The Best Fan Zones and Events at the Chinese GP 2026

It’s week 2 of the 2026 Formula 1 season and the drivers and teams are headed to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix! The race weekend will run from Thursday March 12th to Sunday March 15th, 2026. 

The Chinese Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 circuit back in 2024 and has become a fan favorite! Like many other tracks, the Chinese Grand Prix will have their own entertainment schedule featuring a variety of activities for fans to enjoy.

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ON TRACK

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F1 Fan Zone

The F1 Fan Zone is the main hub where fans can go to locate food and beverage options. At the Shanghai International Circuit, the main F1 Fan Zone is located behind the main grandstand (Grandstand A). This is also where race goers can expect to find different merchandise options available for purchase. Lastly, the F1 Fan Zone will be the one that hosts different car displays as well as certain brand activations for fans to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the race weekend.

What to expect:

• Virtual Driver Selfies
• F1 Show Car
• F1 Blast Lane
• Q&A Session with drivers (more details coming)
• Food and Beverage options

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OFF TRACK

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Checkered Flag Carnival - Shanghai Fan Festival

The Checkered Flag Carnival will be returning for it's third year and the carnival itself is China's only F1-licensed theme event. The Checkered Flag Carnival, also known as the Shanghai Fan Festival has become a fan favorite event at the Chinese Grand Prix. This year, the festival will be located at the West Bund in the Xuhui District while also being embedded in the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC). Fans will be able to expect a variety of events and activities that will enhance the race weekend experience and provide some off track entertainment. There will be areas to watch the live broadcasts of the events while being surrounded by a plethora of hands-on activities that are meant for guests of all ages.

Located in the North Bund International Passenger Center in the Hongku District, visitors will be able to expect a karting track that will be situated along the riverfront. This is a prime location for inviting fans to experience the thrills of high speed racing in front of the Huangpu River. There will also be numerous art installations and interactive attractions all inspired by the race weekend excitement.

When:

• March 8th - 15th, 2026

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Shanghai Auto Culture Festival

The Shanghai Auto Culture Festival is an exceptional area for fans to explore over the course of the Grand Prix weekend. Located in the Jiading District, the festival will feature a variety of motorsport events ranging from auto-themed exhibitions to different cultural tourism activities. Visitors who are ticket holders for the Grand Prix will automatically be offered free admission to Qiuxia Garden, Huilongtan Park and Yong'an Pagoda. They will also be offered discounted entry to Tanyuan Garden, Guyi Garden and the Shanghai Auto Museum.

What to expect:

• Show cars on display
• Auto-themed exhibitions
• Free admission:
  
  • Qiuxia Garden
  • Huilongtan Park
  • Yong'an Pagoda
• Discounted Entry
  
  • Tanyuan Garden
  • Guyi Garden
  • Shanghai Auto Museum

When:

• March 13th to May 5th, 2026

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Looking for More?

If you’re attending the Chinese GP now or in the future, we highly recommend checking out our other race guides and ticket options to easily plan your trip and ensure you never miss out on all the activities and events happening throughout the race weekend!

Looking for the best Formula 1 ticket and travel deals? We have you covered for every race on the calendar.