Experience Formula 1 in Shanghai and discover one of Asia's most exciting cities
The Chinese Grand Prix 2027 promises to be a fantastic destination for Formula 1 fans looking for something more than just a race weekend. The spectacular Shanghai International Circuit, the enormous skyline of Pudong, traditional Chinese gardens, fascinating neighbourhoods, excellent food and a completely different culture make Shanghai an ideal combination of Formula 1 and a city break.
The exact date of the 2027 Chinese Grand Prix has not yet been confirmed. Formula 1 has not published the final 2027 calendar dates, so travellers should wait before making non-refundable flight and hotel bookings. “2027 Chinese Grand Prix – date to be confirmed”
The good news is that the Shanghai International Circuit is an established Formula 1 venue. The circuit hosted its first Chinese Grand Prix in 2004 and has become one of the most distinctive tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.
Planning to visit the Chinese Grand Prix 2027? Discover the Shanghai International Circuit, flights from Amsterdam, local transport, hotels, F1 travel tips and the best things to see in Shanghai.
Shanghai International Circuit – where the Chinese Grand Prix takes place
The Shanghai International Circuit is located in the Jiading District, approximately 35 kilometres from central Shanghai.
The circuit is famous for its unusual design. The layout was inspired by the Chinese character “shang”, which forms the first part of the name Shanghai and can be associated with the meaning “above” or “upwards”.
For spectators, the circuit offers several excellent viewing areas. One particularly interesting location is around the tight Turn 14–15 hairpin, where the cars slow dramatically and overtaking opportunities can develop.
The Chinese Grand Prix is also interesting because Shanghai combines a modern Formula 1 facility with one of China's largest and most fascinating cities.
Flying from the Netherlands to Shanghai
For Dutch visitors, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the obvious starting point.
There are currently direct flights between Amsterdam and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) operated by airlines including KLM and China Eastern Airlines. The flight takes roughly 12 hours, depending on the aircraft and schedule.
For a 2027 trip, it is worth comparing:
- KLM direct flights from Amsterdam
- China Eastern direct flights from Amsterdam
- One-stop flights via major European, Middle Eastern or Asian hubs
- Economy and Premium Economy fares
- Open-jaw combinations if you want to combine Shanghai with another Chinese destination
Because the 2027 race date is not yet confirmed, I would not book a non-refundable flight yet.
As soon as the official race weekend is announced, prices are likely to rise, particularly for flights arriving two or three days before the Grand Prix.
Which Shanghai airport should you use?
Shanghai has two major airports.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the main international airport and is approximately 60 kilometres from the circuit.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is closer to the city centre and around 25 kilometres from the circuit, but it primarily handles domestic flights and only a smaller number of international services.
For travellers arriving from the Netherlands, Pudong is therefore normally the most logical choice.
Getting from the airport to Shanghai
Shanghai has an extensive public transport network.
From Pudong Airport, travellers can use the Metro, airport buses, taxi services and the famous Shanghai Maglev for part of the journey into the city.
For a Formula 1 weekend, however, the metro is often the easiest way of reaching the circuit.
Getting to the Shanghai International Circuit
One of the biggest advantages of the Chinese Grand Prix is that you do not necessarily need to rent a car.
Metro Line 11
The most practical option is Shanghai Metro Line 11.
The station is called Shanghai Circuit Station, and the station is only a short walk from the main entrance. The journey from central Shanghai takes approximately one hour.
This is particularly useful during the Grand Prix weekend because road traffic around the circuit can become extremely busy.
Formula 1 itself recommends public transport, while local information also recommends Metro Line 11 as the fastest and most convenient option during the event.
Taxi
A taxi is another possibility, especially if travelling with luggage or several people.
However, I would prefer the metro on race days. Traffic around major sporting events can make driving considerably slower.
Rental car?
For most visitors, I would not recommend renting a car.
Shanghai's metro system is extensive and inexpensive, while parking and traffic around the circuit can be inconvenient.
Where should you stay for the Chinese Grand Prix?
There are two excellent strategies.
Option 1 – Stay near the circuit
If Formula 1 is the main purpose of your trip, staying in Jiading makes sense.
You will be closer to the circuit and can avoid a long journey every morning.
Some hotels worth considering include:
- Hyatt Regency Shanghai Jiading – a comfortable higher-end option in Jiading.
- Courtyard Shanghai Jiading – a good mid-range choice.
- Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai Jiading – another comfortable international hotel.
- Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Jiading Center – practical for travellers looking for a more affordable stay.
- Hanting Hotel Shanghai Jiading Baiyin Road – a budget-oriented option.
- Vienna International Hotel Shanghai Malu Station – another relatively inexpensive choice in the Jiading area.
Formula 1's own Shanghai guide notes that Jiading has a wide choice of major hotel chains close to the circuit.
Important: Grand Prix weekend prices can be substantially higher than normal. Always check the cancellation conditions before booking.
Option 2 – Stay in central Shanghai
For a longer holiday, I would personally choose central Shanghai.
You can enjoy the atmosphere of the city during the evenings and simply take Metro Line 11 to the circuit on race days.
The journey from central Shanghai to the circuit is approximately one hour.
This gives you the best of both worlds:
Formula 1 during the weekend + a fantastic city holiday before or afterwards.
How long should you stay?
If you are travelling all the way from the Netherlands, a three-day Formula 1 weekend would be a shame.
I would recommend 7 to 10 nights.
A possible itinerary could look like this:
Day 1 – Amsterdam to Shanghai
Fly from Amsterdam to Shanghai.
