Since its founding in 2011, Longines Beijing Masters has evolved into one of Asia’s leading international equestrian events. Held at Beijing’s iconic National Stadium—the “Bird’s Nest”,
a landmark of the Olympic Games, having hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games and later serving as a venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The event is uniquely positioned as an international equestrian event staged at this dual-Olympic venue, creating a distinctive connection between equestrian sport and the Olympic legacy.

Supported by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA) and the National Stadium, Longines Beijing Masters has established itself as a unique and enduring international equestrian event in China. Since 2012, Longines has served as the title sponsor and Official Timekeeper, further strengthening the event’s international profile and sporting prestige.

Over the years, Longines Beijing Masters has grown from 44 starters in its inaugural year, reflecting the development of equestrian sport in China and the increasing international profile of the event. Throughout its history, the competition has provided a platform for riders from China and around the world to compete at the Bird’s Nest, while offering Chinese athletes valuable opportunities to compete alongside experienced international riders and experience the standards of high-level international competition.

The event has also played an important role in promoting the development of equestrian sport in China. By bringing together top international riders, Chinese athletes, coaches, officials and equestrian professionals, Longines Beijing Masters has created an important platform for sporting exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

With 2026 marking the Year of the Horse, the event adopts "A LEAP FOR THE MOMENT" as its annual theme. "A leap" captures the split-second on course when horse and rider move as one to clear an obstacle, as well as the natural arrival that follows years of discipline and refinement. "For the moment" speaks to seizing the opportunity and rising towards one's ideal at the moment that belongs to you - the perfect expression of the Year of the Horse.

Beyond the competition arena, the event has developed into a broader platform for equestrian culture and lifestyle. Its growing media reach continues to connect international equestrian sport with audiences in China. Last year, the event achieved a total media value of RMB 485.6 million, with 6,430 media exposures across TV, print and online channels, marking continuous growth for the third consecutive year. Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition will raise the bar with stronger media performance, richer experiences, social media marketing and ticketing platforms with a greater international profile.