As the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix returns to the Shanghai International Circuit from March 13 to 15, the city is extending race week well beyond the track.

From March 8 to 15, the 2026 Checkered Flag Carnival will unfold across four locations: Xuhui Riverside, Shanghai International Circuit, North Bund, and Baoshan Riverside, bringing the atmosphere of F1 into everyday public spaces for both dedicated fans and casual visitors.

Xuhui Riverside

Open: March 8 to 15

Serving as the core experience hub, the North Plaza of the West Bund Dome and the Dream Center area will host live broadcasts of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix, allowing visitors to follow the races in real time alongside global audiences.

Daily "family racing" sessions will combine motorsport education with hands-on parent-child workshops, introducing younger participants to racing fundamentals in an accessible format.

Shanghai International Circuit

Open: March 13 to 15

At the Water Plaza of the Shanghai International Circuit in Jiading district, activities will focus on the sport itself, highlighting racing technology and design aesthetics behind F1.

North Bund

Open: March 13 to 15

At the North Bund International Passenger Center, a full karting circuit will be installed along the waterfront. Set against the skyline of the Huangpu River, this temporary urban track offers participants a controlled racing experience in the heart of the city, combining motorsport participation with panoramic river views.

Baoshan Riverside

Open: March 8 to 15

At the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort on Baoshan Riverside, large-scale visual installations and interactive projects will create an immersive carnival atmosphere.

River circuit and Zhou Guanyu exhibition

A newly introduced "river circuit" concept will link both banks of the Huangpu River, connecting the Longhua Quay passenger terminal and the North Bund International Passenger Center through themed waterfront decoration and customized boat routes. Visitors can experience Shanghai's riverside scenery within a racing-inspired setting.

At Xuhui Riverside, the immersive exhibition "searching for Zhou Guanyu" will trace the journey of Zhou Guanyu, China's first F1 driver, from his early karting years in Shanghai to competing on the global stage. Structured in four chapters, the exhibition will present his development through multimedia installations. Zhou is expected to appear during the carnival to meet fans and share his experience.

A themed "super license" stamp booklet featuring a stylized cartoon version of Zhou will allow visitors to collect stamps across all four venues, with participating merchants offering related retail and dining benefits.

Beyond racing activities

Beyond racing, the carnival will also offer a wider mix of entertainment and retail experiences.

At Xuhui Riverside and the Shanghai International Circuit, daily stage programs will feature nearly 40 performing acts over the event period, spanning bands, DJs, pop groups, folk, and jazz.

On-site retail zones will offer official F1 merchandise alongside Checkered Flag Carnival-themed creative products, providing visitors with a one-stop experience to engage with the event beyond the track.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, WeChat accounts of Jiading district government and the Chinese Grand Prix