THE annual Shanghai Auto Culture Festival is set to rev into action in Jiading District from April 10 to 30.

The festival coincides with Formula One’s Chinese Grand Prix, which will be held during April 10 to 12 at Shanghai International Circuit in Anting Town, and includes numerous activities.

Water Square, which is at the circuit, is the place to be as an F1 print-making experience, oil painting exhibition and antique car show will be held. Professional coaches will demonstrate wind tunnel flying at the square. For those brave enough to try, there’s a chance to defy gravity at the Wind Tunnel Flying Experience Center just opposite the circuit.

Jiading will host the launch ceremony for “Centuries of History, Decades of Change” on April 18 at Hanyuan Bookstore in Huangpu District during the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival. It marks the beginning of Jiading tours with an English-speaking guide.

Dip into F1 history

The world’s premier car race series dates back to 1950, when Italian driver Giuseppe Farina won the first World Championship. An F1 exhibition will be held from April 8 to June 7 at Shanghai Auto Museum. It will display some precious yet rarely seen personal possessions that belonged to famous F1 drivers, and art by famous artists.

Electric vehicles

EVCARD, a popular electric vehicles rental service project, will offer electric car rental services on site with special offers during the festival.

Special discounts, priced from 69 yuan (US$11) to 169 yuan, for electric cars are available every weekend until November 30 from www.ly.com and www.lvmama.com. The offer includes an electric vehicle for eight hours per day with tickets for attractions in Jiading. Customers can choose tickets to either Shanghai Auto Museum, Guyi Garden, Malu Grape Theme Park or Huating Modern Agriculture Park. Those who return after eight hours will be charged 0.5 yuan for every additional minute.

To qualify for the offer, register on EVCARD’s website, WeChat account or app. You can also finish the registration on site. You will need to provide your name with a scanned copy of your driver’s license, mobile phone number and a valid email address.

Membership cards and complimentary tickets will be given on site. You also need to pay a 1,000 yuan deposit through Alipay, WeChat, UnionPay or credit card. The deposit is refunded once the car is returned undamaged and without any traffic tickets. The car can be returned at 56 locations in Jiading, and two at Yangpu District. The number of rental/return outlets will increase to 300 citywide by the end of this year.

 

Tel: 400-920-8050

Website: www.evcardchina.com

There are a few great places to admire the spring blossoms around Jiading. Here are some options.

Lijiang Countryside Flower Show

Date: Through May

Tickets: Free (subject to conditions)

Address: 3333 Jiazhu Rd, Zhuqiao Town

Driving: Outer-Ring/Middle- Ring Road — Hujia Expressway — G1501 Expressway — Shenhai Expressway (to Nantong) — Zhuqiao Exit — Turn right to Huiyuan Road

(Accommodation is available inside Lijiang Fruit Garden.)

Guyi Garden Flower Show

Date: April 3-May 3

Tickets: 12 yuan

Address: 218 Huyi Highway

Nearby attractions: Nanxiang Old Street, Shanghai International Circuit

Public Transport: Metro Line 11 (Nanxiang Station) and take Nanxiang No. 2 bus

Driving: Outer-Ring/Middle-Ring Road — Hujia Expressway — Nanxiang Exit — Turn left to Fengxiang Road — Turn right (after 300m) to Zhennan Road (for 1km) — Guyi Garden

Youth Rush

“Running Man,” a popular TV reality show that originated in South Korea, has become a hit in China since being adapted for local audiences last year. Huating Modern Agriculture Park is offering a version of the game called Youth Rush. It costs 50 yuan per person to play and covers accident insurance. A wide range of games as well as outdoor and indoor facilities are available. Tailored services are also available to meet different requirements for family day and corporate team building events. Weatherproof jackets are provided with embedded nylon name stickers at the back, giving participants feel like they are on the TV show. Book a session by phone at least three days in advance. Youth Rush is only open on weekends when it is not raining. A 20 percent deposit is required; however, you can cancel the appointment at least one day in advance and receive a full refund. One session lasts about three hours. For more information, please refer to the contact details below.

Huating Modern Agriculture Park

Address: 518 Shuangzhu Road, Huating Town, Jiading

Tel: 5997-0515 (9am-4:30pm)

WeChat account: kkja35