Beijing schools to host 400,000 fitness events in 2026

Starting with the spring term, Beijing is doubling down on its efforts to develop student health with a series of measures aimed at promoting physical and mental health.

Schools across the city are expected to conduct a combined 400,000 physical fitness events in 2026, offering over 10 million slots for student participation, according to a China Media Group report on Thursday. Among these events, schools will introduce intragrade sports competitions covering football, basketball, volleyball, and others.

The moves are the latest in the city's long line of moves toward adding well-being to its list of academic proficiencies and are meant to align with the Ministry of Education's philosophy of "Health First".

Additionally, the Beijing Education Commission has incorporated student health metrics into school quality assessments and established a "test report" style guidance model to address issues like obesity and myopia.

The city is also promoting health across all education levels, with initiatives like psychological health screenings for students from grade four and collaborative efforts between schools, families, and communities to foster a holistic health environment.

Arts education, weight management, and vision care are also being addressed. Schools like Beijing Primary School promote arts, while Chaoyang Experimental Primary School tackles obesity and myopia with specialized programs.

In 2025, the city's student fitness monitoring reported 84.49 percent of students achieved an excellent rating, surpassing 80 percent for the first time, said Zhou Kai, a junior official from the Beijing Education Commission, in the report.