A Complete Guide to Tiananmen Square and Its Surrounding Areas

Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world today. It is the site for national celebrations, grand gatherings, and welcoming ceremonies for foreign dignitaries. The square extends from Tiananmen Gate in the north to Zhengyangmen Gate in the south, from the National Museum of China in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west. It measures 880 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west, covering an area of 440,000 square meters, capable of accommodating up to one million people for grand gatherings.

At the center of the square stands the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the solemn Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. The Great Hall of the People is located on the west side, while the National Museum of China is on the east side. To the south are two ancient city gates, Zhengyangmen and the Qianmen Archery Tower. The entire square is majestic, symmetrical, and harmonious, exuding an imposing aura.

Travel Information about Tiananmen Square

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

Ticket Prices:

Tiananmen Gate Tower: 15 RMB
Great Hall of the People: 30 RMB
Zhengyangmen (Qianmen): 20 RMB

Opening Hours:

Tiananmen Gate Tower: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Great Hall of the People:
- December to March: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- April to June: 8:15 AM – 3:00 PM
- July to August: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- September to November: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Open during this period if no events are scheduled)
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall:
- Normal Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- July to August: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- September 9 and December 26 (Mao Zedong’s death and birthday anniversaries): 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
National Museum of China: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)

Location:

East Chang’an Street, Dongcheng District, south of the Forbidden City.

Subway:

Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station.
Alternatively, take Line 2 to Qianmen Station and walk to the destinations.

Ratings:

Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
Unique Features: ★★★★★
Leisure: ★★★★
Scenic Beauty: ★★★★★
Adventure: ★★★

Highlights of Tiananmen Square and Its Surrounding Area

Tiananmen Gate Tower

Located at the northern end of the square, the Tiananmen Gate Tower was originally built in the 15th year of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty (1417). It served as the main gate of the imperial city and was known as “Chengtianmen,” meaning “Gate of Heavenly Succession.”

On clear days, the yellow glazed tiles of the tower shine brightly, complemented by the vermillion pillars and the tower’s base. The scene is further enhanced by the white marble Huabiao (ornamental columns), stone railings, stone lions, and the Golden Water Bridges. From the tower, one can gaze upon the imposing modern structures of the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and the National Museum of China. These buildings stand proudly, giving the square a new and magnificent atmosphere with their solemn layout and grandiose presence.

Related Details:

As of 2024, a total of 16 grand military parades have been held at Tiananmen Square. These include 11 parades between 1949 and 1959, and one each in 1984, 1999, 2009, 2015, and 2019. Among these, the most significant and representative were the parades for the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China, and the 5th, 10th, 35th, 50th, and 70th anniversaries of its establishment, as well as the parade on September 3, 2015, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Additionally, on July 1, 2021, a grand celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China was held at Tiananmen Square.
In front of the Tiananmen Gate Tower is the Golden Water Bridge, which offers an excellent vantage point for close-up photographs of the tower, the portrait of Chairman Mao, and the intricate carvings.
The flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square is a unique and vibrant spectacle in Beijing. You can capture the ceremony as a memorable scene or direct your camera towards the crowd watching the ceremony to capture genuine expressions of patriotism among the spectators.

Monument to the People’s Heroes

The Monument to the People’s Heroes stands at the very center of Tiananmen Square. The monument reaches a height of 37.94 meters and sits on a base that covers over 3,000 square meters, making it the largest monument in Chinese history. Its central stele is made of hard granite, surrounded by simple yet elegant double-layered marble railings. Inscribed on the monument are the eight gold-foil characters “Eternal Glory to the People’s Heroes,” penned by Chairman Mao himself. The monument also features eight large bas-reliefs depicting key events in modern Chinese history, making it one of the world’s rare giant relief sculptures.

