Overview
Tiananmen Square spans roughly 440,000㎡ as the world's largest city square, able to hold up to one million people. The Tiananmen gate tower, built in 1417 during the Ming dynasty, bears Mao Zedong's portrait and has become an icon of modern China — it was here on October 1, 1949 that Mao proclaimed the founding of the PRC. The square is surrounded by the Monument to the People's Heroes, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China, putting modern Chinese history in one place. The daily flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at sunrise and sunset are a must-see ritual. Free admission (security check required). Directly at Tiananmen East/West Station (Metro Line 1).
Opening Hours
05:00-22:00 (depending on security inspection)
Travel Tips
Your passport is required and security is strict. To see the sunrise flag-raising ceremony (about 30 minutes), arrive by 4-5 a.m.
Hotels near Tiananmen Square
Hotels and guesthouses in Beijing, Dongcheng, Beijing
Other attractions in Beijing
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The world's largest ancient palace complex, with around 9,000 rooms that once housed the Ming and Qing emperors.
Great Wall of China
One of the Seven Wonders of the World - humanity's largest construction project, stretching over 20,000km.
Temple of Heaven
A UNESCO site where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven, featuring a geometrically perfect circular altar.
Summer Palace
The Qing imperial summer retreat — a masterpiece garden centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
Hutong (Nanluoguxiang)
Centuries-old siheyuan courtyard alleys from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties — Beijing's traditional old town.
Wangfujing Street
Beijing's 700-year-old premier shopping and snack street, famous for its night market.