The Gate of Heavenly Peace, entrance to the Forbidden City, is on the other side of the sqaure
Credit Shutterstock.com/TonyV3112
Credit Shutterstock.com/Dmitri Ometsinsky
The Qianmen or Zhengyangmen Gate, built 1419 during the Ming dynasty
Zhengyangmen Gate
Last updated: 16 April, 2024
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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.
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.
Who to go with: tour operators
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Great Hall of the People
Beijing, China
Experience
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.
Good for age: 18+
National Museum of China
Beijing, China
Experience
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who to go with: organised tours
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Private All-Inclusive Day Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing
Viator
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.
Beijing Mini Group Day Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen
Beijing
Viator
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.
Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Beijing
Viator
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.
Beijing Top 2 Highlight Private Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City
Beijing
Viator
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.
All Inclusive Boutique Tour: City Highlights and Peking Duck
Beijing
Viator
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.
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.