The 2026 Beijing High School Entrance Exam does not include swimming. This decision is primarily due to the emphasis on academic performance and standardized testing in the Chinese education system. The exam, which is a crucial gateway for students to gain admission to top high schools, focuses on subjects such as mathematics, Chinese, English, and science. Swimming, while a valuable physical activity, is not considered a core academic subject and does not contribute directly to the assessment of a student's academic abilities.

Data from the Chinese Ministry of Education indicate that the entrance exam is designed to evaluate students' knowledge and skills in core academic subjects. According to a report by the Ministry, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions and essay responses that test students' understanding of the curriculum. Swimming, being a physical education subject, is not part of the curriculum that is assessed in the entrance exam. Therefore, its exclusion is a reflection of the system's prioritization of academic subjects over extracurricular activities.

Moreover, the focus on academic subjects is also driven by the competitive nature of the Chinese education system. Students are under immense pressure to perform well in their studies to secure a place in prestigious universities, which are seen as a pathway to a successful career. Swimming, while beneficial for physical fitness and overall well-being, does not contribute to a student's academic performance in the same way that core subjects do. As a result, it is not included in the entrance exam.

Additionally, the limited time available for the exam and the need to cover a broad range of academic content also contribute to the exclusion of swimming. The exam is typically conducted over a few days, and each subject is given a specific time slot. Including swimming would require additional time and resources, which are not feasible given the current structure of the exam.

In conclusion, the 2026 Beijing High School Entrance Exam does not include swimming due to the emphasis on academic performance, the competitive nature of the education system, and the practical limitations of the exam format. This decision reflects the broader priorities of the Chinese education system, which prioritize academic subjects over extracurricular activities.