BYD’s Zhengzhou Experience Center: China’s Ultimate Playground for Automotive Enthusiasts

BYD’s Zhengzhou Experience Center: Redefining Automotive Adventure in China

China’s automotive landscape has witnessed a bold new chapter with the opening of BYD’s massive all-terrain driving experience center in Zhengzhou. More than just a test track, this sprawling facility is being hailed as the world’s largest automotive playground—a place where cutting-edge technology, motorsport thrills, and immersive brand engagement converge. For car enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors alike, the center offers a glimpse into the future of automotive experiences, blending entertainment, education, and engineering prowess in a way that sets a new global benchmark.

What Makes the BYD Zhengzhou Experience Center Unique?

Unlike traditional automaker proving grounds, BYD’s Zhengzhou center is designed as a hybrid between an engineering test facility and a theme park. The site features eight distinct experience zones, each crafted to showcase the capabilities of BYD’s latest new energy vehicles (NEVs) and to immerse visitors in the world of modern automotive technology.

At the heart of the center lies a 1.7-kilometer (about 1 mile) race track, complete with nine challenging corners and a 550-meter straight that allows cars like the all-electric Yangwang U9 supercar to reach speeds up to 220 km/h (136 mph). Adjacent to the track is a 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock, purpose-built for slalom maneuvers, moose tests, and demonstrations of advanced automated parking systems.

But the experience goes far beyond asphalt. The facility boasts a 70-meter-long pool where the Yangwang U8 SUV can float and maneuver across water—a feat made possible by BYD’s advanced electric powertrain and torque vectoring technology. This aquatic demonstration is unique in the industry, offering visitors a front-row seat to innovations that push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can do.

Perhaps the most dramatic feature is the Guinness World Record-certified sand incline: a towering dune constructed from 6,200 tons of sand, designed to mimic the challenging terrain of China’s Alxa Desert. With a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope, it provides an authentic dune-bashing experience and a proving ground for BYD’s off-road technologies.

Low-Friction and Ice Simulation Zones

To round out the experience, BYD has created a low-friction ring using 30,000 smooth basalt bricks, constantly wetted to replicate the slippery conditions of snow and ice. Drivers can practice drifting and emergency maneuvers, aided by BYD’s millisecond-level electronic control systems. A separate kick-plate area simulates sudden loss-of-control scenarios, allowing visitors to safely experience and learn recovery techniques under expert supervision.

Off-Road and Camping Areas

For those seeking adventure, a dedicated off-road park features 27 themed scenarios, from forest trails to rock crawls, catering to both novice and experienced drivers. The site also includes a spacious camping and relaxation area, complete with RV hookups, a star-camping zone, and a visitor center with exhibitions on battery technology and automotive innovation.

Ticketing, Packages, and Visitor Experience

BYD has adopted a tiered ticketing system to make the center accessible to a wide audience. Entry-level packages start at 599 yuan (about $83), offering a passenger ride in the Yangwang U9 supercar and experiences in BYD’s Dynasty or Ocean series vehicles. For 999 yuan ($139), visitors can sample additional models from the Denza and Fang Cheng Bao brands, including the Z9 GT on track.

More comprehensive packages, priced at 1,999 yuan ($278), include both the Yangwang U8 and U9, as well as vehicles from across BYD’s lineup. The VIP ticket, at 6,666 yuan ($927), grants full access to all vehicles and experiences, plus a night’s stay in a nearby five-star hotel. Importantly, there is no purchase requirement—visitors can bring their own BYD vehicles or book demonstration sessions, making the center a true open invitation to automotive exploration.

Beyond driving, the center offers a range of amenities: a 9,000-square-meter star-camping zone, an on-site café overlooking the course, and a visitor center with interactive exhibits and driving simulators. The venue is also equipped to host concerts, brand events, and educational programs, reinforcing its role as a community hub and lifestyle destination.

Engineering, Research, and Safety: More Than Just Fun

While the Zhengzhou center is designed for public enjoyment, it also serves a critical role in BYD’s research and development efforts. The facility is equipped with remote-sensing cameras and telematics systems that collect data during customer drives, helping engineers refine off-road calibration for electric powertrains and advanced systems like the DiSus-X active suspension.

Expert instructors, many trained in ice-driving schools, are on hand to teach advanced driving techniques and safety protocols. The controlled environment allows BYD to demonstrate and test safety features such as anti-rollover control, hill-descent assist, and torque vectoring—technologies that are increasingly important as electric vehicles become more powerful and capable.

