Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, China, is one of the world’s largest public squares and a symbol of China’s rich history and culture. This iconic landmark has witnessed significant events and is a gateway to some of Beijing’s most renowned attractions. In this travel guide, we will navigate the historical significance, highlight vital attractions, and provide practical tips to make the most of your visit to Tiananmen Square.

Practical Tips for Your Visit:

How do you make a reservation to visit Tiananmen Square?

If you booked the sights below on the same day, you don’t need to make a reservation to visit Tiananmen Square. But you must complete the reservation at least one day before your visit.

故宫 – The Forbidden City, also called Palace Museum （Make a reservation: https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en）

中山公园 – Zhongshan Park (Make a reservation: Tel: (010)66055431. Foreigner visitors need to call this number 1 day before!)

劳动人民文化宫 – Workers’ Cultural Palace (Make a reservation: Tel: (010)65116776. Foreigner visitors need to call this number 1 day before!)

人民大会堂 – The Great Hall of the People (Use WeChat to search” 人民大会堂参观预约”)

国家博物馆 – National Museum of China (Use WeChat to search” 国家博物馆参观预约”)

毛主席纪念堂 – Chairman Mao Memorial Hall  (Use WeChat to search” 毛主席纪念堂预约瞻仰“)

All the official ways to make the reservation are only with Chinese. (Not in English so far!)

1. official website: https://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn
2. WeChat: Search for the mini-program “天安门广场预约参观”

If you are not good at either way, I suggest you ask your hotel to make the reservation.

Security and Regulations:

Tiananmen Square is heavily guarded, and visitors must go through security checks. Be prepared to have your bags inspected and follow the guidelines provided by the security personnel. Foreigner visitors must bring their passports.

In my experience, the North security check near the National Museum is the quickest. (I already marked it out in the guide Map)

When visiting Tiananmen Square, please adhere to the following regulations:

(1) Bringing dangerous and flammable materials into the square is prohibited.
(2) Bringing controlled knives and weapons into the square is prohibited.
(3) Bringing tripods, sliders, drones, and other filming equipment into the square is prohibited.

Timing:

Tiananmen Square is open year-round but can get crowded, especially during national holidays and significant events. Consider visiting in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience.

Dress Code:

As a place of historical and cultural significance, it is respectful to dress modestly. Avoid wearing clothing with offensive or politically sensitive symbols.

Nearby Attractions:

Take advantage of Tiananmen Square’s central location and explore nearby attractions, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Hall of the People, and the Temple of Heaven.

Public Transportation:

Tiananmen Square is well-connected by public transportation, including subway lines and buses. Consider using a transportation card for convenience and efficiency.

You can take the subway line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West. Or you can take the subway line 2 to Qianmen and go out from exit C.

Guided Tours:

Engage in a guided tour or hire a knowledgeable local guide to gain deeper insights into Tiananmen Square’s historical and cultural significance.

Must-See Attractions:

Tiananmen Gate

Standing at the square’s northern end, Tiananmen Gate leads to the entrance to the Forbidden City. Admire the grandeur of its traditional Chinese architecture and the iconic portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong.

Monument to the People’s Heroes

Located at the center of the square, this towering monument pays tribute to the heroic sacrifices made by the Chinese people throughout history. It is a symbol of national pride and unity.

Great Hall of People

The Great Hall of the People, located in Beijing, China, is a monumental structure that serves as the official meeting place for the National People’s Congress and other important political and ceremonial events. With its imposing architecture and symbolic significance, the Great Hall of the People symbolizes China’s political power and governance. Step inside this iconic building and witness the grandeur of its halls, where important decisions are made and historic moments unfold.

 Mao Zedong Memorial Hall

Pay your respects to the founding father of the People’s Republic of China by visiting the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. Note that it is closed on Mondays.

National Museum of China

Explore one of the world’s largest museums on the square’s eastern side. Discover a vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that showcase China’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting Tiananmen Square offers a profound insight into China’s rich history and cultural heritage. Every corner of the square carries a significant story, from the monumental gates to the symbolic monuments. Following this travel guide, you can easily navigate the course, appreciating its historical importance and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Beijing’s historic heart. Tiananmen Square is a testament to China’s past, present, and future, leaving visitors with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of China’s cultural tapestry.