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Visit the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and take in its iconic landmarks like the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao Zedong's Memorial Hall, the National Museum of China, and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Be sure to catch the Flag Raising Ceremony early in the morning for a truly patriotic experience.
Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, and south of the Forbidden City, has attracted worldwide attention for its outstanding architectural artistry and unique political significance. Construction began in 1417, the 15th year of the Yongle Emperor's reign, during the Ming Dynasty. Originally named Chengtian Gate, it symbolizes "receiving the mandate from Heaven and receiving the order from Heaven."
On October 10, 1925, the Palace Museum was established, and Tiananmen Square opened to the public. On October 1, 1949, the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China was held here, and it was subsequently incorporated into the national emblem and became a symbol of the People's Republic of China.
Climbing the tower, standing where the leaders once stood, you can overlook Tiananmen Square and the bustling Chang'an Avenue. The view is amazing. Taking photos here gives you a wonderful sense of time travel and national pride.
The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
1 hour
If you want to climb the city tower, you need a 15 yuan ticket, and the tour is free.
All day
Climb the tower from 8:30 to 16:30; expected to open in May 2019.
Tiananmen Square is historically significant as the site of numerous key events in Chinese history, including the May Fourth Movement in 1919 and the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. It symbolizes the heart of Chinese political power, being located in the center of Beijing, in front of the Forbidden City.
Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing. It is accessible by Metro Line 1 (Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations), Metro Line 2 (Qianmen Station), and numerous bus lines. Taxis and walking from nearby landmarks like the Forbidden City are also popular options.
Tiananmen Square is open to the public at all times, but it is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when it is less crowded. For the Flag Raising Ceremony, it takes place at 5:00 AM in summer and 6:00 AM in winter.
Entrance to Tiananmen Square is free. However, certain attractions inside or nearby, such as Mao Zedong's Memorial Hall, may require a free ticket, which can be obtained at the entrance on the day of your visit.
For most parts of Tiananmen Square, no tickets are needed. However, if you plan to visit Mao Zedong's Memorial Hall, it’s recommended to get tickets at the entrance on the same day. No advance booking is required.
A visit to Tiananmen Square itself can take around 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding attractions like Mao's Memorial Hall and the National Museum of China, you may need 2 to 3 hours in total.
The must-see highlights are the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao Zedong's Memorial Hall, Monument to the People's Heroes, and the National Museum of China. If you're interested in history, the Forbidden City is right next door, which is a key attraction to visit as well.
Guided tours are available, but you may need to book them in advance through tour operators. Audio guides are also available at nearby attractions like the National Museum of China in English and Chinese.
The best photography spots include the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the National Museum of China. The Forbidden City is also a great backdrop for photos, especially when taken from the square itself.
Start at the Gate of Heavenly Peace, then explore the Monument to the People's Heroes. Walk across to Mao Zedong's Memorial Hall and the National Museum of China. If you have time, visit the Forbidden City, just a short walk away.
Tiananmen Square itself is open 24 hours, and while there are no specific light shows or night tours, the Monument to the People's Heroes and Gate of Heavenly Peace are beautifully lit at night, offering great photo opportunities.
Tiananmen Square is a major tourist attraction and can be crowded, especially during weekends and Chinese holidays. The best times to visit are early mornings on weekdays or during the winter months when tourist numbers are lower.
There are public toilets and several rest areas around the square. There are also shops nearby for souvenirs and snacks, but food and water are not directly available on the square itself. The National Museum of China has rest areas and small cafes.
Yes, Tiananmen Square is fully accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The area is flat, and there are ramps and elevators available for wheelchair access to nearby attractions.
While cash is accepted at nearby shops and food stalls, mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more widely used and are the preferred method of payment at most attractions and nearby restaurants.
There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, especially along Wangfujing Street. You can find Chinese, Western, and fast food options around the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square area.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available in the restaurants near Wangfujing Street and around the Forbidden City. Several restaurants in the area cater to these dietary needs.
Nearby hotels include The Beijing Hotel, Red Wall Garden Hotel, and The Peninsula Beijing. All are within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and offer a range of accommodations.
Nearby attractions include the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and The National Museum of China. You can also visit Wangfujing Street for shopping and local food experiences.
Souvenir shops are located near the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City. You can purchase typical Chinese souvenirs such as silk items, tea sets, chopsticks, and Cultural Revolution memorabilia.
After visiting Tiananmen Square, you can continue to explore nearby areas by subway (Line 1 or 2), taxi, or bus. Walking to nearby attractions like the Forbidden City or Jingshan Park is also a great option.
