Beijing Goldenport International Circuit

Beijing Goldenport International Circuit

Overview and Historical Significance
Located in Jinzhan Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing, the Beijing Goldenport International Circuit was founded by Ye Mingqin and redeveloped in 2000 from a disused brick kiln pit, making it the first international-standard racing circuit in North China. Designed by Australian circuit designer Michael McDonough, its maiden international-standard track was completed in 2002, putting an end to mainland China's lack of permanent racing circuits. Goldenport Circuit is a pivotal cradle of motorsport in Beijing and North China; it hosted the inaugural round of the CCC (China Circuit Championship)—the predecessor to the CTCC (China Touring Car Championship)—as well as world-tier international events like the FIA GT1 and WTCC.

Track Layout and Core Characteristics
The Goldenport International F3 Circuit measures 2.4 km in total length, with track widths ranging from 12 metres at its narrowest to 20 metres at its widest, a designed top speed of 180 km/h, and an average lap speed of 120 km/h. The circuit features 16 corners, including up to 4 continuous chicane sections, and accommodates a 25-car starting grid. With a heavy focus on medium-to-low-speed technical handling, the track boasts the highest corner count among domestic circuits on the national championship calendar, delivering a demanding driving challenge. Thanks to its undulating terrain and sections running in close proximity to perimeter barrier walls, racing at Goldenport often evokes the razor-sharp intensity of a street circuit. In 2006, the circuit was extended to 3.8 km and upgraded to FIA Grade 2 certification, allowing it to host higher-tier international events.

Supporting Facilities
Spanning an area of approximately 600 to 680 mu, Goldenport Motor Park comprises the core F3 circuit alongside a dedicated 4×4 off-road course, a safe driving test ground, and a drag strip. The 1.3 km 4×4 off-road track incorporates 16 technical obstacles—such as gravel paths, bomb craters, seesaws, and deep water crossings—and has regularly hosted events like the National Circuit Off-Road Championship since 2002. The safe driving training facility measures 420 metres long and 65 metres wide, equipped with low-friction simulated wet and ice-and-snow surfaces, serving as Beijing's only dedicated vehicle testing ground. The venue also houses 25 pit garages to support race team paddock operations and commercial brand showcases.

Motorsport Calendar and Operations
Goldenport Circuit has hosted an extensive roster of premier domestic and international events, including the Asian Festival of Speed, China Circuit Championship, China Road Racing Championship, China Truck Racing Championship, and China GT Championship. The 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship Beijing round took place here, followed by the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) Beijing round in 2014, marking the WTCC's historic debut in the capital. Goldenport Motor Park holds the intellectual property rights to established event brands such as China GT, the Northern Motorsport Festival, and the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally; in 2025, it hosted events including the Jinzhan Speed Festival and the Goldenport Drift Cup. Combined with lifestyle F&B offerings like the Fujiwara Tofu Shop, it has evolved into a comprehensive automotive theme park blending motorsport, car culture, and commercial enterprise.