hairpin at Turn 14. Perfect slipstream and DRS territory.
- Two DRS zones: One down the back straight into Turn 14 and one on the pit straight, creating back-to-back overtaking chances.
- Strategy trends: Wide variety of corner speeds stresses both axles. Track evolution can be large, and wind direction shifts affect Turn 1 rotation and Turn 14 braking.
- Benchmark pace: Official F1 race lap record 1:32.238. Recent qualifying poles sit in the low-to-mid 1:33s on a rubbered-in surface.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Formula 1 (race lap): 1:32.238 - Michael Schumacher, 2004 Chinese GP - current 5.451 km layout.
- FIA WEC (LMP1 reference): 1:45.892 - Sébastien Buemi, Toyota TS050 Hybrid, 2017 6 Hours of Shanghai era.
- MotoGP (bike layout): 1:59.273 - Valentino Rossi, 2008 Chinese GP on the motorcycle configuration.
- Formula E: Since 2024, the Shanghai E-Prix uses a shorter West Circuit configuration tailored for electric single-seaters.
- Porsche Carrera Cup Asia: Long-time resident series with large 992 GT3 Cup fields, usually supporting major international events.
Why go?
Shanghai dishes up big grandstands, sweeping sightlines and one of F1’s most varied laps. The first corner complex is unlike anything else on the calendar, while the back-straight hairpin produces classic late-braking duels. The city’s food scene and fast metro links make race logistics easy for fans.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1-2 complex: See the entire tightening "snail" from entry to the switch to Turn 3. Brilliant for starts and restarts.
- Turns 7-8: High-speed direction change where car balance and courage show. Great for photography as drivers clip both apexes.
- Turn 14 hairpin: End of the 1.17 km straight and prime passing zone with DRS. Expect out-braking attempts and switchbacks.
- Main grandstand: Pit stops, grid procedures and the sprint to the chequered flag with a panoramic view of the winged pit complex.
Not just F1: Chinese and world series at Shanghai
FIA World Endurance Championship: Hosted the 6 Hours of Shanghai through 2019 with hybrid prototypes and LM GTE cars flat out into Turn 14.
MotoGP (2005-2008): The world championship bike era produced dramatic racing in mixed weather on its own bike-spec layout.
Formula E Shanghai E-Prix: Modern electric single-seaters on a bespoke West Circuit bring energy management strategy to the weekend.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia: A staple since 2004 with deep pro and Pro-Am grids, often racing alongside F1.
Touring and GT: WTCC/WTCR, TCR Asia and China GT have all raced here, plus special events like the V8 Supercars China round in 2005.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Shanghai International Circuit
Best options are Shanghai Metro Line 11 to Shanghai Circuit station, event shuttles when scheduled, or driving to on-site car parks. Hongqiao is the closest airport, with easy metro and rail links across the city.
Metro - the easiest way
- Line 11 to Shanghai Circuit: Board Line 11 toward Huaqiao. The line splits, so verify the destination before boarding or change at Jiading Xincheng. Alight at Shanghai Circuit.
- From central Shanghai: Transfer to Line 11 via key interchanges like Jiangsu Rd, Shanghai Indoor Stadium, or Line 2 hubs to reach Line 11 quickly.
- Wayfinding: The station is a short, clearly signposted walk to Gate 1 and the Grandstand side. Follow crowd control barriers on race day.
Tip: After the race, platforms get busy. Waiting 15-30 minutes before heading back can be quicker overall.
Event shuttles
Race organizers and local operators sometimes run special shuttles. In April 2024, a temporary line connected Hongqiao Railway Station with the circuit on GP days, with times published via local channels. Always check the current year s updates.
Driving and parking
- On-site paid parking: Large lots are located mainly behind the back straight. No reservation typically required, but expect traffic management and exit delays.
- Approach routes: Follow event signage in Jiading district and steward instructions for the correct lot and one-way systems.
- Rideshare and taxis: Set drop-off at the designated perimeter points near the official entrances. Metro often beats road traffic at peak times.
Walking from metro and shuttles
- Shanghai Circuit station → Gate areas: typically 8-15 minutes on foot along stewarded routes.
- Car parks → grandstands: allow 10-25 minutes depending on your stand, with pedestrian bridges and tunnels around the stadium zone.