Related Details:

Seasonal Displays: Every year during the May Day and National Day holidays, Tiananmen Square features flower beds with hundreds of thousands of flowers arranged in various exquisite designs, with different themes each year. These displays provide excellent photo opportunities.
Leisure and Celebrations: Tiananmen Square serves as a popular leisure spot for Beijing residents and attracts many tourists from other parts of China. During major holidays, the square may host gatherings, flower displays, or military parades.
Flag-Raising Ceremonies: On the first day of each month and during major holidays, Tiananmen Square hosts large-scale flag-raising ceremonies accompanied by a live military band. On other days, the flag-raising ceremonies are simpler, and the timing varies with the seasons. For specific times, visitors can check the website of the Tiananmen Area Administrative Committee.

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

Located on the southern side of Tiananmen Square, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall stands atop a tall base constructed of maroon granite. The memorial hall is divided into three sections: the North Hall, the Viewing Hall, and the South Hall. Chairman Mao’s body is preserved in a crystal coffin within the Viewing Hall, surrounded by rare flowers and plants sent from all over China. The upper level of the North Hall displays revolutionary achievements of founding leaders like Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.

Related Details:

Visiting Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: When visiting Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, you must store your bags and pass through a security check. It is important to remain silent while paying your respects.
Be Cautious: Be cautious of people handing out flyers or selling souvenirs in the square.
Traffic and Public Transport: The roads on the east and west sides of Tiananmen Square are one-way streets. Pay attention to this when choosing your bus stop. For the shortest walking distance to Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, exit from Entrance A of the Qianmen Station on Metro Line 2.

Zhengyangmen (Qianmen)

Zhengyangmen, also known as Qianmen, is located at the southern end of Tiananmen Square. Initially built in the 18th year of the Yongle era (1420 AD) of the Ming Dynasty, it features a moat and an arrow tower. Zhengyangmen, located directly south of Tiananmen, serves as the main gate of the nine gates of Beijing’s inner city. The gate is distinguished by its three-tiered eaves and a two-story pavilion, standing 42 meters tall. Historically, only the emperor’s imperial carriage was permitted to pass through this gate.

Qianmen Street

Located south of Zhengyangmen, Qianmen Street has been one of Beijing’s most famous commercial streets since ancient times. Today, it remains a vibrant area with numerous time-honored restaurants and shops, as well as a variety of local snacks. The street is ideal for shopping and enjoying delicious food. The architecture along the street is styled to resemble that of the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring traditional elements such as archways, old shop signs, and red lanterns, which provide an authentic taste of old Beijing.

One must-see attraction on Qianmen Street is Guanghe Lou. This historic venue preserves the early memories of Beijing’s Peking opera culture. Built at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Guanghe Lou, along with Hua Le Lou, Guangde Lou, and the First Stage, was one of the “Four Great Theaters” of Beijing. Originally a private theater in the garden of the wealthy Cha family, it was called “Cha Lou.” During the Kangxi era, it was transformed into a public teahouse known as Cha Jia Teahouse, later renamed Guanghe Teahouse. The Kangxi Emperor himself visited the theater and granted a plaque, bringing it much acclaim. Throughout the Republican era, Guanghe Lou continued to be a renowned performance venue, hosting Peking opera performances with famous actors such as Mei Lanfang, Zhou Xinfang, and Ma Lianliang gracing its stage.

While visiting Qianmen Street, be sure not to miss out on the local delicacies, such as the famous roast duck from Quanjude, the flavorful braised pork from Yue Sheng Zhai, and the delicious shumai from Du Yi Chu.
In addition to the renowned restaurants, explore the surrounding alleys of Qianmen Street where you can find historic shops and old buildings, such as Ruixuexiang, Beijing Camera Factory, and the China Hat Culture Museum. These areas also feature various teahouses where you can enjoy traditional performances like crosstalk and storytelling. Wandering through the alleys can offer a unique glimpse into traditional Beijing life.
On the main street of Qianmen, there’s a sightseeing tram called the “Deng Deng Che,” a vintage attraction that runs a few hundred meters and costs about 20 yuan. It’s a fun option for families with young children. Additionally, the nearby Dashilan and Xianyukou alleys are treasure troves of historic shops and eateries worth exploring.
Located at 18 Qianmen Street, the Beijing Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, part of the century-old international brand from London, offers an interactive experience with world celebrities and exciting games. You can immerse yourself in the fusion of traditional and modern cultures while taking a star-studded tour along the central axis.

