Tian'anmen Square

Tian'anmen Square, the heart of Beijing, is the world's largest city center square. The ground of the square is all paved with specially processing light-colored granite stone. The ceremony of raising the national flag in every morning and dropping flag in every sunset time is the most solemn ceremony. Tian'anmen Square was the locality of numerous major political and historical events. It is the witness of Chinese development. While strolling in Tian'anmen Square, looking up at the magnificent layout, the majestic momentum, the vast and deep landscape, you will feel China's rapid development. Tiananmen Square is the Holy Land in the hearts of the Chinese people, and is the heart of great China.

Location and Layout of Tian'anmen Square

Tian'anmen Square starts from Tian An Men from the north, and south to Zheng Yang Men, east from the Museum of History, west to the Great Hall of the People. It covers an area of 44 hectares, and it is 500 meters wide from east to west, 880 meters long from north to south.

The center of the square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes and solemn Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the west side of the square is the Great Hall of the People, the East side is the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the Museum of Chinese History, the south side are two ancient tower which was built in l4 century - the Zheng Yang Men and Qian Men Embrasured Watchtower. The whole square is magnificent, neat and symmetrical. On both sides of the Tian An Men are the Working People's Cultural Palace and Zhongshan Park, these majestic buildings along with the Tiananmen integrally constitute Tian'anmen Square, and become a major attraction in Beijing.

Historical Events in Tian'anmen Square 

Tian'anmen Square was a royal square in the outside the main entrance of the Forbidden City in Ming and Qing period. No place in modern history has so touching contact with Chinese people's emotional world like the Tiananmen Square.

1) On May 4th, 1919, the May Fourth Movement broke out here, the Chinese people to declare war on imperialism and feudalism.
2) On December 9th, 1935, the 12·9 Movement broke out here, which was a large scale students' patriotic movement leaded by Chinese Communist Party.
3) On October 1st, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People's Republic of China, and personally hoisted the first five-star red flag in Tian'anmen Square to say good-bye to the humiliation and slavery. Since then, Tian'anmen has become a symbol of the new China, and its solemn image has been an important part of China's national emblem.

Importance of Tian'anmen Square 

Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world today. It has not only witnessed the Chinese people's struggle for democracy, freedom, against foreign aggression and reactionary rule, but also is important place for major celebrations, grand assembly and Foreign Affairs meeting place.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Tian'anmen Square has experienced three large-scale reconstruction and extension project, which make the ancient square more magnificent and become the cohesion of the Chinese nation and the symbol of Chinese prosperity.

 Flag-raising ceremony in Tian'anmen Square

Main Highlights to See around Tian'anmen Square 

【Chairman Mao Memorial Hall】
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the leader Mao Zedong. It is located in Tian'anmen Square, to the south the People's Heroes Monument. This memorial hall was completed building on May 24, 1977, covering over 57,000 square meters, of which total construction area is 28,000 square meters. The main building of it is square; outside of it has 44 yellow granite building columns. Between columns have floral Guangzhou Shiwan ceramic plates. There are two layers of glass roof cornices, and there are sunflower reliefs between eaves inlay. The hall is 260 meters long from north to south and 220 meters wide from east to west.
 

Visitor Tips:

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (with adjustments on holidays).
• Admission is free, but you must reserve tickets at least six days in advance. Note that bags and drinks are prohibited inside, but there are storage facilities available (baggage storage is available on the east side of the square.).
• Dress appropriately, maintain a respectful demeanor, and remember that photography is not allowed.
• Be prepared for long queues, especially on holidays, so it's best to arrive early.

【The Tian'anmen Rostrum】(Gate of Heavenly Peace)
The Tian'anmen Rostrum is located in the northern end of Tian'anmen Square, the center of Beijing, which is the capital of People's Republic of China, facing Chang'an Avenue. The opposite site of it is the People's Heroes Monument in Tian'anmen Square and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People and National Museum of China. It is one of the most magnificent buildings in ancient China. It attracts worldwide attention with outstanding architecture and special political status. On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong solemnly declared: "The Central People's Government of the PRC established!" on the Tiananmen Rostrum. And he personally raised the first flag. The pattern of The Tian'anmen Rostrum appears in the national emblem of the People's Republic of China, become a symbol of the People's Republic China.
 