Airports and long-distance travel
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport SHA: roughly 25 km from the circuit by road. Connect via Metro Lines 2 or 10 to reach Line 11, or use taxi.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport PVG: roughly 60-70 km. Easiest public route is Maglev or Metro Line 2 into the city, then Line 11 to the circuit.
Gate quick guide - what is nearest
- Gate 1 - Main Grandstand A side: closest from Shanghai Circuit metro and many shuttle routes.
- Back straight and outer stands: usually closest from the large rear parking fields. Follow zone signage once inside.
Always follow the gate printed on your ticket and any race-week transport bulletins for last minute changes.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Shanghai International Circuit (Jiading, Shanghai)
Whether you are here for Formula 1, Formula E, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia or domestic touring and GT events, the circuit sits near car culture hubs in Jiading with central Shanghai, water towns and big ticket family attractions close by - perfect for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Shanghai Auto Museum, Anting: China’s first dedicated auto museum with 100+ classic cars - open Tue - Sun. Great half day paired with Auto Expo Park.
- Guyi Garden, Nanxiang: One of Shanghai’s best classical gardens set in Jiading - combine with Nanxiang xiaolongbao on the old street.
- Jiading Confucian Temple: Historic halls and a small museum around lily ponds - a calm cultural stop.
- Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: Hands on galleries and theaters - open Tue - Sun with seasonal evening extensions at sister museums.
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Famous tunnel exhibits opposite the Oriental Pearl - extended evening hours in peak seasons.
- Shanghai Disneyland: Full day theme park plus Disneytown dining - check park hours and seasonal shows.
Tip for families: museums and aquariums get very busy on weekends and holidays - early entry helps.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Shanghai Museum, People’s Square: World class bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy - 9:00 - 17:00, closed Monday, no reservation required for individuals.
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) and Old Town: Ming style garden plus bazaar streets - allow 1.5 - 2 hours for the garden alone.
- Shanghai Tower Observation Deck: 632 m landmark with one of the world’s highest decks - superb night views.
Eat and drink like a local
- Nanxiang Old Street: Snack your way through the birthplace of xiaolongbao after a stroll in Guyi Garden.
- Lujiazui and the Bund: Skyline dining for celebratory race weekend meals - pair with Shanghai Tower or riverfront walks.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Jiading old town walks: String together the Confucian Temple, Fahua Pagoda area and riverside paths for an easy loop.
- Classical garden time: Guyi Garden’s pavilions and ponds are shaded and photogenic in any season.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Zhujiajiao Water Town - 60 to 90 minutes. Stone bridges, boat rides and Kezhi Garden - most sights sell combined tickets during 8:30 - 17:00 core hours.
- Qibao Ancient Town - About 45 minutes. Compact canals, street food and small museums inside the city limits.
- Pudong skyline combo - Make a half day with Shanghai Tower, the Ocean Aquarium and a Huangpu riverfront stroll.
- Suzhou or Hangzhou - Full day classics beyond Shanghai for gardens or West Lake if you are adding extra nights to your trip. (Check rail times and attraction hours in advance.)
Driving times can increase on headline weekends. Popular water towns and museums often require timed tickets in peak seasons - check live calendars when you book.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring and early summer bring F1 and ePrix dates, with frequent national series across the year.
- Weather - Spring and autumn are mild. Summer is hot with afternoon storms - schedule indoor attractions for mid afternoon, outdoor gardens early or late.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Event operations: On major weekends some on site attractions or nearby facilities may run special entry plans - always check your specific event page.
- Museum logistics: Shanghai Museum currently allows walk in entry for individuals and observes a Monday closure. Big temporary exhibitions can extend hours or sell out - plan ahead.
- Family timing: Disney, the aquarium and Science and Technology Museum publish daily hours and seasonal extensions - verify your date before you go.
Opening hours, programs and event week operations can change - check official sites close to your visit, especially on headline weekends.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Jiading, Shanghai, China
Track Info
Shanghai International Circuit - Shanghai, China
Permanent road course in Jiading - clockwise - distinctive "snail" complexes and a 1.17 km back straight
When was the track built?
Commissioned in the early 2000s to showcase China on the global stage, construction began in 2003 on reclaimed marshland in Jiading. The Hermann Tilke design opened in 2004 with vast twin grandstands over the pit straight and a paddock styled as lakeside team pavilions.
