F1 Grand Prix ignites excitement in China with first Chinese driver

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix has returned to Shanghai this weekend after a four-year hiatus, igniting unprecedented excitement with Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese driver in F1 history, competing on home turf.   The engines are roaring once again under the Shanghai sky, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected at the venue, stirring vibrancy and fancy for the first Chinese driver in F1 history as well as the event.   Fans from across China, including Beijing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and Nanjing, have flocked to the event, where tickets sold out within a short time in January. Hotel bookings in Shanghai surged, showing a year-on-year increase of over 60 percent for the period of April 18-22.   "I'm so excited," said a spectator from the southern city of Guangzhou. "I spent about an hour to buy a ticket," she added.   "My heart beat faster when I arrived at the Shanghai Circuit," remarked another spectator from Nanning in the southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. "I spent about an hour to buy a ticket," he shared.   Another spectator highlighted the high demand, saying, "My friend and I each bought a one-day ticket because it's really hard to buy the three-day one."   At this year's race, the spotlight shines brightest on Zhou Guanyu. Racing in his hometown for the first time, Zhou's presence at the Grand Prix has intensified local interest.

Zhou, racing for Sauber, secured a 14th-place finish in Sunday's race and stepped out of his car to thunderous cheers from the local fans, visibly moved to tears.

"I'm so proud of Zhou Guanyu," said the spectator from Nanning.   "I started to like him when he became an F1 driver," the spectator from Guangzhou stated.   Zhou's influence extends beyond the track. His mother published a biography earlier in April, and a documentary about Zhou premiered during the Grand Prix weekend, drawing large crowds to theaters.   "This sport is niche. I'm happy a Chinese driver is promoting the sport in China," said a fan who attended the premiere.   This year's event is not just about racing. A music festival and merchandise sales have been added, enhancing the overall experience.   "We've held a lot of Formula One events in the past. But there're something special that we've noticed this year," explained Xia Qing, operation director at Shanghai JUCE Culture and Media.   "Many people have started to wait outside the ticket check point at 08:30 in the morning. They're not only here to watch the race, but also enjoy the services we provide," Xia added.   Zhou's dream of standing on the podium remains a powerful motivator. His participation has raised awareness of Formula One in China and contributed to Shanghai's economic vitality.   According to a 2019 report by the Chinese sports administration, the Grand Prix is one of the top three sporting events in Shanghai, accounting for over 70 percent of the city's major sports economic revenue.

As interest in the sport grows, the contributions of Formula One are only expected to increase.

F1 Grand Prix ignites excitement in China with first Chinese driver

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth