Tiananmen Square

Introducing Tiananmen Square
The Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world, is named after the Tiananmen (“Gate of Heavenly Peace”) located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. The Tiananmen Square was originally designed and built in 1651, but was enlarged to four times its original size and cemented over in 1958, covering an area of 100 acres (40.5 hectares). The Tiananmen Square is surrounded by several important government buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. It also houses the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a 38-meter (125 ft) tall obelisk that commemorates Chinese people who died fighting for national liberation. The Tiananmen Square has witnessed many significant events in Chinese history, including the May Fourth Movement of 1919 and the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Tiananmen Square Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Tiananmen Guangchang 天安门广场
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Chinese Culture, Chinese History
• Opening Hours: 05:00-22:00 (Tiananmen Square); 08:30-16:30 (Tiananmen Tower)
• Entrance Fee: Free, CNY15/person for ascending the Tiananmen Tower
• Address: Chang'an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Reasons to Visit the Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is a historical landmark
The Tiananmen Square is one of the most important historical landmarks in China. It has been the site of many important events in Chinese history, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Tiananmen Square is a symbol of China
The Tiananmen Square is a symbol of China and its people. It is a place where people come together to celebrate national holidays, commemorate important events.

Tiananmen Square is a large and impressive square
The Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world. It is 880 meters (2,900 feet) long and 500 meters (1,640 feet) wide. It can accommodate up to a million people.

Tiananmen Square is home to many important landmarks
The Tiananmen Square is home to many important landmarks, including the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Great Hall of the People, and The National Museum of China.

What to Expect at the Tiananmen Square
During the feudal era, the Tiananmen Square was an imperial enclosure outside the Forbidden City, with walls on the east, west, and south, excluding ordinary citizens. In 1958, over a thousand designers vied to redesign Tiananmen Square in honor of the People’s Republic of China’s 10th anniversary. The square has since undergone multiple transformations to reach its current state. The Tiananmen Tower is situated at the square’s northern end. The Zhongnanhai (Central & South Sea), which houses the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, is located not far west of Tiananmen Square. The national flag of the People’s Republic of China flies across from the Tiananmen. The Monument to People’s Heroes and the solemn Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum are centrally located in Tiananmen Square. The Great Hall of the People, which also serves as the National People’s Congress’ seat, China’s supreme power organ, is on the square’s west side. Zhengyangmen (Right Sun Gate) and Qianmen (Front Gate)’s Arrow Tower are at the square’s southern end. The entire square is impressive and majestic, with symmetrical and harmoniously integrated buildings exuding an aura of power and grandeur.

How to Get to Tiananmen Square

By Metro
• Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen Dong (Exit A) or Tiananmen Xi Station (Exit B).

By Bus
• Take a bus to West Tiananmen. The buses that go there are 1, 5, 52, Tourist Bus Line 1, or Tourist Bus Line 2.
• Take a bus to East Tiananmen. The buses that go there are 1, 2, 52, 82, 120 or 685.

Additional Travel Advice on Tiananmen Square
• Liquids are forbidden to take into Tiananmen Tower.
• Luggage or large bags are not allowed to carry into Tiananmen Tower. Please deposit your bags in the left-luggage office.
• Tiananmen Square could be temporarily closed for visit due to unpredictable government activities.