Chinese Grand Prix™ Travel Guide
Your guide on how to get to Shanghai International Circuit, where to explore & other important information to know before you go.
Practical Information
- Visas: China has recently introduced a 144-hour (6 day) visa exemption in Shanghai and other key cities, which applies to citizens of more than 50 countries, including the USA, UK and Australia. If you are from a country not on the list or want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance of your trip from your nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate or the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
- Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (abbreviated as RMB or CN¥). China remains a cash-based economy, and be aware that not all ATMs will accept foreign cards. Money-changing rates are fixed by the central government. Tipping is not expected.
- Language: Mandarin is the official language of China, though Shanghai locals mostly speak Shanghainese (a dialect of Wu Chinese). Download a translation app to help with communication; apps such as Google Translate, WayGo and Pleco can translate Chinese text in real time using your smartphone camera.
- Time Zone: UTC +8 hours
- In an Emergency: Dial 110 for the police, 119 for Fire and 120 for Ambulance.
- Power Sockets: China uses type A and type I power sockets. European and US appliances work with type A and Australian appliances work with type I, but it’s worth taking a universal adapter to be sure.
- Weather: For the Chinese Grand Prix™, temperatures should range from around 19°C (66°F) during the day to 11°C (52°F) at night. There is a chance for rain at this time of year so, be sure to pack your waterproof!
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to China
Most international and long-haul flights land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which is the third busiest in China. Located 30 km (18.6 mi) southeast of the city centre, PVG has multiple daily direct flights from global hubs in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The airport is connected to the city centre by a Maglev train, the fastest commercial train in the world which travels to Longyang Road Metro Station at speeds in excess of 400.0 km/h (248.5 mph)! On the ground, it’s easy to get around Shanghai using the Metro or taxis. Shanghai International Circuit has a dedicated stop on Line 11 of the Metro and can be reached from the centre in about 60 minutes. Additionally, Shanghai's smaller airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), is just 10 km (6.2 mi) west of the city centre, but serves mainly Chinese domestic flights, along with some regional connections to Japan and Korea. Shanghai SHA airport is connected to Lines 2 & 10 of the Shanghai metro.
For all airport information, see here.
Where to stay
The home of the Chinese Grand Prix™ is located 35 km northeast of the city centre in the Jiading district. Although there are some nice hotels in Jiading, we recommend staying in the downtown area of Shanghai. The daily commute to the circuit will be around one hour each way, but you’ll be able to soak up more of the atmosphere in China’s largest city. The best area to stay is within walking distance of The Bund, Shanghai’s waterfront area and Nanjing Road, the city’s premier shopping strip. Alternatively, make sure you are staying close to a Metro stop and you’ll be able to see the best of Shanghai and easily get to Shanghai International Circuit.
F1® Experiences offers a selection of the best hotels in Shanghai. If you are still looking for accommodation, contact your Sales Representative for more information about available hotel options.
How to get to Shanghai International Circuit
Public Transportation
The most convenient and cheapest way to get to the circuit from the city centre is to take the Metro. Shanghai International Circuit has a dedicated metro stop on Line 11, around 60 minutes ride from the city centre. Be aware that Line 11 branches out at the end; you need to be on a train headed to Huaqiao, NOT North Jiading. After you get off the metro, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the circuit entrance.
Taxi and Ridesharing
Driving from the city centre to Shanghai International Circuit should take around 45 minutes, but traffic congestion on race weekend can cause significant delays. Organise your return trip from the circuit in advance to avoid delays.
Hire a Car
If you choose to hire a car, it is important to note that all non-Chinese people will need to hire a driver to operate the vehicle plus, you will need to purchase a parking pass in order for the vehicle to stay at the circuit throughout the day.
F1® Experiences
Booked accommodation along with your Official Ticket Package from F1® Experiences? Daily transfers to and from the circuit can be added to your Official Ticket Package for an additional cost.
What to see & do in Shanghai
The Bund
Take a walk along Shanghai’s famous riverfront boulevard, which has great views of the city’s futuristic skyline in Pudong – both day and night. Even better, take a boat cruise along the Huangpu River. Various cruises are available, but the most popular takes just under one hour and sets off from Shiliupu Wharf.
Nanjing Road
One of China’s most popular shopping strips is home to modern malls, department stores, restaurants, local specialty stores and everything in between. Head to the pedestrianized section that runs from The Bund to People’s Park for the best shops, but be sure to avoid the touts!
People’s Park
Definitely worth a visit in the spring when the race is held, People’s Park is 24 acres of green space in central Shanghai featuring several monuments, a lotus pond, amusement fair and a “marriage market,” where hopeful local parents come on the weekends to find partners for their children. The Shanghai Museum, which has a huge collection of rare relics and offers free entry, is also located within People’s Park.
Skyline Views
Shanghai has no shortage of modern skyscrapers and several offer observation decks with incredible views of the city, provided visibility is good. The newest and highest is on the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Shanghai World Financial Center also has three observation decks on the 94th, 97th and 100th levels, plus regular exhibitions. Finally, the distinctive 468-metre Oriental Pearl TV Tower has observation deck on its two upper spheres and also houses the Shanghai Municipal History Museum on the ground floor.
Yuyuan Garden
The only surviving Ming Dynasty garden in Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden is a slice of classic Chinese architecture featuring pavilions, pagodas, bridges and a 5-ton Exquisite Jade Rock. The garden is surrounded by the Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can eat, drink and bargain for some souvenirs.
China Art Museum
After hosting World Expo in 2010, the distinctive China Pavilion was transformed into the China Art Museum, which houses a massive collection of Asian Art.
Travelling with Kids
Opened just 3 years ago, Shanghai Disneyland Park is a huge theme park featuring seven areas: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land. Alternatively, Shanghai Circus World is a permanent indoor circus with daily acrobatic, magic, dancing and music performances.
