Bucket list experience:
Beijing, China
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This vast public space sits at the very heart of modern China, both literally and symbolically. It takes its name from the Gate of Heavenly Peace which divides the square in the north from the Forbidden City, and upon which Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949.
The socialist-realist Great Hall of the People, China’s most important government building, lines the western flank, facing the hulking National Museum across the square.
In the centre is Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes. Demarcating the southern boundary are the parallel Zhengyangmen and Arrow Tower city gates.
During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, rallies of up to a million Red Guards took place. In 1989, pro-democracy demonstrators took over the square for six weeks before the government’s brutal crackdown that sent shockwaves around the world.
Both the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the north of the square, and the Zhengyang Gate in the south, can be entered and climbed for sweeping views of Beijing’s grand central axis. There are historical exhibitions in both.
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Destination Guide >Beijing, China
Visitors line up in droves to shuffle past Mao’s embalmed corpse, on display in a mausoleum in the middle of Tiananmen Square. Guards keep the crowds moving through to the gift shop full of Mao-themed souvenirs.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Beijing, China
A magnificent and unique 15th-century complex of imperial palaces that served as the home of Chinese emperors for 500 years. Beijing’s must-see attraction.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
Beijing, China
Looking out over Tiananmen Square, this is China’s most iconic political building and the meeting place for the National People’s Congress. Inside, you can tour its vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling. When it’s not in use, you can go in to see the vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Beijing, China
Beijing’s best park is also one of its only central hills, offering inspiring views of the Forbidden City. It’s also where elderly locals come to sing, dance and let off steam.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
The Square itself is only accessible on foot. Take metro line 1 to either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations, or metro line 2 to Qianmen station at the southern edge of the square. Alternatively, taxis will drop you approximately 150 metres from the Square on Dongchangan Dajie.
The imposing Forbidden City at the northern end is separated from the Square by the Dongchangan Dajie thoroughfare – an underground walkway connects these two attractions.
Tiananmen Square opens every day before dawn for the flag-raising ceremony, and generally closes after the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset.
Expect security checks, and bring your passport. Note that the square may be closed without warning on politically-sensitive dates.
The biting cold winds and freezing weather from December to March are best avoided unless you are wrapped up in arctic gear.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Beijing, China[0.8 miles]
One of Beijing’s most stylish hotels, The Puxuan suits discerning grown-ups seeking a designer splurge. Convenient access to the sights, either by subway or on foot. Excellent restaurants and spa.
Official star rating:
Beijing, China[1.4 miles]
New World Beijing is one of the city’s best value five-star hotels, with a unique location close to the Temple of Heaven. The indoor pool and rooftop lounge bar seal the deal.
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Beijing, China[1.4 miles]
Palatial guest rooms and Forbidden City views make this Beijing’s best hotel for a special occasion splurge. Its Wangfujing location puts the city’s central sights within walking distance.
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Beijing, China[2 miles]
Enjoying a central location and huge, all-suite rooms, the long-established Peninsula is a safe bet for a holiday splurge.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
China
A burgeoning megacity with one foot in the past, Beijing is a marvellous melange of UNESCO-listed heritage buildings set within an ever-more tech-forward cityscape. Come for the culture, the people, and of course the food.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Beijing, China[2.5 miles]
Once the preserve of emperors, the sculpted surrounds of Beihai Park are dotted with fascinating temples, halls and pavilions, and crowned by the magnificent White Dagoba, towering over the central boating lake.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[2.7 miles]
Once a site for esoteric imperial rites, this marvellous complex of temples, altars and pavilions is set in a sprawling grove of knotted cypress trees. One of Beijing’s must-see sights.
Best for ages: 13+ | £2
Beijing, China[5.1 miles]
Beijing’s most spectacular religious site, this palatial temple complex is a reminder of China’s long and complex association with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[14.8 miles]
The former retreat of China’s imperial rulers, the Summer Palace is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design on a truly awesome scale. Artificial hills, lakes, opulent buildings and graceful arched bridges convene in carefully orchestrated harmony.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Beijing, China[0.7 miles]
Close to the sights orbiting Tiananmen Square, this longstanding venue is more theatre than teahouse, putting on a nightly highlights reel of Peking opera, acrobatics, magic shows and traditional Chinese music. Take a table and order snacks and tea while you watch.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[1.2 miles]
The city’s best historical walking tours, covering everything from concubines to Communism. As well as a tour company, Beijing Postcards has a hutong shop selling old city maps, quirky souvenirs and framed black and white prints of early 20th century Beijing.
Best for ages: 13+ | £40 | 2-3 hours
Beijing, China[3.2 miles]
A fantastic array of arcane astronomical contraptions, cast in bronze and carved with writhing dragons, can be seen at this museum on the site of a Chinese observatory formerly built into Beijing’s mighty city walls.
Best for ages: 13+ | £2
Beijing, China[3.3 miles]
The only remaining trace of Beijing’s city wall is a pleasant spot for a stroll through history. Be sure to explore the imposing southeast corner watchtower attached, the site of a famous battle in 1900.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
