no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

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.

While you’re there

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.

Great Hall of the People

Beijing, China

Exterior of the Great Hall of the People building in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, lit up at night

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+

Website >
More details >

National Museum of China

Beijing, China

The National Museum of China on the east side of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest museum in the world

The National Museum of China contains a humongous cache of bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist art and jade dating back through the dynasties. The bombastic ‘Road to Rejuvenation’ exhibition traces China’s rise from the 1840-42 Opium War with Britain to the country’s 21st century space programme.

Adult price: £5

Best for ages 13+

Website >
More details >

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

Beijing, China

Monument in front of Mao's Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square, China . Mao's body was embalmed and the construction of a mausoleum began shortly after his death.

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+

Website >
More details >

Forbidden City

Beijing, China

|
Bucket List Experience
Exterior of the palace complex

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.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 13+

Jingshan Park

Beijing, China

|
Bucket List Experience
North Gate and Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park - 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.

Adult price: £3

Best for ages 13+

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

Beijing

Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
See all of Beijing’s cultural and historical highlights on a comprehensive and captivating full-day tour of China’s capital city. Stroll amid the majestic charm of Tiananmen Square; marvel at the imaginative architecture at the Forbidden City; and see the verdant splendor that surrounds the Badaling Great Wall of China. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, gain fascinating insight into the rich history and distinctive culture of Beijing and enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from selected hotels. •Full-day tour of Beijing's essential attractions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall at Badaling •Visiting one of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall of China at Badaling •Shopping at the Longdi Jade Factory •Pickup and drop off from hotels within 4th ring circle road •Important Notice: For any bookings within 3 days prior to the tour date, you will visit Jingshan Park instead of Forbidden City if the entrance tickets of Forbidden City are fully booked.

Price: $107

Min age: 0

Rating 4.17 / 5 [204 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Private Tour:Forbidden City+Temple of Heaven+Hutong& Roast Duck

Beijing

Private Tour:Forbidden City+Temple of Heaven+Hutong& Roast Duck
Experience a personalized, bespoke tour of Beijing, where you will embark on a captivating journey to renowned landmarks of immense cultural significance. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this iconic city as you explore celebrated sites, including Tiananmen Square and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Forbidden City ,the Temple of Heaven and the old Hutong. Delight your senses with an exquisite culinary experience featuring the renowned traditional Pekin roast duck. Throughout your tour, your knowledgeable and experienced guide will provide you with an authentic, insider's perspective of Beijing. If you have previously visited any of the featured destinations or wish to explore alternative sightseeing locations, we offer the flexibility to customize the tour to suit your preferences. While certain scenic spots can be substituted at no additional cost, please note that visiting distant locations such as the Great Wall may incur an extra fee due to the extended distance.

Price: $170

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [66 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

All Inclusive Boutique Tour: City Highlights and Peking Duck

Beijing

All Inclusive Boutique Tour: City Highlights and Peking Duck
This private day tour is a comprehensive introduction to the most popular attractions in Beijing. Spend a day exploring Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and enjoy a boat ride at the Summer Palace. See Beijing's famous Olympic stadiums, the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. The package includes transportation to and from these popular landmarks and a delicious lunch of Peking Roast Duck.

Price: $185

Min age: 3

Rating 4.78 / 5 [102 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Private Classic Beijing Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace

Beijing

Private Classic Beijing Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace
Do full justice to three of Beijing’s must-see sights with a privately guided city sightseeing trip. Check out Tiananmen Square, the immense square at the heart of the city, and explore the highlights of the Forbidden Palace and the Summer Palace on guided walking tours. entrance fees, private transport with a guide and driver, and hotel pickup and drop-off with lunch at the local Chinese restaurant are all included. -Private tour of Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace --Stroll around vast Tianmenan Square, the world’s largest public space -Explore the Forbidden Palace, the seat of China’s emperors for 500 years -Stroll around the lakes, pavilions, and gardens of the Summer Palace -Transport by private vehicle including hotel pickup and drop-off -Entrance fees included Personalized attention from a private guide, with a separate driver

Price: $190

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [87 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Beijing Mini Group Day Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen

Beijing

Beijing Mini Group Day Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen
Join the worry-free Beijing mini group day tour with Price Beat Guarantee and No Shopping Promise. Start with a morning walk through the Tiananmen Square, and skip the ticket line to visit the 600-year-old imperial Forbidden City. Enjoy the 2 to 3 hours' hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall. Lastly stop by the bustling Nanluoguxiang Hutong at night. · Mini group of only 1 to 6 members, with more personal service. · No shopping detours, no factory, no tea ceremony and no shopping site restaurant, which at least save you two hours today for a pure sightseeing experience. That's the reason why you can have more time at the attraction sites. This tour are running for guests' interests rather than the shopping commission. · Avoid the ticket line at the entrance of all attractions. · Professional English-speaking guide offers in-depth commentary and photography inspirations.

Price: $205

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [575 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Private All-Inclusive Day Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing

Private All-Inclusive Day Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall
This private day highlight tour will show you 3 most popular and must see attractions in Beijing, including Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall. Private transfer, entrance fee, round way cable car or toboggan tickets on the Great Wall and lunch are inclusive. Come and enjoy this wonderful day trip to get to know some interesting stories about this amazing city.

Price: $208

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [486 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Private Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City

Beijing

Private Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City
Make the most of your Beijing layover and visa-free entry with this 8-hour private tour of the city's essential sights. Three UNESCO sites in one day layover tour. Walk on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, visit Tiananmen Square, and explore the Forbidden City. Tour includes entrance fees, personal guide, lunch, and private, climate-controlled vehicle.

Price: $218

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [58 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Private Day Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing

Private Day Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall
This 8-hour tour covers the most highlights in Beijing including Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City & Mutianyu Wall. Picking up and dropping off at the downtown hotel by your personal experienced English speaking tour guide and the package tour will include the entrance tickets to the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Wall with round shuttle bus and Local Chinese Lunch and round cable car up and down the wall or chairlift up and toboggan down the wall are all inclusive.

Price: $220

Min age: 0

Rating 4.99 / 5 [117 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with Forbidden City & Tiananmen, Private Day Trip

Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with Forbidden City & Tiananmen, Private Day Trip
Explore top attractions in Beijing on a private one day tour accompanied by an informative guide. Ascend the imposing Mutianyu Great Wall, spend time at the Tiananmen Square and get insight into the palace life in the Forbidden City. Includes your own private guide and comfortable transportation by private vehicle. No shopping detours, factory stores, tea ceremony or shopping site restaurant to take up your valuable time at attraction sites, so you will have a pure sightseeing experience.

Price: $259

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [43 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

Close up of rooftops of the Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

China’s vibrant capital captives with its unique melding of ancient wonders, bustling hutongs and modern architecture – the food ain’t bad either. Top of the bill are the Forbidden City, the marvellous palace of China’s greatest Emperors – and the extraordinary Great Wall of China.