ATP Masters 1000 | Rolex Shanghai Masters: Navigating Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena

Spanning an expansive 80 hectares in Maqiao Town, Minhang District, the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena serves as the architectural and logistical heart of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Since it began hosting the tournament in 2009, the venue has impressed fans not only with its iconic magnolia-shaped retractable roof but also with its thoughtfully organized layout and efficient fan navigation systems. This guide breaks down everything from court locations to transportation access to help you get the most out of your visit.

A Multi-Court Layout Built for Scale and Clarity

At the center of the complex is the main showpiece: Center Court, a four-tier stadium with seating for 13,779 spectators beneath a striking eight-petal retractable roof. The surrounding concourse forms a continuous ring that makes access to amenities like food vendors, retail stands, and restrooms straightforward and intuitive. Supporting Center Court are three additional permanent stadiums. Grandstand Court 1 is a 5,000-seat arena located to the east and features partial canopy coverage. North of the main stadium lies Court 2 with 3,000 seats, and to the west, Court 3 with a capacity of 2,000. Just beyond Court 3, a designated practice zone with six courts is open to the public beginning two hours before daily match play. The entire venue is linked by two pedestrian loops—East Loop and West Loop—which are clearly marked with ground-painted arrows and signs showing estimated walking times between courts.

Smooth Entry and Concourse Circulation

Upon arrival, guests enter through one of several stadium tunnels. Center Court features tunnels labeled A through H, while Grandstand Court uses portals P through T. Once through security, visitors emerge onto a concourse level that circles each stadium. This ring-style layout simplifies movement, eliminating dead ends and allowing easy access to seating, restrooms, concessions, and merchandise stands. Above the concourse, digital screens not only display live scores but also offer practical guidance like estimated walk times to other courts, making transitions between matches seamless.

Seating Zones and Wayfinding Strategies

Seating within the arena is color-coded for clarity and grouped into distinct zones. Courtside and VIP Box sections—including Silver, Gold, and Platinum—sit closest to the action and are accessed via Tunnel A in Center Court and Portal P in Grandstand Court. Above these are Level A+ and Level A (purple and red zones), which form the middle tier and are accessible by escalators from the concourse. The highest seats are in Levels B and C (silver and gray), which are reached via staircases near each entry tunnel. To further ease navigation, the concourse walls are painted with colored bands matching ticket zones, and clearly marked signs such as “Purple Zone →” are placed at major junctions to guide guests.

Exploring the Practice and Outer Courts

North of Court 3, the practice courts offer fans an informal and exciting look at player warm-ups and training sessions. Courts 4 through 10 form a rectangular ring around this practice area and are easily accessible via marked pathways. Along these walkways, directional signposts provide walking time estimates, such as “Court 7 – 3 min →.” Shaded pergolas and conveniently located benches along the routes allow guests to pause and rest between matches.

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Amenities That Support the Spectator Experience

The venue is outfitted with a wide range of amenities to serve the thousands of fans who arrive each day. Food options span international fare and healthy bowls, with gourmet stations located primarily on the east side of Center Court near Tunnel D. This area is especially efficient during peak times, often featuring shorter queues. For those looking to bring home memorabilia, merchandise stands are positioned near Tunnels B and F and offer tournament apparel, accessories, and souvenirs. Restrooms and water refill stations are spaced roughly every 100 meters throughout the complex, with mobile hydration carts making regular rounds. Visitors needing assistance can visit one of the digital kiosks near Gates 1 and 2 for interactive maps or speak to staff at information booths placed at major intersections.

Getting to and From the Arena

Travel to the arena is simple and efficient, with several transportation options available. A free shuttle runs between Xinzhuang Station (Metro Line 1) and Zhuanqiao Station (Metro Line 5), terminating between Gates 1 and 2 of the venue. The shuttle completes a full loop every 45 minutes and operates throughout tournament hours. For those arriving by car, parking lots—identified by Red, Blue, and Green zones—surround the complex. Parking is complimentary on weekends, and weekday fees can be paid via kiosks or a mobile app. Ride-share services have designated drop-off zones just east of Gate C, where traffic is managed to ensure quick entry and exit. Visitors arriving by bicycle can take advantage of dedicated bike racks placed near every major gate, with designated cycling lanes allowing for safe two-way traffic flow.

Accessibility and Guest Support Services

Qizhong Arena is well-equipped to accommodate guests with special needs. Tunnels C and Q are outfitted with ramps and elevators, ensuring full concourse access for mobility-impaired visitors. Lower Bowl seating includes designated accessible seats with companion access. Guest Services booths—located near the main entrance and Tunnel F—provide essentials such as first aid, folding chairs, cushions, and assistance for individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

Pack your ticket to Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena

With its expansive layout, clear signage, and user-focused design, the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena offers a world-class experience that goes far beyond the tennis itself. The venue’s thoughtful infrastructure—from well-planned loops and entry tunnels to state-of-the-art mobile tools—ensures fans spend less time searching for amenities and more time immersed in the energy of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Understanding how to navigate the grounds is key to making the most of your day, and with this guide in hand, you’re set to enjoy every match, meal, and memory the arena has to offer.