Chang’an Street

Chang’an Street is Beijing’s east-west axis and was constructed alongside the Imperial City during the Ming Dynasty. The street is divided into eastern and western sections by the Tiananmen Gate, stretching from Dongdan Archway in the east to Xidan Archway in the west, covering a total length of 3.7 kilometers, often referred to as the “Ten-Mile Long Street.” Today, Chang’an Street is one of the widest streets in China, with a length of 46 kilometers, and is famously known as the “Hundred-Mile Long Street.”

Several historic landmarks along Chang’an Street are renowned worldwide. Heading east from Tiananmen, notable buildings on the south side include the National Museum of China, the Ministry of Public Security, the China National Textile Industry Council, Chang’an Building, and the Ministry of Commerce. On the north side, you’ll find the Workers’ Cultural Palace, Beijing Hotel, and Oriental Plaza.

Traveling west from Tiananmen, the south side features the Great Hall of the People, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the State Grid Corporation of China, and Times Tower. On the north side are Xinhua Gate, Beijing Telegraph Building, the Civil Aviation Service Hall, Xidan Book Building, and Xidan Cultural Plaza.

The National Museum of China

The National Museum of China, located on the east side of Tiananmen Square, was formed by the merger of the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the National Museum of Chinese History. With its expanded facilities, it has become the largest museum in the world by floor area.

The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, focusing on history and art. It provides a comprehensive display of the rich cultural history of the Chinese nation. Notable exhibits include the Fang Ding (a ceremonial bronze vessel from the Shang Dynasty), the Four Sheep Square Zun (a ritual vessel from the Zhou Dynasty), the Gold Threaded Jade Burial Suit, the Sanxingdui Bronze Mask with protruding eyes, the Sword of King Fu Chai of Wu, and the Fish-Patterned Pottery Basin.

Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall of the People is located on the west side of Tiananmen Square, on the south side of West Chang’an Avenue. It features the renowned Great Auditorium and banquet halls. The front facade of the hall is adorned with twelve massive marble columns, each standing 25 meters tall. The central hall boasts a pink marble floor and white marble columns, with a crystal glass chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Behind the central hall is the Great Auditorium, elegantly decorated with various star lights shimmering overhead. To the north of the hall is a grand banquet hall, which can accommodate 5,000 guests and is as spacious as a football field, with a minimalist yet majestic decor.

Related Details:

Bag Storage: Visitors are not allowed to bring bags into the Great Hall of the People. There is a bag storage area located on the east side of the south entrance of the hall.
Available Halls: The accessible halls within the Great Hall of the People include the Beijing Hall, Hunan Hall, Shanghai Hall, Guangdong Hall, Sichuan Hall I, Liaoning Hall, Taiwan Hall, Hong Kong Hall, and Macau Hall.
Nearby Attractions: The National Centre for the Performing Arts is located to the west of the Great Hall of the People and can be visited in conjunction with the Great Hall.

National Centre for the Performing Arts

The National Centre for the Performing Arts is located in the heart of Beijing, along West Chang’an Avenue, adjacent to the Great Hall of the People and Tiananmen Square. Its central building features a unique shell-like design, with the exterior made up of 18,398 titanium panels and over 1,226 pieces of ultra-white glass, creating the visual effect of a stage curtain being drawn. The shell is reflected in the artificial lake beside it, surrounded by lush greenery, forming a dreamlike theatrical scene.

The north entrance of the National Centre for the Performing Arts is connected to the Tiananmen West subway station. At the entrance, there is a ticket hall. Visitors walk through an 80-meter-long, shimmering underwater corridor that feels like a magical world. From there, an escalator leads to the main public hall, where the three professional theatres are immediately visible: the Opera House in the center, the Concert Hall to the east, and the Drama Theatre to the west. These theatres are relatively independent but connected via skybridges.