Visitor Tips:

• You can purchase tickets to ascend the gate and enjoy panoramic views of Tiananmen Square (entrance fee: 15 RMB).
• The flag-raising ceremony every morning begins here, providing a spectacular experience.
• At night, the gate is beautifully illuminated, offering great photo opportunities.

【The Great Hall of the People】
The Great Hall of the People is situated on the west of Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest open square, opposite the Museum of Chinese Revolution and the Museum of Chinese History on the east. On the north and the south are located Tiananmen and Zhengyang Gate in Tian'anmen Square. It is 46 meters high, 336 meters long and 206 meters wide. The gross floor area of it is seventeen thousand square meters, bigger than the Forbidden City. This is the place where holds national political, diplomatic, and cultural activities of China. The Central Hall, Auditorium, National Reception Hall, Welcome Hall and Ballroom are the main site in the Great Hall. 

Visitor Tips:

• Admission fee: 30 RMB. Opening hours are irregular, depending on meeting schedules.
• Inside, you can visit the Great Auditorium and the Reception Hall.
• Don't miss the nearby National Grand Theater, which is a stunning modern architectural wonder.

【Monument to the People's Heroes】

Located in the center of the square, this 37.94-meter-high monument is the largest of its kind in China. The front of the monument is inscribed with the words "The People's Heroes Are Immortal" by Mao Zedong, and the back features an inscription by Premier Zhou Enlai. The base is surrounded by eight relief sculptures made of white marble, which depict key moments in China’s modern revolutionary history, from the Opium Wars to the Liberation War.
 

Visitor Tips:

• Walk around the monument in a clockwise direction to appreciate the details of each relief sculpture.
• Take note of the unique granite texture on the monument, which was sourced from Mount Fushan in Qingdao.
• The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.

【National Museum of China】

Located on the east side of the square, the National Museum is one of the largest museums in the world. With over 1.4 million exhibits, it offers deep insights into China’s ancient history and modern development, with notable collections like the "Ancient China" and "The Road to Rejuvenation" exhibitions.

Visitor Tips:

• Admission is free but requires reservations made seven days in advance (tickets are available daily at 5:00 PM).
• Make sure to set aside at least three hours for a thorough visit.
• Don’t miss the museum’s treasures, such as the Simuwu Ding (the world's largest bronze ding) and the Four Rams Square Zun.

Important Note: Security checks are strict in Tiananmen Square, so carry identification such as your passport and cooperate with security. Large bags, dangerous items, and other prohibited goods should be avoided. The square is generally open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but the opening hours for each building may vary.

 

Nearby Attractions and Experiences

Tiananmen Square is ideally located in the heart of Beijing, with many other historical and cultural landmarks within walking distance. Here are some nearby attractions you shouldn’t miss.

Historical Landmarks (Within 10 minutes’ walk)

The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) - Approx. 500 meters from Tiananmen Gate Tower

• How to Get There: Walk 5 minutes north through Tiananmen Gate to reach the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) entrance of the Forbidden City.
• Suggested Visit Duration: At least half a day to a full day.
• Special Experience: Guided tours are highly recommended to help you understand the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Key highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Treasure Gallery.
   

Zhongshan Park - Approx. 200 meters west of Tiananmen Square

• How to Get There: Exit the west security checkpoint of the square, walk straight for about 200 meters (3 minutes).
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.
• Special Experience: Visit the tulip exhibition in spring (April) and explore the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) - Approx. 1 kilometer southwest of Tiananmen Square

• How to Get There: Walk about 15 minutes from the west side of the Great Hall of the People.
• Suggested Visit Duration: Exterior photos: 30 minutes; Inside visit + exhibition: 2 hours; Attend a performance: 3-4 hours (tickets should be purchased in advance).
• Special Experience: During the day, admire the titanium dome and the underwater corridor, and in the evening, enjoy a show at the NCPA.

2. Cultural Districts (15-minute walk/short ride)

Qianmen Street - Approx. 800 meters south of Tiananmen Square (near Mao Zedong Memorial Hall)

• How to Get There: Walk through the underground passage south of the square for about 10 minutes.
• Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 hours (including dining).
• Special Experience: Ride the retro "ding ding" tram (ticket price 50 yuan), try Peking duck at Quanjude, enjoy traditional dumplings at Du Yichu, and explore the hidden hutong culture at Yangmeizhu Xiejie.

