Arrival day
Thursday 15 AprilNothing on track that matters yet. Check in, then use the afternoon.
- Half-dayShanghai Tower observation deck
- EatJia Jia Tang Bao
Chinese Grand Prix 2027: things to do between sessions in Shanghai
16 to 18 April 2027 · ConfirmedShanghai, China
Chinese Grand Prix fills Shanghai with fans for three days, but the track only runs for a few hours a day. Practice starts around lunchtime, qualifying leaves the morning free and the day after the race is open. This guide fills those gaps.
Know before you go
- Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign cards now; set them up before you travel, as many places do not take cash or cards directly.
- Many nationalities qualify for visa-free transit or short visa-free stays; check the current rules for your passport before booking.
Airport to Shanghai International Circuit
Pudong (PVG) has the Maglev to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, then metro line 2. Hongqiao (SHA) is on metro lines 2 and 10.
The circuit is in Jiading, 35 km northwest of central Shanghai. Metro line 11 runs to Shanghai Circuit station; allow 1 hour 15 minutes from People's Square.
Public transport directions to Shanghai International Circuit
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Jing'an | Central and on many metro lines. |
| Mid-range | People's Square and the Bund | Walk to the sights. |
| Splurge | Lujiazui | Pudong towers with skyline views. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Jinjiang Inn Shanghai People's Square
- Mid-range: Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai
- Splurge: The Peninsula Shanghai
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual Grand Prix weekend schedule for 16 to 18 April 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Practice day
Friday 16 AprilFirst practice rarely starts before lunchtime, so the morning is free.
- Half-dayZhujiajiao water town
- EatYang's Dumplings
Qualifying day
Saturday 17 AprilSupport races fill the morning. Skip them for a slow start in town and reach the track after lunch.
- Easy outingHuangpu river night cruise
- FreeTianzifang lanes.
Race day
Sunday 18 AprilGo to the track early and stay after the flag: leaving straight away means the worst of the traffic.
- EveningStreet food tour
The day after
Monday 19 AprilA full free day before the flight home. This is the best day for a longer trip out of town.
- Full daySuzhou gardens day trip
- EatLost Heaven
Family-friendly picks
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
- Science and Technology Museum.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Xintiandi and the Bund rooftops.
7 tours worth booking for Chinese Grand Prix
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Tower observation deck | Half day | Families |
| Suzhou gardens day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| Shanghai Disneyland | Full day | Families |
| Zhujiajiao water town | Half day | Families, Tired legs |
| Huangpu river night cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls |
| Street food tour | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
| Acrobatics show | Evening | Families, Bad weather |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Shanghai Museum.
- Power Station of Art.
Getting around on event days
- Metro covers everything; pay by Alipay or the metro app. DiDi works with foreign cards.
Day trips from Shanghai
- Suzhou: 30 minutes
- Hangzhou: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Chinese Grand Prix.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Chinese Grand Prix 2027?
The next edition is 16 to 18 April 2027.
How do I get from the airport to Shanghai International Circuit?
Pudong (PVG) has the Maglev to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, then metro line 2. Hongqiao (SHA) is on metro lines 2 and 10. The circuit is in Jiading, 35 km northwest of central Shanghai. Metro line 11 runs to Shanghai Circuit station; allow 1 hour 15 minutes from People's Square.
Where should I stay for Chinese Grand Prix?
For most visitors the best base is People's Square and the Bund: Walk to the sights.
What can we do between sessions at Chinese Grand Prix?
Good short outings in Shanghai include Zhujiajiao water town, Shanghai Tower observation deck. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Chinese Grand Prix?
Family-friendly picks: Zhujiajiao water town, Shanghai Tower observation deck, Shanghai Disneyland. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
How far is Shanghai International Circuit from Shanghai centre?
About 27 km in a straight line. The circuit is in Jiading, 35 km northwest of central Shanghai. Metro line 11 runs to Shanghai Circuit station; allow 1 hour 15 minutes from People's Square.
More events in Shanghai
5 Nov 2026*China International Import Expo
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show28 Apr 2027*Auto Shanghai
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show3 Dec 2027Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai, ChinaMarathon
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show28 Apr 2027*Auto Shanghai
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show3 Dec 2027Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai, ChinaMarathon
More Formula 1
30 Apr 2027Miami Grand Prix
Miami, United StatesF121 May 2027Canadian Grand Prix
Montreal, CanadaF14 Jun 2027Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco, MonacoF118 Jun 2027Portuguese Grand Prix
Algarve (Portimão), PortugalF12 Jul 2027British Grand Prix
Silverstone and Northamptonshire, United KingdomF19 Jul 2027Austrian Grand Prix
Spielberg and Styria, AustriaF1
Miami, United StatesF121 May 2027Canadian Grand Prix
Montreal, CanadaF14 Jun 2027Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco, MonacoF118 Jun 2027Portuguese Grand Prix
Algarve (Portimão), PortugalF12 Jul 2027British Grand Prix
Silverstone and Northamptonshire, United KingdomF19 Jul 2027Austrian Grand Prix
Spielberg and Styria, AustriaF1