Spectators peruse an SF1000, Ferrari's Formula One car that competed in the legendary team's 1,000th race, at a pedestrian street in downtown Shanghai on April 21. CHINA DAILY

The roar of engines has returned to shake Shanghai's streets as the 2024 Shanghai Auto Culture Festival kicks into high gear from April 19 to the end of May. The extravaganza, held in Jiading district, has driven the city's automotive passion into higher gear thanks to the long-awaited return of the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix after a four-year hiatus.

This year's race not only marked the 20th anniversary of F1's debut in China, but also witnessed 25-year-old racer Zhou Guanyu, a Shanghai native, become the nation's first-ever F1 driver to race on domestic soil.

Official tallies show nearly 200,000 spectators attended the three-day F1 weekend from April 19 to 21, with around 80 percent traveling from outside Shanghai. Ten percent journeyed from overseas to watch the race from the stands.

"The scale feels much grander this year compared to my last visit in 2019," said Yang Jing, a race fan who made the trip from Tianjin. "Whereas before I felt quite alone as a female fan, now I see the fandom soaring rapidly, which will surely propel more newcomers to discover motorsports' thrilling allure."

For Zhou, his long-awaited Shanghai homecoming catalyzed an overwhelming mix of emotions. This race means everything — immense joy, profound pride and a deep sense of duty, the young driver said.

People watch a race car participating in a warm-up event at the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 19. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY

"F1's return with a Chinese driver will inscribe a new, inspiring chapter for our nation's motorsports narrative," he said.

His 14th-place finish made Zhou the first Chinese driver to complete a home F1 Grand Prix. "Scoring this result provides huge confidence moving forward," Zhou said after the race. "While a long season remains, this milestone reinforces the necessity to keep improving and inspire more young Chinese to pursue their racing dreams."

Zhou's rise, to some extent, offers a snapshot of Shanghai's own game-changing journey in developing its auto industry over recent decades. In 1958, China's first premium sedan, the Fenghuang, was produced here. Over 1.28 million new energy vehicles are driven on Shanghai's roads last year, the most in any city in China.

The latest customs data shows China became the world's top auto exporter last year, with over 5.22 million vehicles exported. The nation's rapid innovation and manufacturing prowess have caught the world's attention.

Jiading district has emerged as a hub for the domestic auto industry, which started to accelerate in the 1980s, and took off in the new millennium. In 2001, the district set the target to build an international automobile hub. A year later, national sports authorities greenlighted building a world-class international racing circuit — paving the way for the Shanghai International Circuit.

Wearing a special head accessory inspired by Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu's race helmet, a man waits to take part in a fans event at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 19. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY

Over the decades, Jiading has developed a complete auto supply chain, blossoming into one of China's largest and most advanced auto industry centers. Its auto industry scale reached 718.2 billion yuan ($99.1 billion) last year, with companies spanning R&D, design, software, hardware and manufacturing.

"Hosting international events like F1 doesn't just showcase Jiading's strength in the automobile industry, but provides a window for global audiences to understand the meaning of local auto culture," said Tang Dongying, deputy head of Jiading district, pointing out another world-class electric car event will follow soon with the 2024 Shanghai E-Prixreturning to the circuit on May 25 and 26.

Since 2005, the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival has been held 15 times. Beginning in 2011, it has been integrated with the Chinese Grand Prix, evolving into a carnival spanning motorsports events, cultural tourism and enterprise innovation exchanges.

It has provided new opportunities for nurturing automotive culture and industrial clusters, solidifying Jiading as a prime destination for automotive tourism, according to Tang.

The 2024 festival has three major segments and 20 key activities across two core tourism zones — one centered on the Shanghai International Circuit, the other on Yuanxiang Lake's reception hall. Key destinations such as the Shanghai Auto Museum, industrial parks and experience centers are included in curated trips, linking Jiading's natural beauty and historical charm.

People take photos of the F1 drivers' championship trophy on display at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 19. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY

The automotive culture segment celebrates heritage through classic car parades, the Centennial of Motorsports exhibition at the Shanghai Auto Museum, and racing carnivals utilizing simulators, go-kart challenges and more.

According to Shao Gang, head of Anting town in Jiading, the Meta Monster Music Festival is a highlight of the auto culture carnival. It features robotic performances choreographed using artificial intelligence, 3D projection mapping displays and metaverse racing simulators.

Other events include eco-friendly road trips with new energy vehicles from May 1 to 3; a driverless demonstration session at the auto expo park's 3.8-kilometer semi-open road circuit; the second Automotive AI Summit; and a series of automobile culture and industry forums throughout April and May.

During the festival, Jiading's nine top-level scenic areas will offer free admission to F1 spectators. The district is also launching seven themed travel routes focused on Jiading's historical sites, intangible cultural heritage, rural scenery and culinary delights. Complementing this, merchants across Jiading will launch special offers on dining, lodging, shopping and attractions.

A visitor watches a special exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai Sports Museum on April 12. TANG YANJUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE