Racing fans must be buzzing with excitement as the 2025 Formula One Heineken Chinese Grand Prix approaches. But that's not all – the thrill just doubled with the return of the Checkered Flag Carnival, the event's flagship festival, for its second year in Shanghai!
The 2025 Checkered Flag Carnival will be held at both the North Bund International Passenger Center Cruise Terminal and the Shanghai International Circuit from March 16-23, with the latter venue in suburban Jiading District also hosting the F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
The 2025 Checkered Flag Carnival will be held at both the North Bund International Passenger Center Cruise Terminal and the Shanghai International Circuit from March 16-23.
Blending racing culture, entertainment, arts, music and lifestyle, this year's carnival promises to deliver a memorable racing celebration for both motorsports enthusiasts and the general public.
The North Bund International Passenger Center Cruise Terminal, located along the Huangpu River, is set to host an eight-day motorsports fan festival. The event will recreate the starting grid of the Shanghai International Circuit and feature a 600-meter-long F1-themed riverside walkway. Visitors can experience a dreamlike encounter between F1 and Shanghai's stunning skyline.
During the event, visitors can catch live broadcasts of the thrilling 2025 F1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne and the Chinese Grand Prix.
The spectacular Shanghai skyline shot at the North Bund.
This year's carnival, in collaboration with exhibition curator HANSWERKS, will present a special "Tribute to the F1 Chinese Grand Prix" car exhibition at the North Bund. A highlight of the event will be the display of a 1985 Shanghai-brand vintage car featuring its artistic cover inspired by the popular Shanghai-based TV series "Blossoms Shanghai," showcasing the fusion of haipai culture and motorsport.
Meanwhile, iconic cars and supercars from top F1 teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-Benz will be exhibited to celebrate the glorious moments in F1 history.
The "Tribute to the F1 Chinese Grand Prix" car exhibition will showcase a Shanghai-brand vintage car that records the city's auto history, as well as classic cars and supercars from top F1 team brands.
Shanghai-born Zhou Guanyu, China's first F1 driver, has become an iconic figure in the city's sporting landscape. So, the carnival will once again join forces with the 26-year-old to present a 1.8-meter-tall Zhou-shaped cartoon installation titled "Zhou's Adorable Daily Life" at the North Bund. This creative and dynamic display showcases the driver's youthful, trendy, and imaginative persona beyond the racetrack.
Calling all Zhou fans! Mark your calendars for March 18 – don't miss the chance to meet your idol in person. He'll be at the carnival for an exclusive fan meet-up, sharing his exciting racing journey and creating unforgettable memories with his fans.
Zhou Guanyu will represent his new team Ferrari to compete in his home GP this year.
Throughout the event, the carnival's "dual-scene" stage will host daily outdoor music parties, with nearly a hundred artists performing across a variety of genres, from electronic and rock to pop. Expect a unique audio-visual feast that will captivate all spectators.
For shopping enthusiasts among car fans, there's something special for you too! The carnival will feature an exclusive F1 Store and Checkered Flag Carnival official collection store, offering a curated selection of official F1 race memorabilia and trendy carnival items to satisfy all your shopping and collection needs.
A special F1 Store and Checkered Flag Carnival official collection store will be set up at the carnival event site.
The carnival will also feature the "Anywhere Door" interactive experience, allowing racing enthusiasts at both the North Bund and the Shanghai International Circuit to connect and share their excitement through interactive displays, bringing everyone together for this unforgettable racing celebration.
Additionally, the carnival will team up with the Asia Pet Show to host its first-ever pet-friendly theme day. Pet lovers and pet-owning families can bring their pets to enjoy the F1-themed activities, adding even more fun to the festivities.
The carnival is packed with exciting events happening almost every day! Pick the events you don't want to miss, mark your calendar, and grab your tickets to be part of this unforgettable racing culture extravaganza!
Highlights:
Live broadcast of F1 Australian Grand Prix – Main Race
March 16; 11:45am-2:30pm
Zhou Guanyu Meet the Fans Event
March 18; 2pm-2:30pm
Pet theme day (Pet-friendly hours)
March 20; 11am-3pm
F1 Chinese Grand Prix – Sprint Race
March 22; 10:50am-12 noon
Live broadcast of F1 Chinese Grand Prix – Qualifying Race
March 22; 2:50pm-4:15pm
Live broadcast of F1 Chinese Grand Prix –Main Race
March 23; 2:45pm-5pm
How to book your slot
Visitors can reserve their slots through the WeChat mini-program: "久事文传" Admission is FREE!
Ticket Types:
- Public Reservation (公众预约)
- Pet Reservation Channel (携宠预约通道) – Pet owners, be sure to select the correct option!
Scan the QR code below to access the mini-program and secure your tickets. Book now and unlock your F1 Carnival journey!
Following steps:
Step1: Click "Buy now" 立即购买
Step 2: Select "Date" and "Ticket type," and then click "Next step" 下一步
Step 3: Complete Participant Information
Enter the required details, including:
*Name
*Document Type and Number
*Phone Number
Foreign Permanent Residence ID Cards are accepted for reservations.
Once completed, click "Save" (保存) to proceed.
Step 4: Select participant and click "Pay" (去支付) to book the ticket.
The price is 0 yuan (US$0)
Last step: After reserving your ticket, you can find your e-ticket in the "Ticket Wallet" (票夹) section.
Click "E-ticket" (电子票) to retrieve your electronic code. Participants can enter the venue directly by scanning the code at the entrance.
If you go
Date: March 16-23
Venue: North Bund International Passenger Center Cruise Terminal 北外滩国客中心码头
Date: March 21-23
Venue: Shanghai International Circuit 上海国际赛车场