Shanghai auto festival brings high-octane fun

Over the decades, Jiading has developed a complete auto supply chain, blossoming into one of China's largest and most advanced auto industry centers. Its auto industry scale reached 718.2 billion yuan ($99.1 billion) last year, with companies spanning R&D, design, software, hardware and manufacturing.

"Hosting international events like F1 doesn't just showcase Jiading's strength in the automobile industry, but provides a window for global audiences to understand the meaning of local auto culture," said Tang Dongying, deputy head of Jiading district, pointing out another world-class electric car event will follow soon with the 2024 Shanghai E-Prixreturning to the circuit on May 25 and 26.

Since 2005, the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival has been held 15 times. Beginning in 2011, it has been integrated with the Chinese Grand Prix, evolving into a carnival spanning motorsports events, cultural tourism and enterprise innovation exchanges.

It has provided new opportunities for nurturing automotive culture and industrial clusters, solidifying Jiading as a prime destination for automotive tourism, according to Tang.

The 2024 festival has three major segments and 20 key activities across two core tourism zones — one centered on the Shanghai International Circuit, the other on Yuanxiang Lake's reception hall. Key destinations such as the Shanghai Auto Museum, industrial parks and experience centers are included in curated trips, linking Jiading's natural beauty and historical charm.