The 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix is set to roar into action at Shanghai International Circuit from March 13 to 15. If you're looking for a pit stop of a different kind, plenty of activities await around the circuit, from car culture and ancient streets to countryside charm, all within easy reach.

 

Route 1: Car culture tour

Itinerary: Shanghai Auto Expo Park → Shanghai Auto Museum → Shanghai International Automobile City Miniature Wonderland → Kaki drive-in cinema

How to get there: All stops are located in the core area of Shanghai International Automobile City. Take Metro Line 11 to Shanghai Automobile City Station and walk to the sites. By car, the area is about 9.6 kilometers from the circuit, a drive of around 20 minutes.

 

Shanghai Auto Expo Park

Highlights:

• Post-apocalyptic style car-themed landscapes
• Hanswerks Art Garage featuring automotive-inspired paintings, sculptures, and photography
• Five themed zones showcasing regional architectural styles

If you go: No 7001 Boyuan Road, Jiading district

Open:

• Nov 1 to April 30: 6 am – 8 pm daily
• May 1 to Oct 31: 5 am – 9 pm daily

 

Shanghai Auto Museum

Highlights:

• China's first professional automobile museum
• Shanghai's first auto-themed post station offering special postal services, blind boxes, and car-themed postcards
• Nearly 100 classic cars from over 50 global manufacturers on display
• Children's auto park with racing cars, trampolines, and slides for family fun

If you go: No 7565 Boyuan Road, Jiading district

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

 

Shanghai International Automobile City Miniature Wonderland

Highlights:

• Five themed miniature landscapes
• Bring your own miniature train and take it for a spin on the tracks inside
• Custom miniature figures can be created and placed in the scenes

If you go: 4F, Shanghai Auto Exhibition Center, No 7575 Boyuan Road, Jiading district

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm

 

Kaki drive-in cinema

Highlights:

• Experience movies from the comfort and privacy of your own car
• Outdoor dining with friends while watching films — eat, watch, and chat all at once

If you go: No 7575 Boyuan Road, Jiading district

Open: Daily, 7 pm until late evening

 

Route 2: Ancient streets and racing thrills

Itinerary: Anting Old Street → Da Lai Time Museum → Metaloop → SIC Karting Land

How to get there: Anting Old Street, Da Lai Time Museum, and Metaloop are all located in Anting town, reachable by Metro Line 11 (Anting Station), about 9 km from the circuit. SIC Karting Land is inside the circuit, within walking distance.

 

Anting Old Street

Highlights:

• Cultural elements, including Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and ancient ginkgo trees, plus an Auto Gallery art space
• Display and sale of different car models and Anting cultural souvenirs
• Experience making fabric art using the traditional Yaobanbu technique
• F1 cockpit simulator and VR experience

If you go: No 325 Yong'an Street, Jiading district

Open: 24 hours

 

Da Lai Time Museum

Highlights:

• Collection of rare clocks, timepieces, phonographs, music boxes, and mechanical pianos from different eras and cultures around the world
• Outdoor space themed around sundials, plus a craftsman workshop viewing area

If you go: No 981 Hejing Road, Jiading district

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – noon & 1 pm – 4:30 pm

 

Metaloop

Highlights:

• Chin's first professional remote control racing track inside a large commercial complex, featuring three indoor and outdoor track facilities
• RC car racing experience

If you go: 4F south section, Life Hub @ Anting Phase II

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 9:30 pm

 

SIC Karting Land

Highlights:

• Located inside Shanghai International Circuit with a FIA-certified professional karting track
• 1.23-km track with 18 corners, one of Asia's most challenging circuits
• Single karts and two-seater karts for parents and children are available

If you go: No 2000 Yining Road, Anting town, Jiading district

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm (closed during private events, race days, and rainy weather)

 

Route 3: Spring scenery and local charm

Itinerary: The Confucian Temple → Zhouqiao Old Street → Qiuxia Garden → Mamen village

How to get there: The Confucian Temple, Zhouqiao Old Street, and Qiuxia Garden are all located in Jiading Old Town. Take Metro Line 11 to West Jiading or North Jiading Station, then transfer to a bus. The area is about 10 km from the circuit, a drive of around 25 minutes. Mamen village is about 12 km from the old town, best reached by car.

 

The Confucian Temple

Highlights:

• First built in 1219, the largest surviving ancient architectural complex in Shanghai
• National key cultural heritage site
• Learn about Confucius' life and the 1,300-year history of China's imperial examination system

If you go: No 183 Nandajie Street, Jiading district

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm

 

Zhouqiao Old Street

Highlights:

• The heart of Jiading's culture and local specialties, known as the "root of Jiading"
• Explore renowned spots, including the Fahua Pagoda, Hengli River, Xiatang Street, and Jichuan Bridge
• Soak in the unique charm of a traditional water town and experience authentic local life

If you go: No 68 Shaxia Road, Jiading district

Open: 24 hours

 

Qiuxia Garden

Highlights:

• One of Shanghai's five classical gardens
• First built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it is known for its compact layout and layered garden design

If you go: No 314 Dongdajie Street, Jiading town, Jiading district

Open: Daily, 8 am – 5 pm

 

Mamen village

Highlights:

• Try wood-fired bread at the Bois&ble bakery, tucked deep inside the village
• Enjoy rice field views and art-inspired coffee at MM cafe, located just across the river from the bakery
• Hands-on experiences such as pottery art, fridge magnet crafting, and painting.

If you go: Mamen village, Waigang town, Jiading district

Open: 24 hours

 

Sources: WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu", Jiading district government