BeiJing-Tian 'anmen Square
The Tian 'anmen Square
Location
Tiananmen Square is situated in the middle section of Chang’an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It starts from Tiananmen in the north, ends at Zhengyangmen in the south, borders the National Museum of China in the east, and faces the Great Hall of the People in the west. With its advantageous geographical location and convenient transportation, it is an important landmark and transportation hub in Beijing.
Opening Hours
Tiananmen Square is open around the clock. However, some of the surrounding attractions (such as Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the National Museum of China) have their own opening time restrictions. The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is generally open from 8:30 to 12:00 on Tuesdays to Sundays (subject to the official announcement). The opening hours of the National Museum of China are from 9:00 to 17:00 (admission stops at 16:00), and it is closed on Mondays (except for legal holidays).
Recommended Visiting Time
It is recommended to spend 2 to 3 hours visiting. If you plan to visit the surrounding museums, memorial halls, and other attractions, you can extend the visiting time to about half a day.
Historical and Cultural Background
Tiananmen Square has a long and rich history. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was the imperial square in front of the imperial city gate, known as the “T”-shaped imperial square, which was an important place for the feudal dynasty to hold grand ceremonies and promulgate imperial edicts. In modern times, Tiananmen Square has become an important witness to China’s revolution and construction. In 1919, the May 4th Movement broke out here, marking the beginning of China’s New Democratic Revolution. On October 1, 1949, the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China was held here. Chairman Mao Zedong solemnly announced to the world the establishment of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China. Since then, Tiananmen Square has become a symbol of New China. Since then, many major political, diplomatic, cultural, and other activities have been held here, carrying the memories and emotions of countless Chinese people.
Featured Landscapes
Tiananmen Rostrum:
Located at the northern end of the square, it is the main gate of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The rostrum is 33.87 meters high, with red walls, yellow tiles, and exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters, looking solemn and majestic. After the founding of New China, Tiananmen Rostrum has become the place for holding major celebrations and ceremonies. A portrait of Mao Zedong is hung on the rostrum.
Monument to the People's Heroes:
Located in the center of the square, it was built to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs in China’s modern and contemporary history. The front of the monument body is engraved with the eight gilded characters “Eternal Glory to the People’s Heroes” inscribed by Mao Zedong, and the back is the inscription written by Zhou Enlai, recording the revolutionary course of the Chinese people over more than a hundred years.
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall:
It was built in memory of Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding leader of New China, and is located at the southern end of the square. Chairman Mao’s body is placed inside for people to pay their respects. The building is solemn and majestic, reflecting the Chinese people’s respect and memory of Comrade Mao Zedong.
The Great Hall of the People:
Located on the west side of the square, it is the venue for the National People’s Congress meetings in China and also a place for political, diplomatic, and cultural activities held by national leaders and the people. With a grand scale and magnificent momentum, it has advanced internal facilities and is an outstanding representative of modern Chinese architecture.
Precautions
1.Comply with Security Inspection Regulations:
Entering Tiananmen Square requires strict security inspection. Please properly dispose of prohibited items (such as controlled knives, flammable and explosive items, etc.) in advance and cooperate with the security inspectors.
2.Pay Attention to Visiting Etiquette:
During the visit, maintain a solemn and respectful attitude, respect the revolutionary martyrs and great leaders, and do not make loud noises, chase or play around, or engage in uncivilized behavior.
3.Make Reservations in Advance:
If you plan to visit attractions such as the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the National Museum of China, you need to make reservations in advance on the official website or relevant platforms and visit according to the reserved time to avoid delaying your itinerary.
4.Arrange Your Time Properly:
: Due to the limited opening hours of some surrounding attractions and a large number of visitors, it is recommended to arrange your time reasonably and plan the visiting order in advance to avoid missing important attractions.
5.Pay Attention to Weather Changes:
Add or reduce clothes appropriately according to the weather conditions, and carry rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and other items to cope with different weather situations.
6.Take Care of the Environment:
Please consciously take good care of the environmental hygiene of the square, do not spit or litter, and jointly maintain the cleanliness and beauty of Tiananmen Square.
7.Keep Your Personal Belongings Safe:
In crowded places, pay attention to keeping your personal belongings safe to prevent loss or theft. In case of an emergency, seek help from nearby staff or the police in a timely manner.