The layout was inspired by the Chinese character for "shang" and is known for its tightening, multi-apex first corner and a very long back straight. The venue has hosted annual international events and received surface and facilities refreshes ahead of recent Grands Prix.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race was the 2004 Chinese Grand Prix, won by Rubens Barrichello. Formula 1 returned in 2024 after a hiatus, restoring Shanghai to the calendar.
What's the circuit like?
- Snail openers: Turns 1-4 form a tightening right into a looping left that tests patience, front-end bite and traction. A small mistake at Turn 1 snowballs through the entire complex.
- High-g mid sector: Turns 7-8 are fast direction changes that load the car for seconds at a time, exposing balance issues and tyre temps.
- Long back straight: About 1,175 m from Turn 13 to the heavy-braking hairpin at Turn 14. Perfect slipstream and DRS territory.
- Two DRS zones: One down the back straight into Turn 14 and one on the pit straight, creating back-to-back overtaking chances.
- Strategy trends: Wide variety of corner speeds stresses both axles. Track evolution can be large, and wind direction shifts affect Turn 1 rotation and Turn 14 braking.
- Benchmark pace: Official F1 race lap record 1:32.238. Recent qualifying poles sit in the low-to-mid 1:33s on a rubbered-in surface.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Formula 1 (race lap): 1:32.238 - Michael Schumacher, 2004 Chinese GP - current 5.451 km layout.
- FIA WEC (LMP1 reference): 1:45.892 - Sébastien Buemi, Toyota TS050 Hybrid, 2017 6 Hours of Shanghai era.
- MotoGP (bike layout): 1:59.273 - Valentino Rossi, 2008 Chinese GP on the motorcycle configuration.
- Formula E: Since 2024, the Shanghai E-Prix uses a shorter West Circuit configuration tailored for electric single-seaters.
- Porsche Carrera Cup Asia: Long-time resident series with large 992 GT3 Cup fields, usually supporting major international events.
Why go?
Shanghai dishes up big grandstands, sweeping sightlines and one of F1’s most varied laps. The first corner complex is unlike anything else on the calendar, while the back-straight hairpin produces classic late-braking duels. The city’s food scene and fast metro links make race logistics easy for fans.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1-2 complex: See the entire tightening "snail" from entry to the switch to Turn 3. Brilliant for starts and restarts.
- Turns 7-8: High-speed direction change where car balance and courage show. Great for photography as drivers clip both apexes.
- Turn 14 hairpin: End of the 1.17 km straight and prime passing zone with DRS. Expect out-braking attempts and switchbacks.
- Main grandstand: Pit stops, grid procedures and the sprint to the chequered flag with a panoramic view of the winged pit complex.
Not just F1: Chinese and world series at Shanghai
FIA World Endurance Championship: Hosted the 6 Hours of Shanghai through 2019 with hybrid prototypes and LM GTE cars flat out into Turn 14.
MotoGP (2005-2008): The world championship bike era produced dramatic racing in mixed weather on its own bike-spec layout.
Formula E Shanghai E-Prix: Modern electric single-seaters on a bespoke West Circuit bring energy management strategy to the weekend.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia: A staple since 2004 with deep pro and Pro-Am grids, often racing alongside F1.
Touring and GT: WTCC/WTCR, TCR Asia and China GT have all raced here, plus special events like the V8 Supercars China round in 2005.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Shanghai International Circuit
Best options are Shanghai Metro Line 11 to Shanghai Circuit station, event shuttles when scheduled, or driving to on-site car parks. Hongqiao is the closest airport, with easy metro and rail links across the city.
Metro - the easiest way
- Line 11 to Shanghai Circuit: Board Line 11 toward Huaqiao. The line splits, so verify the destination before boarding or change at Jiading Xincheng. Alight at Shanghai Circuit.
- From central Shanghai: Transfer to Line 11 via key interchanges like Jiangsu Rd, Shanghai Indoor Stadium, or Line 2 hubs to reach Line 11 quickly.
- Wayfinding: The station is a short, clearly signposted walk to Gate 1 and the Grandstand side. Follow crowd control barriers on race day.
Tip: After the race, platforms get busy. Waiting 15-30 minutes before heading back can be quicker overall.
Event shuttles
Race organizers and local operators sometimes run special shuttles. In April 2024, a temporary line connected Hongqiao Railway Station with the circuit on GP days, with times published via local channels. Always check the current year s updates.
Driving and parking
- On-site paid parking: Large lots are located mainly behind the back straight. No reservation typically required, but expect traffic management and exit delays.
