F1 returns to Shanghai with citywide carnival

Shanghai is gearing up for a double dose of speed and spectacle as anticipation builds for the 2026 Formula One Heineken Chinese Grand Prix. The Checkered Flag Carnival—the event's flagship festival—roars back for its third year, promising non-stop action from March 8 to 15.

Spanning four districts, the celebration will offer unique experiences showcasing different dimensions of motorsport culture.

At the West Bund in Xuhui district, visitors can enjoy immersive experiences combining live race viewing, performances and interactive exhibitions. Fans will gather to watch live broadcasts of both the Australian Grand Prix and Chinese Grand Prix from the 2026 season, alongside daily family-friendly activities blending motorsport education with hands-on workshops.

Meanwhile, the North Bund International Passenger Center in Hongkou district will feature a karting track along the riverfront, allowing visitors to experience racing thrills against the backdrop of the Huangpu River, creating a distinctive blend of urban racing and riverside views.

The Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort in Baoshan district will emphasize visual spectacle through art installations and interactive attractions designed to create a carnival atmosphere with strong visual impact.

The festival's division at Shanghai International Circuit in Jiading district will demonstrate how racing culture integrates with urban lifestyle through displays that showcase the technological innovation, design aesthetics, and immersive experiences of motorsport.

This year's carnival extends across both banks of the Huangpu River, with themed cruise ships and specially decorated wharves connecting the waterfront venues throughout the event.

One of the carnival's centerpieces will be the "Finding Zhou Guanyu" immersive exhibition at the Xuhui West Bund. The exhibition chronicles the journey of China's first Formula 1 driver, from his early days as a karting enthusiast in Shanghai to competing at the pinnacle of global motorsport. Zhou is also expected to make appearances during the carnival to share his experiences with fans.

A special carnival passport featuring Zhou's cartoon likeness serves as the core design element. This collection book includes an exclusive limited-edition stamp collection mechanism. Passport holders can complete immersive check-ins at all four main carnival venues and enjoy special offerings for dining, retail and entertainment.

A series of themed activities will also run throughout the carnival, including interactive games with point collection and check-in stamp collection across venues. Participants can immerse themselves in racing culture through special on-site challenges and exhibition exploration activities, along with multiple iconic photo opportunities for racing fans and tourists.

Throughout the carnival, daily performances will take place at Xuhui's West Bund and the Shanghai International Circuit water plaza, featuring bands, DJs, boy groups, folk singers, jazz ensembles and ethnic fusion performers, adding to the festive racing atmosphere.

The carnival will also host multiple creative merchandise shops selling official F1 memorabilia and special carnival-themed cultural products, with brand-specific areas providing convenient one-stop shopping experiences.