Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)

One of the most famous landmarks in all of China, Tiananmen Square and its 125-foot-high (39-meter-high) granite Monument to the People’s Heroes features on just about every Beijing tour. Visitors from around the globe come to have their picture taken in front of the photo of Chairman Mao mounted on the monumental Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen). For those pressed for time, it’s possible to visit the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square in a single day.

• Tiananmen Square is a must-see for history buffs, people watchers, and first-time visitors.

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the square and neighboring Forbidden City are huge.

• Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the square provides little shade.

• Visitors are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the square.

The easiest way to get to Tiananmen Square is to take the Beijing subway Line 1 to either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West, or Line 2 to Qianmen. Several public buses also stop at the square.

The national flagpole sits within Tiananmen Square, and the flag-raising ceremony that takes place at sunrise each morning is well worth seeing. Expect big crowds and long lines at the Forbidden City and Mao’s Mausoleum during peak tourist season in summer and on Chinese public holidays.

Tiananmen Square sits at the heart of Beijing, surrounded by some of the city’s top attractions. The Forbidden City, the Museum of Chinese History, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the Great Hall of the People, and the Chairman Mao Mausoleum bound the square, so there’s always a lot of activity.

Yes, Tiananmen Square is open to the public, and there’s no entrance fee. You can go on your own and wander around, but you’ll probably make more of your visit if you hire a tour guide. There are plenty of other Beijing attractions nearby to combine with your tour, too.

Tiananmen Square itself doesn’t require all that much time—no more than an hour. But if you’d like to explore the other sites in the area, such as the Tiananmen Tower, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, or the National Museum of China, then you’ll want to block off extra time to also visit them.

Yes, there are restrooms at Tiananmen Square. At busy times of the year, more tourists visit the area, so the bathrooms will be more crowded. There are also drinking water fountains and snack vendors. Visit souvenir shops at the square to learn even more about China’s history.

Yes, there are a few ramps at the Northwest and Southwest corners of the sidewalk near Tiananmen Gate that are clearly marked for wheelchair use at Tiananmen Square. However, take note that not all public transportation is accessible, and oftentimes taxis won’t bother with extra equipment, like walkers or wheelchairs.

It’s worth a visit to Tiananmen Square to see this historic area with your own eyes. You can imagine the past events that occurred here, even if your Chinese guide won’t talk about the same things you may be thinking about. You can also combine this tour with other nearby landmarks.

Tiananmen Square can get busy during the day, so try to get there early to avoid crowds. You may also see people doing morning exercises if you go early enough, and you may even be able to join in. Evenings are also good times to visit as it’s when most tourists leave.