Tiananmen Square, located at the heart of Beijing and the midpoint of Chang’an Avenue, is a majestic sight. Here, you can visit the Tiananmen Gate Tower, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong, and witness the flag-raising ceremony. Thousands of people flock to Tiananmen Square daily, making it an essential destination in Beijing.
1. Tiananmen Gate Tower
At the northern end of the square stands the Tiananmen Gate Tower. Constructed in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it served as the main gate to the Forbidden City.
Historically, its primary function was hosting grand ceremonies to proclaim the emperor and empress to the people. Until the fall of the last feudal dynasty in 1911, entry was restricted to imperial family and nobility.
A great way to experience the Tiananmen Gate Tower is by cycling around the city walls.
2. Monument to the People’s Heroes
The Monument to the People’s Heroes stands at the center of Tiananmen Square. Constructed of granite in 1952, it is the largest monument in Chinese history. Engraved upon it are the four characters “The People’s Heroes Live Forever,” personally inscribed by Chairman Mao Zedong. Eight monumental reliefs depict the transformations of modern Chinese history. Two rows of white marble railings encircle the monument, exuding an air of classical elegance.
3. The Great Hall of the People
West of Tiananmen Square stands the Great Hall of the People. Constructed in 1959, this building serves as the venue for the National People’s Congress of China and hosts other political and diplomatic events. Twelve marble columns flank the entrance to the Great Hall, which comprises three sections: the Central Hall, the Grand Hall, and the Banquet Hall. The Central Hall features marble flooring and a ceiling adorned with crystal chandeliers. The Grand Hall behind the Central Hall can accommodate 10,000 people. The Banquet Hall is a magnificent space with 5,000 seats.
4. Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
Located on the south side of Tiananmen Square, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall consists of three halls. One hall houses Chairman Mao’s crystal coffin, surrounded by an array of rare and exotic flowers.
5. National Museum of China
Another major attraction worth visiting is the National Museum of China, located east of Tiananmen Square. Officially opened in 2003, it was formed by merging the National Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. This national museum faces the Great Hall of the People. The Museum of the Chinese Revolution houses extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, books, and models illustrating modern China’s developmental journey. The Museum of Chinese History displays numerous cultural relics showcasing China’s profound history and splendid civilization spanning from 1.7 million years ago to the abdication of the last emperor in 1921.
6. Flag-Raising Ceremony
The Five-Star Red Flag—China’s national flag—flies high above Tiananmen Square. Witnessing the ceremonial flag-raising by the honor guard is a must-see for tourists visiting Beijing. You must rise early and arrive at the square before sunrise. Only then can you clearly observe the ceremony, as large crowds gather daily to watch.
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