- Approach routes: Follow event signage in Jiading district and steward instructions for the correct lot and one-way systems.
- Rideshare and taxis: Set drop-off at the designated perimeter points near the official entrances. Metro often beats road traffic at peak times.
Walking from metro and shuttles
- Shanghai Circuit station → Gate areas: typically 8-15 minutes on foot along stewarded routes.
- Car parks → grandstands: allow 10-25 minutes depending on your stand, with pedestrian bridges and tunnels around the stadium zone.
Airports and long-distance travel
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport SHA: roughly 25 km from the circuit by road. Connect via Metro Lines 2 or 10 to reach Line 11, or use taxi.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport PVG: roughly 60-70 km. Easiest public route is Maglev or Metro Line 2 into the city, then Line 11 to the circuit.
Gate quick guide - what is nearest
- Gate 1 - Main Grandstand A side: closest from Shanghai Circuit metro and many shuttle routes.
- Back straight and outer stands: usually closest from the large rear parking fields. Follow zone signage once inside.
Always follow the gate printed on your ticket and any race-week transport bulletins for last minute changes.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Shanghai International Circuit (Jiading, Shanghai)
Whether you are here for Formula 1, Formula E, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia or domestic touring and GT events, the circuit sits near car culture hubs in Jiading with central Shanghai, water towns and big ticket family attractions close by - perfect for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Shanghai Auto Museum, Anting: China’s first dedicated auto museum with 100+ classic cars - open Tue - Sun. Great half day paired with Auto Expo Park.
- Guyi Garden, Nanxiang: One of Shanghai’s best classical gardens set in Jiading - combine with Nanxiang xiaolongbao on the old street.
- Jiading Confucian Temple: Historic halls and a small museum around lily ponds - a calm cultural stop.
- Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: Hands on galleries and theaters - open Tue - Sun with seasonal evening extensions at sister museums.
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Famous tunnel exhibits opposite the Oriental Pearl - extended evening hours in peak seasons.
- Shanghai Disneyland: Full day theme park plus Disneytown dining - check park hours and seasonal shows.
Tip for families: museums and aquariums get very busy on weekends and holidays - early entry helps.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Shanghai Museum, People’s Square: World class bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy - 9:00 - 17:00, closed Monday, no reservation required for individuals.
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) and Old Town: Ming style garden plus bazaar streets - allow 1.5 - 2 hours for the garden alone.
- Shanghai Tower Observation Deck: 632 m landmark with one of the world’s highest decks - superb night views.
Eat and drink like a local
- Nanxiang Old Street: Snack your way through the birthplace of xiaolongbao after a stroll in Guyi Garden.
- Lujiazui and the Bund: Skyline dining for celebratory race weekend meals - pair with Shanghai Tower or riverfront walks.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Jiading old town walks: String together the Confucian Temple, Fahua Pagoda area and riverside paths for an easy loop.
- Classical garden time: Guyi Garden’s pavilions and ponds are shaded and photogenic in any season.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Zhujiajiao Water Town - 60 to 90 minutes. Stone bridges, boat rides and Kezhi Garden - most sights sell combined tickets during 8:30 - 17:00 core hours.
- Qibao Ancient Town - About 45 minutes. Compact canals, street food and small museums inside the city limits.
- Pudong skyline combo - Make a half day with Shanghai Tower, the Ocean Aquarium and a Huangpu riverfront stroll.
- Suzhou or Hangzhou - Full day classics beyond Shanghai for gardens or West Lake if you are adding extra nights to your trip. (Check rail times and attraction hours in advance.)
Driving times can increase on headline weekends. Popular water towns and museums often require timed tickets in peak seasons - check live calendars when you book.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring and early summer bring F1 and ePrix dates, with frequent national series across the year.
- Weather - Spring and autumn are mild. Summer is hot with afternoon storms - schedule indoor attractions for mid afternoon, outdoor gardens early or late.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Event operations: On major weekends some on site attractions or nearby facilities may run special entry plans - always check your specific event page.
- Museum logistics: Shanghai Museum currently allows walk in entry for individuals and observes a Monday closure. Big temporary exhibitions can extend hours or sell out - plan ahead.
- Family timing: Disney, the aquarium and Science and Technology Museum publish daily hours and seasonal extensions - verify your date before you go.
Opening hours, programs and event week operations can change - check official sites close to your visit, especially on headline weekends.
