1. Things to Know before You Go
Tiananmen Square was initially constructed in the 15th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1417) under the name "Chengtianmen" (承天门), symbolizing "bearing the Mandate of Heaven to usher in a new era." Renamed "Tiananmen" (天安门, Gate of Heavenly Peace) in the 8th year of the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1651), it has retained this title to this day.
On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China here, finally solidifying the square’s status as a national symbol. Through multiple expansions, the square now spans 880 meters north-south, 500 meters east-west, covering 440,000 square meters—making it the largest urban square in the world.
2. Why is Tian'anmen Square so Special?
Tiananmen Square, the birthplace of the People's Republic of China in 1949, witnessed Chairman Mao proclaiming the nation's rebirth from the Tiananmen Rostrum, cementing its status as the core political icon of modern China.
Originally, the main gate of the Ming-Qing imperial city, its 600-year history reflects the evolution of Chinese civilization from the Ming-era to its Qing renaming as Tiananmen.
Cultural Rituals & National Spirit
The daily flag-raising ceremony at sunrise embodies solemn state rituals, with the Five-Starred Red Flag—first hoisted here on October 1, 1949—symbolizing unity and evoking people's profound national pride.
During major festivals like National Day, the square transforms with grand floral displays, illuminations, and parades so as to present China’s contemporary vitality and collective memory of revolutionary struggles.
Architectural Synthesis of Tradition and Modernity
The axial symmetry of Tiananmen Square integrates ancient imperial grandeur (e.g., the Tiananmen Rostrum) with modern political landmarks like the Great Hall of the People and National Museum of China, epitomizing a unique fusion of Eastern aesthetics.
The rostrum’s central portrait of Mao flanked by slogans “Long Live the People’s Republic of China” and “Long Live the Unity of the World’s Peoples,” bridges dynastic legacy with socialist ideology.
3. How to Get to Tian'anmen Square
3.1 Traffic Information
By Subway
Line 1: Alight at Tiananmen East Station(天安门东站) or Tiananmen West Station(天安门西站), both offering direct access to the square.
Line 2: Exit at Qianmen Station (前门站) followed by a 5-minute walk to the square’s southern entrance.
By Bus
Take Bus No.1, 52, 120, and Tourist Bus Lines 1/2 to arrive in serve key stops, like Tiananmen East Station,Tiananmen West Station or Tiananmen Square West Station.
3.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Address: East Chang'an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China 北京市东城区东长安街
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Best Time: Spring and Autumn
Suited To: History & Culture Enthusiasts, Students & Educational Groups, Families with children, Photographers & Art Lovers
Opening Time: 5:00–22:30 (Last entry at 22:00) in Tian'anmen Square and 8:30–17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) in Tiananmen Rostrum. Additionally, the opening time for Mao Zedong Memorial Hall is 8:00–12:00 (Closed on Mondays), all of these areas are usually closed on Monday (except public holidays).
Admission: Free for Tian'anmen Square and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, but it charges ¥15/person for Tiananmen Rostrum with valid ID for entry.
Reservation: Booking via the official “Tiananmen Square Reservation” mini-program 1–9 days in advance.
Key Notes
ID Requirement: All visitors must present original identification (no photocopies) at security checks.
Security Check: Strict inspections to avoid large bags for faster entry.
Flag-Raising Ceremony: To arrive 1–2 hours earlier before sunrise is good for optimal viewing.
Real-Time Availability: Popular slots (e.g., flag-raising ceremonies) will be fill quickly, so to check the mini-program’s updates in WeChat at 12:00 daily is very essential.
4. Highlights of Tian'anmen Square
4.1 Tiananmen Rostrum 天安门城楼
History: Originally named Chengtianmen (承天门 Gate of Heavenly Succession) in 1417, renamed during the Qing dynasty.
Imperial Significance: Served as the main gate of the Ming-Qing imperial city.
Architecture: Total height of 34.7 meters, featuring yellow-glazed tiles and vermilion walls.The Yellow-Glazed Tiles is reserved for imperial structures, symbolizing supreme power.
