Chinese carmaker BYD has opened a massive all-terrain race track in Zhengzhou, investing around 5 billion yuan ($1.07 billion AUD) into a facility covering more than 150,000 square metres. Opened on 14 August, the complex is designed to bring motorsport experiences to the general public, with BYD aiming for “millions on the track” rather than leaving high-performance driving to a wealthy few.
A track designed to replicate China’s diverse landscapes
Unlike traditional circuits that focus on speed and cornering, the Zhengzhou facility integrates a variety of terrains and conditions into one location. Visitors can drive through simulated snow and ice, attempt desert dune climbs, or even navigate a floating water course, experiences that normally require extensive travel across China’s vast geography.
The main track measures 1,758 metres, with nine turns and a 550-metre straight where cars can hit speeds of up to 220 km/h. Surrounding this is a multi-functional testing zone covering over a dozen driving scenarios, including slalom, moose tests (to replicate emergency lane changes), parking trials and autonomous emergency braking demonstrations.
For off-road enthusiasts, the venue offers 27 separate challenges, with some replicating well-known Chinese driving routes such as the Sichuan–Tibet line and the Chengfo Slope. A 9,000 square metre leisure and camping zone adds a tourism element to the complex, reflecting the trend of blending recreational activities with automotive experiences.
BYD’s expanding track network
The Zhengzhou opening follows the launch of a similar BYD facility in Hefei in May. Another track is due to open in Shaoxing in early 2026, alongside plans for a mountain off-road base in East China covering 1.33 square kilometres at an elevation of 500 metres. BYD has positioned these projects as part of a broader effort to make driving experiences more accessible while promoting its new energy vehicles (NEVs).
China has become the world’s largest market for NEVs, with 9.49 million sold in 2023, accounting for 31.6% of passenger car sales, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Tracks like these provide a showcase for how such vehicles handle real-world extremes.
Pricing and experiences
Driving packages at Zhengzhou range from ¥599 ($130 AUD) to ¥6,666 ($1,440 AUD). Even the entry-level option includes a passenger ride in BYD’s Yangwang U9 supercar, a model priced at around ¥1.68 million ($360,000 AUD) in China.
Packages scale up to include activities such as skid-pan drifting, advanced off-road routes, emergency floating tests and desert dune driving. The top-tier VIP experience includes direct access to all vehicles in the BYD range (including the Yangwang U8 and U9), professional coaching, a luxury hotel stay, private transport from Zhengzhou city centre, and an exclusive lounge.
Why it matters for Australia
While this track is a China-only venture, it highlights BYD’s approach to positioning itself as more than just a carmaker. For Australian buyers, BYD is already the second-best selling EV brand after Tesla, with sales up 135% in the first half of 2024, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Facilities like Zhengzhou serve as high-profile marketing platforms for Chinese-made EVs, reinforcing their performance credentials in a market where affordability has been their strongest advantage.
BYD Zhengzhou Experience Packages
| Package | Vehicles Included | Activities (highlights) | Duration | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Entry | Dynasty/Ocean (1 vehicle), Yangwang U9 | U9 supercar passenger ride, NEV tech museum, wet road safety, beginner gymkhana, racing simulator | 60 min | $130 |
| Intermediate | Denza & Fangchengbao (2 vehicles), Yangwang U9 | U9 supercar passenger ride, advanced gymkhana, Denza Z9GT track driving, skid drifting, off-road routes | 75 min | $220 |
| Advanced | Dynasty/Ocean (1), Denza & Fangchengbao (2), U8 & U9 | U9 supercar driving, skid drifting, advanced gymkhana, off-road routes, floating test ride, sand dune test | 90 min | $440 |
| Super VIP | All models incl. U8 & U9 | U9 supercar driving, master gymkhana, all off-road routes, floating & dune tests, VIP lounge, hotel stay, transfers | 150 min | $1,440 |
