Passing through the security check at Tiananmen Square is no easy task. Having just gone through it, I’m documenting my real experience for future reference.
Although it was a Saturday today, the continuous drizzle kept the crowd from getting too large. I arrived near the square around 10:20 AM, and it took about an hour from the start of the queue to entering the square. This duration is for reference only.
- There are seven security check points around Tiananmen Square. Based on the reservation system and actual observation, checkpoint 7 had a relatively manageable queue. Driving along Chang’an Avenue, I noticed that the queue on the east side (Checkpoint 03) was about 1.5 to 2 times longer than that on the west side (Checkpoint 07).
- The first layer of security check starts from the northeast side of the intersection of Great Hall of the People West Road and Qianmen West Street. The inner side is for group entries, and the outer side is for individual visitors. After joining the queue, there are two channels: machine and manual. The machine channel is faster, while the manual channel is slower but allows entry by reporting your ID if you don’t have it with you.
- After the first security check, continue east to a corner where the second security check takes place. Proceed normally through this check.
- After turning north, security personnel and volunteers will organize everyone into three rows to formally start the stop-and-go waiting process. There are mobile restrooms set up along the right side of the queue, which is quite considerate.
- The most time-consuming checkpoint is in the middle of the queue. Here, a barricade controls the flow, letting people through in batches every 5-10 minutes, with about 50-60 people per batch.
- Once past this checkpoint, note that the far left side has a no-bag channel. If you boldly hug the edge and move forward, you can quickly enter the security check hut, saving at least 20-30 minutes. A sincere suggestion: avoid bringing a bag if possible. Just carry your phone and umbrella in your hand.
- And then, you’re in!