The 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix is set to roar into action at Shanghai International Circuit from March 13 to 15. Ifyou'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
Families explore Shanghai Auto Expo Park by car. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
An aerial view of the Shanghai Auto Museum. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Miniature landscapes showcasing different themes. [Photos/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Enjoy a drive-in cinema experience with scenic surroundings. [Photos/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Anting Old Street offers picturesque views. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Mechanical clocks and timepieces on display at the museum. [Photos/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Metaloop track, tucked inside a bustling mall. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Children compete in kart racing at SIC Karting Land. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
The Confucian Temple in Jiading district. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Zhouqiao Old Street features traditional bridges and waterways. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Qiuxia Garden is painted in shades of green, gold, and red. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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
Visitors can enjoy coffee, bread, and pottery activities in Mamen village. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
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