Tiananmen Square

The largest public square in the world and the symbolic heart of China

Tiananmen Square

Key Information

Area

440000 square meters

Historical Significance

Site of 1949 PRC proclamation

Surrounding Landmarks

Forbidden City Great Hall National Museum

Best Time to Visit

Early morning for flag ceremony

Security Level

High security area with bag checks

Tiananmen Square is the monumental public square at the center of Beijing China With an area of 440000 square meters it is the largest city square in the world The square is named after the Tiananmen Gate of Heavenly Peace located to its north which separates it from the Forbidden City The square has been the site of many important events in Chinese history including the proclamation of the Peoples Republic of China by Mao Zedong in 1949 The square is surrounded by significant buildings including the Great Hall of the People the National Museum of China the Monument to the Peoples Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong The square is a symbol of Chinese national identity and a mustvisit destination for understanding modern Chinese history and culture

Things to Do

  • Witness the daily flagraising ceremony at sunrise
  • Visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong to pay respects to the founding father
  • Explore the Monument to the Peoples Heroes with its historical reliefs
  • Admire the Tiananmen Gate Tower with its iconic portrait of Mao
  • Walk across the square and feel its immense scale
  • Visit the National Museum of China on the eastern side
  • See the Great Hall of the People where important political meetings are held
  • Take photographs with the iconic Tiananmen Gate as backdrop
  • Experience the square at night when it is beautifully illuminated
  • Observe the changing of the guard ceremony

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