Skaters earned points based on their placements at each event and the top six in each discipline qualified to compete at the Grand Prix Final in Osaka, Japan, although the Grand Prix Final was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The corresponding series for junior-level skaters was the 2021–22 ISU Junior Grand Prix.
The Chinese Skating Association informed the ISU that they could no longer host the Cup of China due to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic and cancelled the event on August 16, 2021.
[5] Skaters were eligible to compete on the senior Grand Prix circuit if they had reached the age of 15 before July 1, 2021.
[7][8] At each event, skaters earned points toward qualification for the Grand Prix Final.