Tiananmen Square
The People’s Republic of China was proclaimed here.
Tiananmen Square(天安门广场) is the largest city square in the world, covering an area of 440,000 square meters and capable of accommodating up to one million people for large gatherings. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong(毛泽东) solemnly proclaimed the establishment of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China from the Tiananmen Gate.
Originally called Cheng Tian Gate, it was completed in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and served as an important site for major ceremonies and issuing government orders during the Ming and Qing dynasties. After 1949, Tiananmen Plaza became a key location for large-scale celebrations, military parades, and diplomatic events in the new China.
This historic public square is very close to the Forbidden City; it takes just a few minutes to walk between them. Crossing this iconic square, you can directly enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate and start your visit.
Table of Contents
Highlights
Tiananmen Gate Tower (Chinese name: 天安门城楼)
Tiananmen is one of China’s most iconic buildings, constructed during the Ming Dynasty. On October 1, 1949, the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China was held here. Above the central gate is a portrait of Mao Zedong, flanked by large slogans reading “Long Live the People’s Republic of China” and “Long Live the Unity of the People of the World.”
National Flag Pole (国旗杆)
On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong personally raised the first Five-Star Red Flag at Tiananmen Gate Tower, announcing the birth of the People’s Republic of China. Since then, Tiananmen Square has become the most important political and cultural center in China and the site of the daily flag-raising ceremony. Every morning around 5 a.m., a large number of tourists visiting Beijing gather here to watch the flag-raising ceremony.
Monument to the People's Heroes (人民英雄纪念碑)
The Monument to the People’s Heroes was erected to honor the heroes who bravely sacrificed their lives in the struggle against domestic and foreign enemies, and for national independence and the freedom and happiness of the people since 1840. It is the largest monument in Chinese history and features an inscription written by Mao Zedong himself. Leaders such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, and Russian President Vladimir Putin have all laid wreaths at the Monument to the People’s Heroes.
The Memorial Hall to Chairman Mao (毛主席纪念堂)
The Memorial Hall to Chairman Mao(毛主席) was completed and opened to the public on September 9, 1977. It is a place where visitors can pay their respects to Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China. The memorial hall features a range of photos, documents, and artifacts that highlight Mao Zedong’s and the Communist Party’s efforts throughout different periods of the Chinese revolution.
Zhengyang Gate Tower (正阳门城楼)
Zhengyang Gate is an ancient defensive structure and the only city gate in Beijing that retains its original gate tower and arrow tower. It represents the urban layout, military defense, ceremonial practices, and architectural art of China’s feudal period, making it a key attraction in the exploration of Beijing tourism.
How to Get to the Tiananmen Square
By Bus
- Tiananmen East Station: Services include Bus 1, 2, 52, 82, 120, Sightseeing Line 1, Sightseeing Line 2, Tourist Bus Line 1, Tourist Bus Line 2, and Night Bus 1.
- Tiananmen West Station: Services include Bus 1, 5, 52, Sightseeing Line 1, Sightseeing Line 2, Tourist Bus Line 1, Tourist Bus Line 2, and Night Bus 1.
By Subway
- You can reach Tiananmen West Station(天安门西站) or Tiananmen East Station(天安门东站) by taking Metro Line 1.
- You can reach Qianmen Station(前门站) by taking Metro Line 2.
Attraction Information
Hours
- Every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Admission
- Tiananmen Square does not require a ticket, but advance reservations are necessary. The entrance to the Tiananmen Tower requires a ticket, priced at 15 yuan (approximately $2.20).
Prohibited Items
- The release of drones is prohibited. The no-fly zone in Beijing includes an area within approximately 30 km of Tiananmen Square.
General Amenities
- Free restrooms
luggage Storage
- Official Storage Point at Tiananmen Square: Located about 700 meters from Tiananmen Square, it operates from 06:00 to 23:00.
- Storage Point Near Qianmen Subway Station: About 200 meters from Exit C of Qianmen Subway Station, it offers services from 06:30 to 22:30, with some convenience store storage points even open until 23:45.
Nearby McDonald's/KFC
- McDonald’s (Qianmen West Street Location) 麦当劳(前门西大街店)
West Side of 1st Floor, Building 2, Zhengyang Market, Qianmen West Street - KFC (Qianmen East Street Location) 肯德基(前门东大街店)
1st Floor to Basement of No. 2A, Qianmen East Street - If you’re unsure about how to order at a nearby Chinese restaurant or if you’re not used to the local Chinese cuisine, you can temporarily solve your dining needs by heading to the nearby McDonald’s or KFC.
Nearby Police Station
- Tiananmen East Subway Station Police Station
天安门东地铁站派出所 - In China, the number to call the police is 110. If you have an emergency and need help, you can dial 110 at any time. Local police will usually arrive within minutes and will provide assistance with great care and responsibility.
Practical Travel Tips
- The Tiananmen Tower and Tiananmen Square are two separate locations. Although they appear very close on the map—just across a road—because the tour route does not allow for backtracking, if you want to go to Tiananmen Square after visiting the Tower, you’ll need to walk back through the East Gate of the Forbidden City, go through security again, and take the underground passage to reach Tiananmen Square. This can be quite a detour. For visitors planning to see both Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, it’s recommended to visit Tiananmen Square first, then the Tiananmen Tower, as the exit leads directly to the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City (the only ticket entrance). This route is the most logical.
- There are no bike parking spots near Tiananmen, so do not ride a bike to the area.
- Although visiting Tiananmen Square is free, reservations are required; otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
Attraction Surprises
Super cute ice cream (文创雪糕)
You can find beautifully crafted ice cream shaped like large floral baskets near Tiananmen Square, priced at 18 yuan (approximately $2.60).
Chinese-style fridge magnets (文创冰箱贴)
There are various specialty shops nearby selling fridge magnets, with prices ranging from 25 to 150 yuan (approximately $3.50 to $21.50).
