The 17th Shanghai Auto Culture Festival is scheduled to take place in the city's Jiading district from March 21 to April 25, coinciding with the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.

Guided by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, and co-hosted by the Jiading District People's Government and Tongji University, with the support of Shanghai Jiushi (Group) Co Ltd., the festival aims to leverage the 75th anniversary of the F1 Grand Prix to showcase Shanghai's auto culture globally.

The festival will feature 25 activities across four thematic sections. The sections include the opening ceremony, "World Speed", "Shanghai Window", and "Jiading Highlights" and aim to blend auto racing, exhibitions, culture, and lifestyle.

The opening ceremony on March 23 at the Shanghai International Circuit will merge with the F1 Chinese Grand Prix opening.

The "World Speed" section will include auto racing events, including the 2025 China Karting Championship Shanghai Station and the 2025 CTCC China Touring Car Championship. The "Shanghai Window" section will showcase themed events including the Checkered Flag Carnival. And "Jiading Highlights" will explore "Auto and History" and "Auto and Culture" to display Shanghai's interactions with automobiles.

Yang Yibin, chairman of Shanghai Juss Sports Development Group, mentioned that apart from the usual thrilling racing of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix weekend, from March 21 to 23, this year will witness the debut of the F1 Academy race.

Introduced by the F1 in 2023, the event is tailored for female drivers and the inaugural race in Shanghai will feature China's first F1 Academy female driver Shi Wei.

Yang further explained that one of the most significant accompanying events of the Chinese leg, the Checkered Flag Carnival, will run for eight days simultaneously at the Shanghai International Circuit Water Plaza and the International Cruise Terminal in Hongkou district, pioneering a "dual-scene" model for interactive race-watching and urban scenery enjoyment.

"Here, racing enthusiasts can enjoy live broadcasts of the thrilling F1 races from Australia and China, while also indulging in diverse entertainment, tempting culinary delights, and convenient souvenir shopping services," Yang said.

Shao Gang, director of Anting town, Jiading district, introduced a futuristic giant car model at Water Plaza. It features interactive screens on the wheel hubs for real-time engagement. Inside, a leisure "meeting room" offers activities including music clubs, 3D visual shows, and AR racing, showcasing the future of intelligent car cabins.

The festival promotes F1 in commercial districts, fairs, car purchases, and e-commerce, stimulating spending with draw-wins, gifts, and pop-up stores.

Chen Ye, director of the commerce commission within Jiading district, noted there are plans for auto-show subsidies and free parking during the festival, along with Volkswagen loyalty-customer promotions.

Wang Chao, deputy director of Jiading district, emphasized Jiading's auto cultural significance as the birthplace of China's auto industry, a racing hub, and a center for auto culture and innovation.

"We aim to enhance the 'Auto Jiading' brand and international image, and provide significant opportunities for Jiading to step onto the global stage," Wang noted.