Opera House: With 2,079 seats (excluding the orchestra pit), it mainly hosts opera and dance performances.
Concert Hall: With 1,859 seats (including the choral area), it is used for symphonic and traditional music performances.
Drama Theatre: With 957 seats (excluding the orchestra pit), it primarily features traditional Chinese opera and dramas.

In addition to these three main theatres and a small experimental theatre, the National Centre for the Performing Arts also offers a variety of cultural amenities, including the underwater corridor, exhibition halls, the Olive Hall, a library and information center, a press conference hall, a rooftop event area, a souvenir shop, and a café. These facilities create a “fifth space” that showcases the endless charm of the theatre, allowing visitors to enjoy artistic enrichment and spiritual pleasure.

Watching the Flag-Raising Ceremony

Early Morning Flag-Raising: Each morning, at sunrise, Tiananmen Square begins its flag-raising ceremony, an impressive and grand event that attracts numerous visitors. This ceremony is a must-see for tourists visiting Beijing, particularly during National Day when it is especially solemn and grand.

Ceremony Types:

Holiday Flag-Raising: On New Year’s Day, Spring Festival, International Labor Day, National Day, and on the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month, the holiday flag-raising ceremony takes place. It involves a 38-member Honor Guard and a 62-member military band. The band plays “Sing to the Motherland” while marching and the national anthem during the flag-raising.
Regular Flag-Raising: On other days, the regular flag-raising ceremony is performed by a 38-member Honor Guard, with the national anthem played during the flag-raising. The flag-lowering ceremony is conducted solely by the Honor Guard without music.

Timing: The flag-raising time is scheduled at sunrise, and the flag-lowering time at sunset. The ceremony is held regardless of weather conditions. For the exact times of the next day’s ceremonies, visitors can check local Beijing media such as the Beijing Evening News. Arriving early will ensure a good viewing spot.

Best Viewing Spots:

Southeast and Southwest Corners: The best positions for photographing the flag-raising and lowering are at the southeast and southwest corners of the flag area. The Honor Guard enters from the central arch of Tiananmen Gate, crosses the Golden Water Bridge, and reaches the flag-raising area.
North Side of the Square: Capturing the Honor Guard from the north side edge of the square along Chang’an Avenue offers a unique view, though the flag-raising process might be obstructed.
Central Axis of the Square: Standing on the central axis provides a comprehensive view of the flag-raising process, but the flagpole might obstruct the view of the Honor Guard’s approach.

Access and Security: Tiananmen Square is closed at night and opens approximately 40 minutes before the flag-raising ceremony. Visitors should arrive an hour early to wait near the square. Upon opening, police officers will guide and escort visitors into the square, directing traffic to ensure smooth entry from the east and west sides of the square. Spectators will be arranged outside the flag-raising security zone, with elderly and children positioned in the front rows for a better view.

Visitor Guide for the Tiananmen Square

Dining Near Tiananmen Square

At the People’s Great Hall, quick meals are available daily from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This is a convenient option if you’re visiting or attending an event at the Great Hall of the People.

For more diverse dining experiences, you can explore Qianmen Street to the south of Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing Street to the northeast. Both areas are famous for their local snacks and a variety of regional cuisines. Notably, Quanjude Roast Duck, a renowned restaurant known for its Peking duck, has locations on both streets.

Accommodation

Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing, and nearby accommodation tends to be quite expensive. However, there are many hotels along both sides of Qianmen Street, with typical rates ranging from 300 to 500 RMB per night. For those interested in watching the flag-raising ceremony, it is recommended to stay at hotels such as Qianmen Guanqu Hotel (No. 18 Qianmen East Street, Dongcheng District), Beijing Renren Hotel (No. 16 Qianmen East Street, Dongcheng District), or Haiyou Hotel (No. 32 Beijige Toutiao, Dongcheng District).