Driving enthusiasts can experience Hollywood-like stunts at new record-breaking track
A new car racetrack in China has earned not one but two Guinness World Records titles with its incredible all-terrain track.
BYD in Zhengzhou, a major city in central China's Henan Province, made history on the day of its grand opening - 14 August - by breaking records for the greatest vertical height of a sand dune simulation facility for car testing at 29.614 metres, and the largest sand dune simulation facility for car testing, with a sandy expanse of 3,612.32 square metres.
These achievements not only redefine the scale of automotive testing facilities but also bring the thrill of desert dune-bashing from the remote wilderness to an urban stage.
Gazing up from the base of the Sand Slope, the 29.6-metre-high dune looms like a towering wall of sand. Drivers charge from the 28° incline at the bottom, accelerating towards the crest, feeling the surge of power pushed to its limits. It's a rush akin to conquering dunes in the vast desert, but without the gruelling trek to get there.
Beyond the adrenaline of scaling sandy peaks, BYD's Zhengzhou racetrack offers a full spectrum of driving experiences tailored to diverse needs. The 1,758-m main track, with nine turns and a 550-m straight for flat-out speed, lets petrolheads unleash their inner racer.
A 15,300-sq-m multi-purpose zone includes challenges like slalom, parking, and moose tests, making it feel like a car-themed amusement park where you switch levels with every task.
Even if you're not a speed junkie, the 27 off-road challenges have something for everyone - from rugged trails mimicking the high-altitude roads of the Sichuan-Tibet route to the daunting climb of Chengfo Slope. After a day of driving, a 9,000-sq-m camping area invites you to unwind with mates around a campfire under the stars.
Another standout feature is the 70-m-long water navigation pool. Through transparent acrylic panels, spectators can watch vehicles glide and maneuver across the water’s surface, like massive mechanical creatures skimming gracefully.
Other extreme terrain setups, such as simulated ice tracks and low-friction loops, allow drivers to safely experience scenarios like losing control, recovering, or drifting - skills typically reserved for pro training or Hollywood stunts, now within reach for enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, this Zhengzhou experience will connect with BYD’s other all-terrain racetracks in Hefei and Shaoxing, cities in eastern China known for their industrial and cultural significance.
Shaoxing’s newly built natural mountain off-road base will weave tracks through bamboo groves and tea plantations, blending driving thrills with scenic beauty. Each venue’s unique character gives drivers fresh reasons to hit the road - whether chasing extreme challenges, soaking in the views, or just savouring that fleeting moment of freedom beneath the tyres.