destinationTiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

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Located in the center of Beijing, it is one of the largest city squares in the world. Tiananmen Square is a symbol of China, and a large number of tourists come to visit it every day.

1. Why Visit Tiananmen Square?

Tiananmen Square covers 440,000 m², making it the world’s largest city square and the symbolic heart of modern China. It has witnessed defining moments such as Mao’s October 1, 1949 founding proclamation and the 2008 Olympic torch relay.
Bordered by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, it remains a focal point for national ceremonies.
Since December 15, 2021, all visitors must reserve at least one day in advance via the official WeChat mini-program or website and undergo multiple ID and security checks。

2. Entry Routes

Route Subway & Exit Security Checkpoint & Notes
1. West Gate Line 1 → Tiananmen West Station (Exit B) West Red Wall Check 01 → underground tunnel → Square (ideal for flag-raising)
2. East Gate Line 1 → Tiananmen East Station (Exit B) East Red Wall Check 02 → underground tunnel → Square (ideal for flag-raising)
3. Museum Gate Line 1 → Tiananmen East Station (Exit C) North Check 03 (east side, near National Museum) → underground tunnel → Square
4. Memorial Gate Lines 1/8 → Qianmen Station (Exit E2 North) South Check 04 (team lane) → Square (near Mao Memorial Hall & Heroes’ Monument)
5. Great Hall Gate Lines 1/8 → Qianmen Station (Exit C Southwest) South Check 07 (west side) → Square (for Great Hall of the People)
6. No-Reservation Route Line 1 → Tiananmen East Station (Exit B) → walk 200 m to Workers’ Cultural Palace East Gate (¥2) → Re-enter at East Check 02 Skips 1-day advance booking—perfect for last-minute visits

3. Top Attractions

a. Quick Flag-Raising (1–2 hrs)

Enter via West or East Gate before official sunrise → witness the military-style flag-raising → photograph Tiananmen Tower’s Mao portrait.

b. Culture & History Loop (2–3 hrs)

Enter via Museum or Memorial Gate → Mao Zedong Memorial Hall (free, timed entry) (Jordan & Emily Travel) → National Museum of China (1.4 million+ artifacts) (Ruqin China Travel) → finish at the Great Hall of the People façade.

c. Sunset Reflection Walk (1–1.5 hrs)

Enter via Great Hall Gate → Monument to the People’s Heroes (38 m obelisk) (Ruqin China Travel) → cross Golden Water Bridges for dusk shots → exit West Gate as lights turn on.

4. Accommodation & Transport

a. Hotels Near Tiananmen Square

  • Luxury: The Peninsula Beijing (¥3,000+/night, 1.2 km) – iconic opulence since 1989.
  • Mid-range: Hilton Beijing Wangfujing (¥1,200–2,000/night, 800 m) – modern comfort in Wangfujing district.
  • Budget: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen (¥400–600/night, 3 km) – reliable chain near Dongzhimen.

b. Getting There

  • Subway: Lines 1, 2, 8 to Tiananmen East/West or Qianmen stations—then follow signage for checkpoints.
  • Bus: Routes 1, 2, 52, 120 to Tiananmen Square East/West stops.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Request drop-off near your chosen checkpoint; traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

c. Nearby Attractions

  • Forbidden City (0.5 km, 10 min walk) – the imperial palace just north of the Square.
  • Jingshan Park (1.2 km, 15 min walk) – hilltop pavilion with panoramic city views.

d. City Connections

  • Summer Palace: 16 km; Subway Line 4 to Xiyuan Station, then bus/ride-hail.
  • Temple of Heaven: 6 km; Bus 120 from Tiananmen East to Tiantan East Gate.

5. Tickets

  • Reservations: Square entry is free but requires 1-day advance booking (WeChat mini-program or official site).
  • Tiananmen Tower: CNY 15, open 8:30–17:00 (last sale 16:30).
  • Mao Memorial Hall: Free, reservation opens 6 days before at 12:30 PM.
  • Security: No large bags, food, or selfie-sticks; ID mandatory at each checkpoint.
  • Best Times: Weekday mornings before 9 AM and late afternoons after 4 PM for lighter crowds.

6. Seasonal & Festive Highlights

  • National Day (Oct 1): Military parade, special flower beds, and grand flag-raising.
  • Spring Festival: Red lanterns adorn the square; cultural performances .
  • New Year’s Eve: Midnight countdown and lighting displays .

7. Final Notes

Tiananmen Square is more than a plaza—it’s the stage upon which China’s modern narrative continues to unfold. Whether you arrive at dawn for the solemn flag ceremony, wander its museum-lined flanks by day, or linger for festive illuminations, careful planning ensures you spend less time queuing and more time absorbing its profound legacy. Pack your ID, book your slot, and step into a space where every stone whispers a story of empire, revolution, and renewal.