The 2001 Summer Universiade, also known as the XXI Summer Universiade, was an international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, between 22 August and 1 September.

A total of 6,757 athletes from 165 nations took part in 12 sports.

The event was also considered a rehearsal for the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to the announcement that Beijing would host the 2008 Olympic Games, which was made one month before the Opening Ceremony of the Universiade.

[2] Events in a total of twelve sports were contested at the Universiade.

Rhythmic gymnastics became an obligatory sport at this edition.