A Beijing Fashion Week gala event is held at Yongdingmen South Square, Beijing, Sept. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

On Sept. 26, Beijing's National Aquatics Center was officially added to the second batch of venues for the Spring/Summer 2026 (SS2026) collection of Beijing Fashion Week.

The announcement came during a celebratory gala held in Beijing marking the 10th anniversary of Beijing Fashion Week. The event looked back at the integration between fashion and culture, and featured the signing ceremony for the second batch of venue alliance members.

The gala presented a dazzling display of 134 outfits that combined the Palace Museum's historic color palette and traditional patterns with modern tailoring, while incorporating intangible cultural heritage techniques to craft a fluid visual narrative celebrating the Beijing Central Axis.

The National Aquatics Center's new role brings a new dimension of sports technology and innovation to the fashion scene. This iconic venue is being reimagined as a cultural platform that propels the fashion industry while enhancing the global influence of Chinese culture.