Mitchell Woolnough from Australia shares his thoughts – and exceptional photos – from an unforgettable weekend in Shanghai attending the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.
Photos © Mitchell Woolnough (Sony A7cR; Tamron 150-500 & Sigma 24-70)
I’m back from an incredible adventure in Shanghai, China, where I attended the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix! My journey began the Monday before the race, flying in from Australia. As an Australian, I took advantage of the visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
During my stay, I called the Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden hotel my home. This hotel offered comfortable accommodations, a convenient location close to Old Shanghai tourist spots and the Bund, and was just a 25-minute walk to Nanjing Road, the city’s famous shopping street.
Before the racing action began, I spent a few days discovering Shanghai’s unique charm. I strolled along the famous Bund, taking in the stunning views of the city’s skyline and ventured into Old Shanghai, where I wandered through the narrow alleys and traditional shops, immersing myself in the local culture.
I also spent a fantastic day exploring Shanghai Disneyland! I marveled at the stunning attractions, watched spectacular shows, and met beloved Disney characters.
Each day, I took the metro to the Shanghai International Circuit, a straightforward journey involving two lines and approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The metro was efficient, clean, and easy to navigate, making it a great way to get to the track without worrying about traffic. I used the Amap app for navigation, which provided English directions and made getting around Shanghai a breeze. Before arriving in China, I had installed a VPN, allowing me to access my social media accounts, which are banned in China.
Entering the track was surprisingly easy, despite initial concerns about the single entrance and exit. The security checks were efficient, with bag checks and facial recognition technology in place. The facial recognition system, which acted as my ticket, was a clever touch. However, I did experience a slight hiccup when setting up the facial recognition system. The process wasn’t clearly explained when I purchased my ticket, and I had to quickly log in and submit my face for approval. Thankfully, it was a smooth process once I figured it out!
Before entering the circuit, there was a Moto expo featuring car displays and live bands. It was a great way to get pumped up for the racing action, and I enjoyed browsing the various exhibits and enjoying the music.
I was seated in Grandstand K, which offered a fantastic view of the back straight and the thrilling overtaking action into the hairpin. The grandstand was equipped with big screens, allowing me to catch all the action around the track. Plus, the covered seating provided a welcome respite from the sun.
One pleasant surprise was the affordability of the food options at the track. Using QR codes to order and pay made the process seamless. I was impressed by the variety of options available, and the prices were the cheapest I’ve experienced at a Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to explore the entire circuit, as I wasn’t sure if my facial recognition scan would grant me access to other areas. Since my face was only registered for Grandstand K, I decided not to risk wasting time walking to other areas, only to potentially be turned away. I’m used to the more relaxed atmosphere at Albert Park, where you can walk anywhere and watch the race from any general viewing area.
After the race, I joined the throngs of fans exiting the circuit. It took around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the metro from the circuit gate, but the atmosphere was lively, and I didn’t mind the wait.
The Chinese Grand Prix was an exhilarating experience, with Oscar Piastri taking the top spot on the podium. As an Australian, it was thrilling to watch a fellow Aussie win a Grand Prix in person – a truly unforgettable experience!
Attending the Chinese Grand Prix and exploring Shanghai was an unforgettable experience that combined my passions for racing, theme parks, and cultural immersion. If you’re a fellow F1 fan, Disney enthusiast, or just looking for an exciting adventure, add Shanghai to your bucket list!
READ MORE: Chinese Grand Prix Travel Guide
