Yes it is free. You just need to have your passport on you as there are at least 3 security checkpoints. The Forbidden City though requires a ticket to be brought in advance online.

Free for the square, but forbidden city has charges, but security line its real long without a “skip the line” of a tour guide.

Hi Sahar. Sorry to be so slow getting back to you. I've been away. Our hotel was near enough that we walked, but I have just found instructions on travel china guide . com I hope it helps :-) Bob Bob

we were told that the squre will be closed on every monday. may be the same will be close due to may 1 as the world labour day.

I have no idea but, quite frankly, it doesn’t matter. It was closed when we were there and we just walked along the perimeter and were able to see it very well. A cautionary note: we were there on a normal weekday and the crowds were almost unbearable. I suspect they will be worse on a holiday.

Yes, it certainly would appear so - see chinahighlights It says that it is the best time to visit at Chinese new year. Have a great visit

We were there in October and at that time, there was no entrance fees. There were police security everywhere but nothing to worry us at all. Things may have changed since then. Check with your agent. Long queues but it does move quite fast so it didn't bother us.

Tianamin Square is just a big open area. No guide resource needed (nor available that I am aware of. If you google it and read about it you'll be good to go. You can rent an audio guide in English at the entrance to the Forbidden City (located across the street from Tianamin Sq) which is all you'll need.

Hi! We were just in Beijing on vacation this past April. We took the 1 day Chinatour (see china highlights.comm (w/o the 2nd m)) and were very disappointed. The tour guide who is advertised to be very fluent in English was not understandable. My wife and I discussed your situation and agreed that we think your 5 and 7 year old boys would really enjoy going to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Chinatour now offers a half day tour or you could book a driver through your hotel for a half day. When you arrive at the drop off at Mutianyu, there is a walk up a steep incline to a cable car station which takes you on up to the Great Wall. You can then walk around a bit and take in the view before returning back down via cable car. There is even a Baskin Robbins shop at the base....which your boys would probably enjoy as well. From the time you leave your hotel until you get back would be a full half day. There are several locations in the Beijing area from which to access the Great Wall, but Mutianyu is rated the best in terms of condition and view. Have a great time!

The Square itself an 1 hr at most. Museums around it of course depending on your interest 3hrs