Design: Red walls, yellow tiles, and Mao’s portrait remain iconic symbols of modern China.
Iconography: Displays Mao Zedong’s portrait and the slogan "Long Live the People’s Republic of China", visitors can ascend for a panoramic view of the square.
4.2 Monument to the People’s Heroes 人民英雄纪念碑
Design: 37.94-meter granite obelisk at the square’s center, inscribed with "Eternal Glory to the People’s Heroes".
Reliefs: Ten bronze panels on the base depict pivotal historical events from the Opium War (1840) to the founding of the People's Republic of China (1949).
4.3 Mao Zedong Memorial Hall 毛主席纪念堂
Structure: Square-shaped building at the square’s southern end.
Visiting: Open Tuesday to Sunday mornings; visitors may view Mao’s preserved remains. Note: Bag storage is mandatory; photography is prohibited.
4.4 National Museum of China & Great Hall of the People 国家博物馆与人民大会堂
National Museum: Its east side houses millions of artifacts, including the famous Houmuwu Ding (后母戊鼎) in Shang Dynasty.
Great Hall of the People: Its west side hosts national political events, while its starry dome chandelier symbolizes China’s ethnic unity.
4.5 Zhengyangmen Gate & Central Axis 正阳门与中轴线景观
Zhengyang Gate (正阳门), also known as the Front Gate, is situated at the southern end of Tiananmen Square, connecting to the northern terminus of Qianmen Street. As one of the core landmarks along Beijing's Central Axis—a 7.8-kilometer urban spine stretching from Yongding Gate (永定门) in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers (钟鼓楼) in the north—Zhengyang Gate served as the main southern entrance to Beijing's inner city during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912). Its architectural design and ceremonial functions embodied imperial authority, earning it the title "Foremost of the Nine Gates of the Capital."
The gate complex comprises two distinct structures: the gate tower (城楼) to the north and the archery tower (箭楼) to the south, aligned along the Central Axis to form an integrated defensive and ceremonial ensemble. Extending northward, the Central Axis links the Forbidden City (故宫) with the Bell and Drum Towers, forming the historic backbone of Beijing's urban framework.
5. What to See and Eat in Tian'anmen Square
Highlights for Visitors
Architectural Panorama: Tiananmen Rostrum, Great Hall of the People, and National Museum of China are symmetrically arranged along the Central Axis, embodying a solemn and balanced urban design.
Historical Imprints: The square’s light-hued granite pavement and the daily flag-raising ceremony at the central flagpole symbolize national dignity and historical continuity.
Festive Atmosphere: During National Day and Party Founding Day, the square features colossal floral displays and themed exhibitions, illuminated by dazzling lights at night.
Food Recommendations
Qianmen Street (前门大街 Front Street): A hub of time-honored Beijing cuisine, including Quanjude Peking Duck (聚德烤鸭), Duyichu Shaomai (都一处烧麦 steamed dumplings), and traditional Zhajiangmian (炸酱面 noodles with soybean paste).
Wangfujing Snack Street (王府井小吃街): It is located about 2 km from Tian'anmen square, offering regional delicacies and street snacks.
Hutong Eateries (胡同餐饮): You can explore alleyway restaurants for Mongolian hotpot (涮羊肉) and fermented mung bean juice (豆汁), all of them blend culinary heritage with immersive local culture.
6. Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Tiananmen Square is Spring and Autumn.
Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October)
Mild temperatures (15–25°C) with minimal rainfall, ideal for extended outdoor sightseeing.
Avoids summer heatwaves (up to 35°C) and winter chill (sub-zero temperatures).
Special Time
National Day (Early October)
Themed floral displays and illuminated nightscapes enhance the square’s grandeur.
Dawn or Dusk
Witness the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise (4:30–6:30 AM depending on season).
Capture golden-hour views of architectural landmarks like the Rostrum and Great Hall.
Notes
Avoid public holidays (e.g., National Day Golden Week) to dodge crowds.
Check real-time weather and event updates via official channels before visiting.
