Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit

Circuit History

The idea for a new international circuit in Sichuan emerged as part of Chengdu’s “world events city” initiative during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan . Backed by Geely’s motorsport division (Mitime), construction began in 2022 on a sprawling site of roughly 1,500 mu (100 hectares) in the Eastern New District near Jianyang. The project was a joint key development for Sichuan Province and Chengdu City, with a total investment reported around ¥3 billion.

Designers Hangzhou Speed Ring Circuit opted for an FIA Grade 2 layout built to full Grade 1 specifications – meaning Formula 1-level safety and infrastructure, despite the initial FIA Grade 2 license.

The first phase “West Track” was laid out at 3.264 km length by late 2023, featuring 19 corners (12 left, 7 right) and a 589 m back straight. With a modest 5% gradient on its rises and falls, the circuit makes use of gentle terrain to create nearly 20 m of elevation change.

By mid-2023 the track was complete and passed FIA inspection, positioning itself as the only international standard racetrack in southwest China. Officials hinted at bigger ambitions, noting it was constructed to Grade 1 standards in hopes of one day attracting a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Opening events see competitors flock

Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit officially opened on 1 December 2023, immediately hosting its inaugural racing weekend. The marquee event was the season finale of the China Endurance Championship (CEC), which saw 50 cars and nearly 200 drivers descend on the brand-new track. Over three days, spectators were treated to fierce GT and touring car battles – a first taste of major motorsport in the region. A supporting KTM X-Bow Cup final also shared the bill, giving the circuit a baptism of diverse racing.

The successful debut weekend earned praise for “filling the void” of top-level competition in China’s southwest. An earlier plan to debut the circuit in October 2023 with a Formula 4 round had fallen through – the FIA F4 China race was reassigned to Zhuhai, as Tianfu’s completion ran slightly behind schedule. Any disappointment was short-lived; by May 2024 the circuit roared fully to life with a grand opening festival.

On 25–26 May 2024, the Tianfu Speed Carnival and Chengdu East New District Auto Culture Festival marked the track’s ceremonial opening. Over two days, more than 100 cars and 200 drivers took to the asphalt, from grassroots drift machines to professional racers . Crowds enjoyed not just on-track action but also camping, live music, car shows and e-sports, as the venue blended racing with festival vibes.

This high-profile kick-off cemented Tianfu’s status as a motorsport and leisure destination. Soon after, the circuit hosted its first championship races in earnest. The 2024 Shell Helix FIA F4 Chinese Championship brought junior formula action to Chengdu, with Tianfu as a points-paying round on the national series.

Domestic GT and touring car series also rolled in – including the Lotus Cup China one-make series and Geely’s own Super Ji (Geely) League PRO, both making their Tianfu debuts by mid-2025. In March 2025 the track even welcomed a grassroots “Talent Lap” race for club drivers in assorted classes, underscoring its versatility. In a short time, Chengdu’s new circuit had become a magnet for events ranging from national championships to amateur track days.

Growth and future plans

Despite being new, Tianfu International Circuit has quickly developed its own lore and character. The first corner – a downhill right-hander taken at over 200 km/h – earned the nickname “Pole Star Bend” after a sponsorship by Polestar EV, thanks to its 90° inside angle mirroring the Polestar logo. In September 2024, Polestar staged a promotion at this Turn 1, with its Polestar 4 SUV clocking an eye-widening 1.51g lateral force through the bend. This quirky christening makes Tianfu one of the few circuits where a carmaker has a namesake corner, adding a dash of marketing flair to the track map.

Looking ahead, Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit is envisioned as more than just a racetrack – it’s the anchor of a larger automotive park. Developers describe a “big commerce, small circuit” philosophy, integrating motorsport with business, tourism and culture. The venue already boasts a 42,000 m² paddock and skidpad area designed to host drifting competitions and driving experiences. Phase 2 of construction is on the horizon: an adjacent 557 mu parcel of land was tendered in 2023 for expansion, which could extend the track or add new racing facilities. One confirmed addition is a Lotus Driving Theme Park, the first of its kind in China, promising an interactive motorsport-themed attraction for the public alongside the circuit. As part of the Geely family (which owns Lotus, Volvo, Lynk & Co and more), Tianfu is uniquely positioned to leverage automotive brands in its development.

With continued investment, the circuit aims to sustain a busy calendar of high-level events and industry use. It has already hosted the national drift championship (CDC) and become a go-to test venue for car media in Western China. Officials forecast 3–5 million annual visits once the full complex is realized.

In all, Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit’s rapid rise – from construction to hosting major series within two years – highlights China’s accelerating push into world motorsport. The track’s blend of technical corners, fast sweeps and modern infrastructure has given the country a new racing gem. Only time will tell if Tianfu’s Formula 1 dreams come true, but in the meantime it has firmly put the Chengdu region on the global racing map.

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