Arrive at Pudong and transfer to your hotel.
Keep the evening relaxed because of the time difference.
Day 2 – Discover Shanghai
Start with the famous The Bund, Shanghai's spectacular waterfront promenade.
From here you have one of the best views of the futuristic Pudong skyline.
Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding streets and enjoy your first Chinese dinner.
Day 3 – Old Shanghai
Visit Yu Garden, one of the city's most beautiful classical Chinese gardens.
The garden dates back more than 400 years and is one of Shanghai's important historic attractions.
Combine this with the surrounding Old City and traditional markets.
Day 4 – Pudong and Shanghai's skyline
Head across the Huangpu River to Pudong.
Visit Shanghai Tower, China's tallest building at 632 metres.
The observation deck on the 118th floor is approximately 546 metres above ground and provides spectacular views across Shanghai.
For Formula 1 fans, this is also a fantastic way to appreciate the enormous scale of the city.
Day 5 – Formula 1 begins
Depending on the final 2027 weekend format, this is the day to head towards the circuit.
Use Metro Line 11 and enjoy the atmosphere around the Shanghai International Circuit.
Practice, qualifying or Sprint action can turn the entire area into a huge Formula 1 festival.
Day 6 – Qualifying / Sprint
Another full day at the circuit.
Arrive early, explore the fan areas and find your grandstand.
Don't forget that the atmosphere away from the actual race is part of the experience.
Day 7 – Chinese Grand Prix
Race day!
This is the highlight of the trip.
The sound of the Formula 1 cars approaching the first corners, the enormous grandstands and thousands of Chinese and international fans create a very different Grand Prix atmosphere from a European race.
After the race, return to Shanghai by metro and celebrate with a late dinner.
What to see after the Grand Prix?
If you have several additional days, don't rush home.
Shanghai is an excellent base for exploring the region.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
One of my favourite additions to a Shanghai itinerary would be Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.
This historic water town is characterised by canals, old bridges, traditional buildings and narrow streets.
Zhujiajiao has 36 historic bridges and numerous buildings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It provides a wonderful contrast to the skyscrapers of central Shanghai.
Shanghai Museum
Culture lovers should reserve time for the Shanghai Museum.
The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings.
It is an excellent place to understand China's history after several days surrounded by the modern architecture of Shanghai.
Xintiandi
For restaurants, cafés and evening entertainment, visit Xintiandi.
The area combines restored historic architecture with modern restaurants, bars and shops.
It is particularly pleasant in the evening.
The Bund at night
Even if you have already visited The Bund during the day, return after sunset.
The illuminated skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River is one of the most memorable sights in Shanghai.
Take your camera – this is one of those views you will remember long after the Formula 1 cars have left the circuit.
What about Shanghai Disneyland?
If you are travelling with children – or simply love theme parks – Shanghai Disneyland is another possibility.
It is located in Pudong and is connected to the Shanghai Metro through Disney Resort Station. Shanghai Disney Resort is the first Disney theme park resort in mainland China.
I would allow a full day if you decide to include it.
Food – another reason to stay longer
A trip to Shanghai should definitely include more than hotel breakfasts and food around the circuit.
Try some of the city's famous specialities, including:
- Xiaolongbao – steamed soup dumplings
- Shengjian mantou – pan-fried buns
- Shanghai-style noodles
- Braised pork dishes
- Chinese hotpot
- Fresh seafood
- Vegetarian Chinese cuisine
Shanghai is particularly interesting for food lovers because traditional local dishes sit alongside cuisines from all over China.
What does a Formula 1 trip to Shanghai cost?
The final cost depends heavily on the race date, flight prices, hotel category and Grand Prix tickets.
A useful way of planning the budget is to divide the trip into five parts:
1. Flights
Amsterdam–Shanghai return.
2. F1 tickets
Choose between general admission and grandstand tickets. Premium packages are considerably more expensive.
3. Hotel
Jiading is practical for the circuit, while central Shanghai is better for a complete holiday.
4. Local transport
The metro is an inexpensive way to explore the city and reach the circuit.
5. Food and sightseeing
Shanghai offers everything from inexpensive local restaurants to internationally renowned fine dining.
Booking flights and accommodation as soon as the official 2027 race date is announced is likely to be much more important than trying to save a few euros by waiting until the last minute.
Visa information for Dutch travellers
This is an important point to check before travelling.
At present, Dutch citizens travelling on ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days, subject to the conditions of the current exemption policy. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirms the current visa-free arrangement for tourism, provided the traveller meets the requirements, including having a return or onward ticket.
However, the current exemption for Dutch citizens is scheduled to run only through 31 December 2026. Therefore, anyone planning a Chinese Grand Prix trip in 2027 should check the latest Chinese visa regulations before booking the journey.
Visa regulations can change, so this information should be updated in the blog once the 2027 travel season approaches.
The perfect Formula 1 city break?
The Chinese Grand Prix is much more than a Formula 1 race.
For Dutch fans, Shanghai offers an exciting combination of:
Formula 1 + a world-class city + Chinese culture + excellent food + fascinating day trips.
Rather than flying to China for just three days, consider staying for 7 to 10 nights.
Spend the first few days discovering Shanghai, enjoy the Formula 1 weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit and then finish the holiday with a relaxing visit to Zhujiajiao or another destination in the Yangtze River Delta.
That way, the Chinese Grand Prix becomes the centrepiece of a much bigger Asian adventure.
And perhaps that is the best reason of all to put Shanghai 2027 on your Formula 1 travel calendar.
