Move Over Great Wall: Why the Xiaomi EV Factory is China’s Hottest New Attraction

China never fails to impress us. From the 8D verticality of Chongqing to the drone-delivered lattes and driverless taxis of Shenzhen, the country often feels like a living preview of a sci-fi film.

If you have ever seen Blade Runner 2049, you will recognize the vibe. The massive, glowing holograms, dense urban labyrinths, and that sense of "the future, right now" are everywhere.

But while the Great Wall and the Forbidden City remain the classic tourist destinations, there is a new landmark on the edge of Beijing that is actually harder to visit than the Great Wall

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It is not a temple or a crowded night market. Instead, it is a massive industrial complex where a brand-new electric car is born every 76 seconds. The Xiaomi EV Hyperfactory has quickly become a must-see for anyone bored with traditional sightseeing and looking for a grounded look at the sheer speed of modern China.

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How to get to the Xiaomi EV factory

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The factory is located in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in Yizhuang. Since the facility is roughly the size of the Forbidden City, you need to make sure you head to the correct visitor entrance.

The best way to get there is via the Beijing Subway. Take Subway Line 5 to the southern end at Songjiazhuang, then transfer to the Yizhuang Line. Most visitors get off at stations within the Yizhuang industrial zone. From there, it is easiest to book a Didi for a 10-minute drive to the "Xiaomi EV Hyperfactory" gate. If you are coming from central Beijing, a taxi takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on the city's infamous traffic.

What to expect inside the Xiaomi EV Hyperfactory

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The tour is designed to be as much of a spectacle as it is an industrial visit. In the lobby, you are greeted by an SU7 Max suspended from the ceiling on a Mobius Strip frame. It makes it clear from the start that this is not a typical, dusty car plant.

You will get to experience two main highlights of the tour:

Technology Showroom

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Here, you can see the engineering behind the Modena platform and the high-tech engines that power these cars. You can get up close to the different variants like the SU7 Ultra and the famous Emerald Green model.

Workshop Tour

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You will board a shuttle to move through the heart of the production line. While photos are strictly forbidden inside the workshop, the scale is unforgettable. You will see 9,100-ton die-casting machines and more than 700 robotic arms working with total precision.

The tour usually ends at the 2.5-kilometre testing track. If you are lucky, you might get a brief ride in an SU7 Max to feel the actual acceleration and handling before you head back to the city.

How much are the tickets for the Xiaomi EV factory tour?

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Technically, the tickets are free, but they are currently harder to get than admission to a top university. Xiaomi uses a lottery system because demand is so high, which sometimes reaching over 100,000 applicants for just a few hundred slots.

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• How to register? You must use the Xiaomi EV app to enter the official lottery. Once in the app, navigate to Discover > Activities > Visit Xiaomi Auto Factory. Winners are usually notified via the app or a phone call.

• Where to get tickets if free slots are taken? Official tickets are always free, but demand is so intense that a black market has emerged. Free slots have been reported reselling on second-hand platforms for up to 2,000 yuan ($280), which is comparable to the price of a major concert ticket.

• How long should I wait? You usually need to apply at least a month in advance. Slots are released in batches, and because over 100,000 people apply for just 200–300 spots, it can take several months of trying before you win a seat.

• Things to keep in mind. There is an important rule regarding age: visitors must be at least six years old to enter the production areas for safety reasons. Additionally, expect the tour to last about 60 minutes, split between the showroom and the workshop shuttle.

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If you are tired of the usual tourist spots, this factory offers a "must-see" industrial experience. It is a window into how a smartphone giant transformed into a high-end car manufacturer in record time. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just curious about how the world is changing, seeing a car roll off the line every minute is a spectacle that feels more like science fiction than a typical holiday.

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