Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
Monument Beijing mausoleum housing Mao Zedong's embalmed body
In Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall preserves Mao Zedong’s body for public viewing. Tourists queue to see the mausoleum and combine visits with the Forbidden City and national monuments nearby.
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The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, commonly called Mao’s Mausoleum, is a public memorial and mausoleum located on the central axis of Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It was built in the late 1970s following Mao Zedong’s death and houses his embalmed body in a glass sarcophagus.
The hall functions as a formal state memorial and is visited by large numbers of domestic and international visitors who queue to view the central hall. Entry is controlled and subject to security checks, and photography is restricted inside the main viewing area.
The memorial was constructed as a national ceremonial site in the years after 1976 and plays a role in official commemorations and public remembrance. It has a prominent position on Tiananmen Square facing the Forbidden City and other central government buildings.
The memorial sits at the southern side of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing, a short walk from the Forbidden City and other major civic and historical sites in the city centre.
- Body of Mao and security screening: The mausoleum contains an embalmed body of Mao Zedong and is located in the central axis of Tiananmen Square; visitors must pass through security screening before entry.
How to Get to Chairman Mao Memorial Hall #
The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Mausoleum of Mao Zedong) is in the south part of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. Take Beijing Subway Line 1 to Tian’anmen East or Tian’anmen West stations and walk 5-10 minutes into the square to the mausoleum. From Beijing Capital International Airport the mausoleum is roughly 30-40 km away by road (about 45-60 minutes by car depending on traffic); taxis and airport express + subway combinations serve the city centre.
Tips for Visiting Chairman Mao Memorial Hall #
- Arrive before opening (mausoleum typically opens in the morning) to avoid long queues and potential closures for official events; security checks and fixed entry slots mean early arrival is the most reliable way to get inside.
- Bring your passport or national ID - entry requires official identification at the security checkpoint, and large bags and photography inside are prohibited.
- Expect intermittent closures (the hall is often closed on Mondays or for state events); check local notices the day before and allow time in your itinerary in case it's unavailable.
Best Time to Visit Chairman Mao Memorial Hall #
Visit early on weekdays, outside national holidays; spring and autumn offer comfortable conditions but expect heavier crowds in peak months.
Weather & Climate near Chairman Mao Memorial Hall #
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (574 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (203 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.
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