TCF POST Report

BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2026 — A runway show titled “Tiangong Kaiwu” took place on the evening of November 2 at the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, also known as Xiannongtan, presenting 90 looks and 72 jewelry pieces under the banner of contemporary Chinese style.

Heritage setting, fashion focus

The event was the first in-person runway in CCTV.com’s “Neo-Chinese Style” series. It was staged in Xicheng District’s historic Xiannongtan complex under the guidance of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau. CCTV.com and the Xicheng District Bureau of Culture and Tourism hosted.

The collection drew on two sources: the museum’s “Celestial Palace” caisson ceiling, and the Ming dynasty technical encyclopedia Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature), which gave the show its name.

Seasons as a design framework

The runway followed China’s 24 solar terms, tracing the changing seasons through the collections. Designers looked to traditional ceramics and other decorative objects, reworking their motifs, glaze colors and forms through modern cuts and tailoring. According to the organizers, the looks evoked the moods and rhythms of the traditional seasonal calendar.

The 162 pieces on show were chosen after a nationwide call for entries and expert review.

Cultural market alongside the runway

Four themed markets ran with the show, bringing together traditional crafts, heritage-inspired designs, long-established brands and local cuisine:

  • “Tilling: Sustaining the Body”
  • “Reading: Grounding the Mind”
  • “Fishing and Woodcutting: Nourishing the Spirit”
  • “Heaven and Earth: Returning to Nature”

Building on “Neo-Chinese Style”

The event follows the 2025 cross-platform “Neo-Chinese Style” program. Organizers described it as a national showcase for new Chinese fashion, linking traditional craftsmanship and established Chinese brands with contemporary design. They said it aims to encourage international cultural exchange and introduce contemporary Chinese style to audiences worldwide.