Tiananmen Square Square

Address: Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Hours: Tiananmen Square open 24 hours; Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: Tue-Sun 8:00am-12:00pm, closed Mondays

Admission: Square: free. Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Mausoleum): free (timed ticket required)

Tiananmen Square is a vast public plaza in the heart of Beijing, located immediately south of the Forbidden City and serving as a focal point for state ceremonies and large public gatherings. It is one of the largest city squares in the world and is flanked by major government and cultural buildings.

Key features on and around the square include the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong on the square’s central axis, and the Great Hall of the People. Many visitors walk the square to see these monuments and to view the surrounding historic buildings and the north-facing Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen).

The square’s present form dates largely from mid-20th-century redesigns, particularly for the founding ceremonies of the People’s Republic in 1949; earlier gates and walls at the site date back to imperial times. The space has since been adapted for parades, political events and public memorials.

Tiananmen Square sits in central Beijing, immediately south of the Forbidden City and within the city’s central administrative district; it is accessible by multiple subway lines and is a short walk from major central Beijing transport hubs.

• Size: The square covers an area of roughly 440,000 square metres and is one of the largest urban squares in the world, often used for national ceremonies and public gatherings.
• Visitor procedures: Security and formal procedures apply for visits to the mausoleum and for large public events; allow time for bag checks on busy days.

What to See#

• Monument to the People’s Heroes: A tall obelisk commemorating revolutionary martyrs that stands near the southern end of the square and is a focal point for ceremonies.
• Mausoleum of Mao Zedong: The mausoleum that preserves the embalmed body of Mao Zedong; it is open to the public with formal entry procedures and security checks.
• Great Hall of the People: The major government assembly hall on the square’s western side where national legislative and diplomatic events are held.

Tiananmen Square is in the heart of Beijing. Take Beijing Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East (天安门东) or Tiananmen West (天安门西) station - the square is immediately adjacent to these exits (walking distance 0-5 minutes). It’s within easy walking distance from the Forbidden City and many central Beijing landmarks.

• Arrive before sunrise to watch the flag-raising ceremony and to experience the square with far fewer people; the area fills rapidly once tour groups arrive.
• Use Beijing Subway Line 1 (Tiananmen East or West stations) to reach the square and be prepared for security screening at the entrances-these stations deposit you close to the main viewing areas and minimize long walks.
• If you plan to visit both the square and the Forbidden City, buy your Forbidden City tickets in advance and head into the Palace Museum right after the flag ceremony to avoid being held up by the square's heavy tourist flow.