Tiananmen Square

Introducing Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is located in the center of Beijing, on East Chang'an Avenue in Dongcheng District, Beijing. It starts from Tiananmen in the north and ends at Zhengyangmen in the south. It is 880 meters long from north to south and 500 meters wide from east to west, covering an area of ​​440,000 square meters. It can accommodate 1 million people for grand gatherings and is the largest city square in the world.

The square is paved entirely with light-colored granite slabs treated with a special process. In its center stands the Monument to the People's Heroes and the solemn Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Flanking Tiananmen Gate are the Working People's Cultural Palace and Zhongshan Park, forming a seamless integration with Tiananmen Square. In 1986, Tiananmen Square was named one of the "Sixteen Scenic Spots of Beijing," with the scenic spot named "Tiananmen Sun."

The Tiananmen Flag-Raising Ceremony is a designated tourist attraction by the Beijing Municipal Tourism Commission. Starting June 1, 2004, the Tiananmen National Flag Guard's three flag-raisings per month, which began on the first of each month, were replaced with a grand flag-raising on the first day of each month. As with previous grand flag-raisings, the 36 National Flag Guard members and 62 members of the Armed Police Band will perform the national anthem three times. The flag-raising time depends on the exact sunrise time, generally between 5:00 and 7:00 AM.

Climate and best time to travel

The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

1-2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

5:00-22:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Tiananmen Square

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world, with deep historical and political significance. It has been the site of major historical events, including the May Fourth Movement in 1919 and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The square is a symbol of China's political and cultural identity and is home to several important landmarks, including the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing, easily accessible via the Tiananmen East and West Subway Stations (Line 1 and Line 2). Buses and taxis are also available for direct access. The square is within walking distance of the Forbidden City and other significant landmarks in Beijing's central area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Tiananmen Square is open 24 hours, but the best time to visit is early morning to witness the flag-raising ceremony, which takes place at 7:00 AM during the summer and 7:30 AM during the winter. The square is less crowded during early mornings and weekdays, making it ideal for a peaceful visit.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry to Tiananmen Square is free, but there may be a fee for visiting some of the surrounding attractions, such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Tickets for these attractions can be purchased on-site or online for advanced bookings.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Tiananmen Square itself. However, if you plan to visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, it is recommended to arrive early as the mausoleum may have limited entry hours. Booking tickets for the mausoleum can be done on-site or in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes about 1-2 hours to fully explore Tiananmen Square and its immediate surroundings. If you plan to visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and other nearby landmarks like the Great Hall of the People or the Forbidden City, additional time may be needed.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Monument to the People's Heroes, a symbol of China's revolutionary history.
• The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, where the body of the founding leader of the People's Republic of China lies in state.
• The Tiananmen Gate, which marks the entrance to the Forbidden City.
• The Great Hall of the People, the meeting place of the National People's Congress.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours and audio guides are available in Mandarin and English. Visitors can arrange for tours at the entrance or use audio guide devices for self-guided exploration. The tours often provide historical context and deeper insights into the cultural significance of the square.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints for photos include the front of the Monument to the People's Heroes, with the Tiananmen Gate in the background. The square itself provides an iconic panoramic view, especially during the flag-raising ceremony in the early morning. The photo of the square with the Great Hall of the People is another popular spot for visitors.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by entering through the Tiananmen East or West Gates. Walk towards the Monument to the People's Heroes and take in the views of the surrounding architecture. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Tiananmen Gate. Optionally, walk towards the Forbidden City to explore more of Beijing's imperial history.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

While Tiananmen Square does not typically offer night visits or light shows, the square is beautifully lit at night. The flag-raising ceremony is a daytime event, but the surrounding architecture and monuments are particularly striking in the evening, providing excellent opportunities for nighttime photography.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Tiananmen Square can be crowded, especially during holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are early in the morning and during weekdays, particularly outside of major Chinese holidays such as National Day and Chinese New Year.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are public restrooms available around the square, though they can be crowded. Food and water can be bought from nearby vendors, but there are no major restaurants or cafes directly inside the square. For longer visits, you may want to grab a snack or drink from nearby shops.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Tiananmen Square is largely accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The area is flat with paved pathways, making it easy to navigate for those with mobility issues. However, as with most large tourist sites, be prepared for crowds during peak times.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted, as well as credit cards in most areas. Cash is rarely needed but can still be used for smaller transactions or purchases from street vendors.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby restaurants include a range of options from fast food to traditional Chinese dining. The area around Qianmen offers local eateries and larger restaurants, while there are also Western-style restaurants near the Wangfujing shopping street.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available, especially in the more modern restaurants around Wangfujing. Halal food can also be found in specific areas catering to Muslim visitors, such as the Dongcheng District.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The Beijing Hotel, a luxury hotel located near the square.
• The Tiananmen Square Hotel, offering easy access to the square and surrounding attractions.
• Budget options such as hostels and guesthouses are also available in the surrounding areas.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Forbidden City is directly adjacent to Tiananmen Square and can easily be visited in combination with it.
• The National Museum of China, located on the eastern side of the square, is another major cultural landmark.
• The Temple of Heaven is a short distance away and can be included in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are several souvenir shops around the square and in nearby shopping streets such as Wangfujing. Common souvenirs include miniature replicas of the Monument to the People's Heroes, traditional Chinese crafts, and Mao Zedong memorabilia.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• The Beijing Subway is a convenient option for continuing your journey. Line 1 and Line 2 both have stations near the square.
• Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.