The National Aquatics Center in Beijing illuminates its iconic blue lights on April 2, 2025, to mark World Autism Awareness Day. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The National Aquatics Center in Beijing, a venue that has hosted two Olympics, illuminated its facade in blue on Wednesday to mark World Autism Awareness Day for the 15th consecutive year. The event seeks to raise public awareness and promote inclusivity for people with autism.

This year's event underscored the values of fairness, unity and perseverance — core principles of sportsmanship — while spreading the message "Respect differences, light up hope."

Since its inception in 2011, the venue has been a hub for autism awareness initiatives. Over the past decade, it has hosted public art exhibitions featuring over 5,000 paintings created by children with autism and youth volunteers. Additionally, it has organized more than 10 sports events for disabled individuals, drawing over 6,000 in-person attendees and generating over 450,000 online interactions.

In 2025, the "Light It Blue" campaign expanded nationwide, with many landmark buildings across China joining in to illuminate their facades in blue. Notable participants included the National Speed Skating Oval, Shanghai Jinmao Tower and Shanghai Pudong Library, all of which displayed their exteriors in blue and broadcast autism awareness messages.

Children with autism and their families try out curling at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Activities at the National Aquatics Center included a range of diverse events. The "family day" featured an interactive curling experience at the Center's underground ice sports arena, encouraging family bonding through friendly competition. An art exhibition showcased 200 artworks created by young artists with autism, volunteers and musicians, promoting creative expression and communication.

Artworks by individuals with autism on display at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Additionally, a social welfare workshop incorporated art therapy activities such as tactile clay painting and traditional Chinese velvet flower crafts. These activities aimed to enhance sensory development and improve fine motor skills for children with autism.

Children with autism and their parents engage in a handcraft workshop at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

A notable highlight was a forum examining the role of technology in creating a more inclusive society for individuals with autism. Speakers from special education, rehabilitation and psychology discussed innovative ways to utilize artificial intelligence to improve inclusive education and support services for individuals with autism. Participants underscored their commitment to ensuring equal opportunities in education, health care, employment and community involvement.

The "Light It Blue" campaign's impact extended beyond Beijing, with parallel events held nationwide. In Nanjing, Jiangsu province, families and volunteers participated in a charity market, selling handmade crafts and artwork to fund autism support programs. Additionally, experts and parents gave public lectures to share insights on autism care.

In Shanghai, hundreds of paintings by autistic youth were exhibited at the Shanghai Jinmao Tower observatory and a cultural and art development center in the Pudong New Area.

In Zhuhai, Guangdong province, autism families, social workers and non-profits from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area gathered for a screening of China's first autism-themed documentary, "Uniquely You." An accompanying art exhibition highlighted the experiences and aspirations of autistic children, advocating for greater societal acceptance and support.

As the "Light It Blue" campaign expands, the National Aquatics Center remains dedicated to its social responsibility of promoting inclusivity for individuals with autism.

Looking ahead, the venue will continue to champion autism awareness and explore innovative ways to promote a more inclusive environment for all.

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