Wangfujing Street - Approx. 1.5 kilometers east of Tiananmen Square (near East Chang'an Street)

• How to Get There: Take subway Line 1 from Tiananmen East Station for one stop (around 5 minutes) or walk for 20 minutes.
• Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 hours.
• Special Experience: Experience the night view of the Wangfujing Catholic Church, shop at the APM shopping center, and enjoy the panoramic view of Chang'an Street from the rooftop.

3. Natural Landscapes (15-30 minute ride)

Jingshan Park - Approx. 500 meters north of the Forbidden City (near Shenwu Gate)

• How to Get There: After visiting the Forbidden City, exit from the Shenwu Gate and walk across the street (about 5 minutes).
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Special Experience: Climb the Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City—one of the best vantage points along Beijing's central axis.

Beihai Park - North of Zhongnanhai

• How to Get There: Take Bus No. 5 from Tiananmen West Station and ride for 4 stops (about 15 minutes).
• Special Experience: Enjoy boating by the White Pagoda, and dine at Fangshan Restaurant for a taste of imperial cuisine.
   

4. Nearby Connection Map

• North: Forbidden City (5 minutes walk) → Jingshan Park (5 minutes walk from the Forbidden City North Gate)
• West: Zhongshan Park (3 minutes walk) → National Centre for the Performing Arts (10 minutes walk)
• South: Qianmen Street (10 minutes walk) → Temple of Heaven (30 minutes by subway Line 8)
• East: Wangfujing (20 minutes walk) → National Art Museum of China (2 subway stops on Line 8)

By making good use of walking and short-distance public transportation, you can efficiently link the core attractions within a 3-kilometer radius around Tiananmen Square. It is recommended to choose a "walking circle" or a "subway + walking" combination based on your physical condition.

How to Plan Your Visit to Tiananmen Square and Surroundings

One-Day Classic Itinerary:

• Morning: Start with breakfast at Qianmen, then visit Tiananmen Square (2 hours) and Mao’s Mausoleum (advance reservation needed).
• Afternoon: Explore the Forbidden City (4-5 hours), followed by a sunset at Jingshan Park.
• Evening: Dinner at Qianmen Street and a night tour.

Two-Day Deep Dive Itinerary:

• Day 1: Tiananmen Square landmarks (Tiananmen Gate, Mao’s Mausoleum, National Museum) + Qianmen Hutong exploration.
• Day 2: Forbidden City + Jingshan Park + Wangfujing Shopping District.

Tailored Suggestions for Different Travelers:

• Families with Seniors: Minimize walking distances by focusing on the core areas of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City’s central axis. Utilize electric carts to travel between the square and the Forbidden City.
• Students: Focus on the National Museum and Forbidden City, with extra time for exploring Beijing’s historical landmarks.
• Photography Enthusiasts: Capture the flag-raising ceremony in the early morning, the sunset over the Forbidden City, and the nighttime reflections of the National Grand Theater.

Seasonal Travel Tips:

• Summer (June to August): Avoid midday outdoor activities due to the heat. Visit indoor sites like the National Museum and Mao’s Mausoleum during the hottest part of the day.
• Winter (December to February): Start later in the morning to avoid the cold. Spend more time inside and dress warmly due to the chilly winds in the square.

Useful Tools and Recommendations

• Map Apps: Set "Tiananmen Square" as your center to monitor real-time crowd flow in the surrounding area.
• Reservation Platforms: Use the official WeChat accounts of attractions (especially for the Forbidden City, which requires a 7-day advance reservation).
• Transport Apps: Use the Beijing Subway app to check real-time operational information.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, especially September and October. The weather in Beijing is warm and pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Summer in Beijing can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C during the day. It’s recommended to avoid going out around midday to escape the heat. Winter is cold, but it’s also the least crowded time to visit, making it perfect for those who enjoy a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.

How to get to Tian'anmen Square 

Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing and is easily accessible by multiple forms of transportation:

Subway: The most convenient way to get there. You can take Line 1 to either "Tiananmen East" or "Tiananmen West" stations, or Line 2 to "Qianmen" station. Note: Tiananmen East and West stations may sometimes be temporarily closed for security reasons, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time.

Bus: Several bus lines connect directly to Tiananmen Square, including Line 1, Line 2, Line 5, Line 10, and Line 52, with stops at "Tiananmen West" or "Tiananmen East" stations.
Alternatively, you can take buses like Line 2, Line 5, Line 120, and Line 126 to "Tiananmen Square West" or "Tiananmen Square East," which are even closer to the square.