7. Nearby Attractions
7.1 Core Historical & Cultural Attractions
The Forbidden City (故宫 Palace Museum)
Highlights: Ming-Qing imperial palace complex, world’s largest surviving wooden palace architecture, housing more than 1 million cultural relics.
Access: 5-minute walk to the north of Tiananmen Rostrum;
Tips: Book tickets in advance (¥60/person peak season); closed on Mondays.
Taimiao (太庙 Beijing Working People’s Cultural Palace)
Highlights: Ming-Qing imperial ancestral temple with red walls and yellow tiles; it offers priority access to the Forbidden City (bypassing crowds).
Opening time: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM, ¥2 admission fee, no reservation needed.
7.2 Commercial & Local Culture Districts
Qianmen Street 前门大街
Food/Shopping: Historic brands like Quanjude Peking Duck and Ruifuxiang Silk Shop (瑞蚨祥绸布店); you can also ride the vintage “Ding Ding” tram.
Hidden Gems: Explore Yangmeizhu Byway (hutong art alleys) and Sanlihe Cultural Park (三里河文化公园).
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street 王府井步行街
Location: It is about 1 km to the east of Tian'anmen Square and also blends global luxury brands with snack stalls.
7.3 Parks & Natural Landscapes
Zhongshan Park 中山公园
Highlights: Spring tulip fields, autumn ginkgo vistas, and Instagram-worthy red wall backdrops; ¥3 for the ticket price.
Jingshan Park 景山公园
Must-Do: You can climb Wanchun Pavilion for aerial views of the Forbidden City and see the ancient locust tree linked to Emperor Chongzhen’s suicide (1644).
Beihai Park 北海公园
Attractions: White Dagoba, Nine-Dragon Wall; 5-minute walk from Jingshan West Gate.
Free Attractions
Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower: Ming-era defensive tower with permanent exhibitions about old Beijing’s urban culture.
China Court Museum: Western-style building in Republic-era to blend the history displays, which is suitable for photography.
Transport & Itineraries
Metro: Line 1 (Tiananmen East/West Station), Line 2 (Qianmen Station).
Walking Routes
Classic One Day Trip: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park→ Beihai Park
Cultural Exploration: Qianmen Street → Yangmeizhu Byway 杨梅竹斜街 → Pageone Bookstore.
To sum up, Tian'anmen Square area seamlessly blends imperial grandeur, revolutionary heritage together with local charm, offering the first-time visitors a journey through millennia of history alongside modern Beijing’s vibrant energy.
8. Useful Travel Tips
Security Check Requirements
Mandatory Items: Original ID card (passport for foreigners) must be carried for verification at checkpoints.
Prohibited Items: Lighters, knives, fireworks (including cold flames, colored smoke), and other flammable/explosive objects.
Tips: Avoid carrying bags to expedite checks; use the "child lane" for faster entry if bag-free.
Opening Hours
Square Access: Open daily 5:00 AM–10:30 PM (last entry at 10:00 PM).
Attraction Hours: Restricted entry times apply to sites like the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall (mornings only, closed Mondays).
Flag-Raising Ceremony
Timing: Conducted at sunrise (summer 4:50am and winter 6:30am). Arrive 1–2 hours early, especially on holidays.
Crowds: Extreme congestion during national holidays; prioritize securing front-row spots.
Dress Code
Memorial Hall Visit: Formal attire required (no flip-flops, tank tops, or revealing clothing).
Reservation Rules
General: All visits (square, rostrum, memorial hall) require advance mobile app booking via Tiananmen Square Reservation, and it is about maximum 7 visitors per reservation.
Special Bookings
Rostrum & Flag Ceremony Slots: Reservations open daily at 12:00 PM (Beijing time).
Same-Day Entry: Not permitted; book at least 24 hours ahead.
Notes
Lost ID Solutions: Foreign visitors without ID must obtain paper tickets via manual verification.
Storage Facilities: Lockers available near checkpoints for prohibited items (e.g., cameras, bags)
9. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
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