Tiananmen Square Travel Guide

Tiananmen Square is not only the symbol of Beijing but also the symbol of China. Tiananmen Square was built in 1417. It is regarded as the largest square in the world and entrance gate to the Forbidden City.

Now the square stretches 880 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west. The total area is 440,000 square meters. It is the largest public square in the world, which can hold one million people. It´s a modern creation, in a city that traditionally had no squares, as classical Chinese town planning did not allow for places where crowds could gather.

Tiananmen only came into being when imperial offices were cleared from both side of the great processional way that led south from the palace to Qianmen (Front Gate) and the Temple of Heaven. Having a free walk there, imagining the great historic events of the 20th century took place there.

You will also see legendary landmarks including the Great Hall of the People and the towering 125 foot granite obelisk, Monument to the People´s Heroes, honoring those who died in revolution.

The square is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices: Chinese Revolution History Museum, Mao Mausoleum, Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate), and Qianmen.

The daily flag ceremony at the square, performed at sunrise and sunset each day, is most exceptional and well-worth making time to view.

Why it is must-see sight?
First of all, Tiananmen Square is the symbol of Chinese long history and civilization as well as the witness of the change of history and the rise and fall of feudal dynasties. So if you come to Beijing, this is the symbol attraction that you should not miss.

Secondly, here not only you can visit the beauty of Tiananmen Square, but also you can have a visit to other sites surrounding it, such as Chinese Revolution History Museum, Mao Mausoleum, Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate), and Qianmen.