Shanghai is putting on a final spurt of speed in its preparations, as it gears up to host the 2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, which will take place on March 21-23.

The event promises an exciting array of activities that will blend culture, tourism, shopping, sports and exhibitions.

Between March 1-9, Shanghai hosted a series of F1-themed cultural events at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Highlights included an exhibition focused on the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, a showcase of the history of automobile development and various pop-up cultural events — all held in order to build anticipation for the upcoming race.

In mid-March, Jiading, the district hosting the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, will take center stage with the 17th Shanghai Auto Culture Festival. Key features and attractions include:

• A light show at the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre's waterfront square
• A week-long screening of classic F1 films at local cinemas
• Visitors holding F1 race tickets will enjoy perks such as free entry to select tourist attractions and discounts at cultural and historical sites

Jiading will also host several interactive events, including an F1 Fan Experience Day. In Nanxiang town, southeast of Jiading, a Chinese Style Meets Vintage Car photography contest will take place, while Xuxing town will host a kite competition.

Popular shopping destinations like Live Future and Mega Incity will feature F1-themed pop-up stores with exclusive merchandise, adding to the buoyant atmosphere.

To top it off, all the excitement surrounding the F1 Chinese Grand Prix will extend to other districts and businesses in Shanghai. For example:

• The West Bund Art Center in Xuhui will host the Mercedes-Benz F1 Night on March 14, celebrating the brand's deep ties to motorsport culture.
• The LEGO Group and Shanghai International Circuit will collaborate on a racing-themed event at Shanghai Shimao Festival City on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, inviting visitors to participate in interactive challenges from now to March 23.
• Elite Valley, a new creative and cultural park in Baoshan, will organize the first classic car city tour and the PARKINGPARK Classic Car Street Lifestyle Festival, showcasing Shanghai's rich automotive culture.

For the first time, the 2025 F1 Chinese Grand Prix will feature what the organizers call a "dual-site" format. The Shanghai Checkered Flag Carnival — running from March 16-23 at the North Bund International Passenger Center — will serve as a secondary venue.

This will offer a range of activities for the public, while broadcasting live action from both the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive F1 memorabilia at both the circuit and various pop-up stores across Shanghai. Temporary stores will open at locations such as:

• CITIC Pacific Plaza
• Shanghai Grand Theatre
• Checkered Flag Carnival site

Thrilling year for motorsports

The 2025 F1 Chinese Grand Prix marks the start of an exciting year for motorsports in Shanghai.

After F1, the city will also host the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on May 31, the 2025 MotoGP in September and the 2025 F1H2O UIM World Championship in October — further cementing Shanghai's status as a global motorsports hub.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee at "shhuangpu"