Fostering NEV Culture and Motorsport in China

BYD’s Zhengzhou center is part of a broader initiative to promote new energy vehicle culture and motorsport in China. The company has announced the “New Track Scheme” in partnership with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China (CAMF), aiming to introduce racing culture to millions and nurture a new generation of professional drivers. According to Guojun Zhan, president of CAMF,

“BYD Circuits will accelerate the professionalization of China’s NEV racing events and reshape China’s automotive culture.”

This vision is reflected in the center’s design, which integrates professional racer training, public driving experiences, and immersive educational programs. The goal is to make high-performance driving and advanced vehicle technologies accessible to a wider audience, breaking down barriers between engineering, entertainment, and everyday mobility.

BYD’s Broader Strategy: From Manufacturing to Lifestyle Experiences

The Zhengzhou experience center is just one facet of BYD’s ambitious expansion. In recent years, the company has achieved record-breaking sales, launched new models and sub-brands (such as Fang Cheng Bao and Yangwang), and expanded its global footprint to markets including Paraguay, Hungary, Thailand, the UAE, and Australia. BYD’s commitment to innovation is evident in its investments in battery technology, autonomous driving, and intelligent manufacturing.

In Zhengzhou alone, BYD plans to hire 20,000 new employees in research, development, and manufacturing, reflecting the city’s growing importance as a hub for NEV production and brand outreach. Last year, the Zhengzhou plant produced over 545,000 vehicles, a 169.8% increase from the previous year, underscoring the region’s rapid growth and strategic significance.

Complementary Initiatives: The Di Space NEV Museum

Adjacent to the experience center, BYD has opened the Di Space New Energy Science Museum—the first of its kind in China. Covering 15,000 square meters across four floors, the museum offers interactive exhibits on automotive culture, intelligent manufacturing, and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can explore the evolution of the NEV industry, learn about innovations like the Blade Battery and DM-i hybrid systems, and participate in hands-on activities designed for students and families.

The Di Space also features an outdoor plaza and event spaces for launches, exhibitions, and community engagement. This initiative aligns with BYD’s strategy to educate the public about the benefits of new energy vehicles and to foster a deeper connection between the brand and local communities.

How Does BYD’s Approach Compare Globally?

BYD’s Zhengzhou center draws comparisons to the experience centers operated by luxury automakers like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. However, BYD’s facility stands out for its scale, diversity of experiences, and focus on new energy vehicles. While European brands offer high-performance driving and brand immersion, BYD’s center integrates off-road challenges, water crossings, and advanced safety training—features rarely found in Western counterparts.

Moreover, BYD’s investment in public engagement and education reflects a broader trend among Chinese EV makers to blend entertainment with technology. By allowing the public to drive flagship vehicles like the Yangwang U8 and U9 in challenging environments, BYD not only builds confidence in its products but also cultivates a new generation of automotive enthusiasts and informed consumers.

Economic and Cultural Impact on Zhengzhou

The opening of the experience center and related facilities has significant implications for Zhengzhou and the wider Henan province. Beyond creating thousands of jobs, BYD’s investments are positioning the city as a national leader in NEV production, research, and cultural engagement. The influx of visitors—drawn by the promise of unique driving experiences and educational opportunities—also supports local tourism and hospitality industries.

By integrating manufacturing, research, entertainment, and education, BYD is helping to transform Zhengzhou into a model city for the future of mobility. The company’s approach demonstrates how automotive brands can play a central role in shaping not just transportation, but also community identity and economic development.

In Summary

• BYD has opened the world’s largest all-terrain driving experience center in Zhengzhou, China, blending motorsport, off-roading, and advanced technology demonstrations.
• The facility features a 1.7 km race track, Guinness World Record-certified sand incline, low-friction ice simulation zones, a water-crossing pool, and extensive off-road courses.
• Tiered ticketing makes the center accessible to a wide audience, with packages ranging from $83 to $927, including VIP experiences and hotel stays.
• The center serves both as a public attraction and a research and development hub, supporting BYD’s innovation in electric vehicle technology and safety.
• Complementary initiatives like the Di Space NEV Museum reinforce BYD’s commitment to education, community engagement, and the promotion of new energy vehicle culture.
• BYD’s investments are transforming Zhengzhou into a key center for NEV production, research, and lifestyle experiences, with significant economic and cultural benefits for the region.
• The Zhengzhou center sets a new global standard for automotive experience facilities, positioning BYD as a leader not only in manufacturing but also in immersive brand engagement and public education.