Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
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Located in the heart of modern China and the site for massive parades and rallies, this was the site when in 1949, from a rostrum on the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Tian'anmen East • 5 min walk
- Tian'anmen West • 8 min walk
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- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina70,639 contributionsThe Square of Heavenly Peacewould rate Tiananmen Square differently based on the time of year. During the eight warmer months, I would rate it as "Excellent, a must-see." But, during the other four months, my rating would be "Very Good." It's mostly just a cold, barren area of concrete during the colder months. However, it is the history of the square that is significant, and that stays the same throughout the year.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten March 5, 2024
- Maree RChristchurch, New Zealand1,321 contributionsA Must See In BeijingYou must book tickets in advance and they are day and time specific. Our visit in March just after the yearly Chinese Party Conference, left the square looking locked down and baren. We were luck to get in as it had been closed the previous day. It is a huge space and I can only imagine where the tank and one lonely figure would have been.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 18, 2024
- Leong Chee ShengSingapore, Singapore353 contributionsA surreal visitI've read up on the incident before visiting and the feeling was surreal. It's a beautiful space with rich history, so massive in size. The security is also really tight – we had 3 passport checks and an airport style bag check before we were allowed to enter. The square has lots of barricades set up and it's under heavy surveillance. This all adds to a somewhat interesting and sinister atmosphere to the visit. You have to make a booking one day in advance on WeChat mini program. The reservation is free and they are date and time specific so plan your visit.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 5, 2024
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributionsWe Really Wanted to Photograph Chairman Mao, But...You need a permit to visit this important square in Beijing, and we couldn’t manage to get one. We couldn’t get the Chinese WeChat to work with our mobile number. A good tip: Make sure you sort out this detail. Entry is free, but security is extremely strict. We were turned away, politely but firmly, because we didn’t have the permit. We especially wanted to photograph the large iconic picture of Chairman Mao, but alas. We had to settle for the nice photo on the 1 yuan banknote. Fortunately, the Forbidden City is right next door, and it’s also worth seeing.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 12, 2024
- Chiara S13 contributionsPiazza TiananmenTiananmen Square definitely very nice! Attention the entrance is free but you must register on the site the day of your visit otherwise you will not be able to access! If you forgot to do it before don’t worry you can buy admission with other tours (like get your guide) or insert the visit in packages with other things you will visit! Unfortunately in Beijing you have to register for every visit you want to make!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 8, 2024
- Alberto CVicenza, Italy199 contributionsImmense squareImmense. When I visited it it was practically empty, so it was basically a huge deserted square full of surveillance cameras (as anywhere else in China). It is mandatory to book the visit on wechat. In winter, when I visited, temperatures are around -15 oC, so be prepared to face the cold.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten September 7, 2024
- Ben KingLondon, United Kingdom348 contributionsA bit disappointedYes, some of the architecture is wonderful, including the buildings and monuments. But none of them stand out as ‘the best’ in the city of Beijing. There is a large history here and while that is interesting, the square is simply a sight to look at and pass through before you get to the forbidden city. That would be my advice - don’t go out of your way to visit Tian’anmen square, but if you’re headed to the forbidden city anyway then you might as well pop in and walk through the square beforehand.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 12, 2024
- Skeney57Sydney, Australia25,051 contributionsCrowded SquareThe square must be the most over watched place on the planet? Every pole has many cameras attached and every second person is either a police/army officer or an undercover operative. Plus the locals love to get their photo taken with a visitor or Gweilo! The square is huge and can easily accommodate a million people and our visit it felt like they had all turned up! Surrounded by Mao's Memorial Hall, Parliament Great Hall, Museum of Chinese History, Southern Gates & Long March memorial and other features you could spend a fair time exploring it all but with the crowds & gawkers I was happy to move on without the tanks help!Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 5, 2024
- Aviation CentralSydney, Australia262 contributionsGreat place for photos!Beautiful place in China to visit. We took loads of pictures with the giant flag poles and the main buildings, as it is such a beautiful sight. If you have spare time in your itinerary, it is great to cram this destination in!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 8, 2024
- BackPacker800547Bilston, United Kingdom1,669 contributionsHige square that seems too bigIt's an absolutely huge square, the largest in the world, but loses something by being so massive. We saw a long queue for Mao's mausoleum and snaked our way across to the Forbidden City, passing their monument to those lost in the cause. It was the 75th anniversary of liberation and there was a flowered lantern of giant size in the square. Monumental buildings are to the left and right but seem very far away. An interesting location but lacking the compactness we preferVisited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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fire-tower
3,480 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We managed to book reservations for the flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square at 6.27am so we have to leave the hotel at 5.50am to make our way there. The walk in -3 degrees in the wee hours on a Thursday December morning was not that far from our hotel, but subject to a few security checks (IDs and bags) along the way. The wait was long and the flag raising did not start until 7.25am, so we had waited for slightly more than an hour.
The contingent marched from building and across the road, where traffic was stopped a few minutes earlier. Once ready, the national anthem was played and the flag was raised, all within minutes. While there were a few foreigners, most were locals and many were elders who make the trip and wait to witness the ceremony. The patriotism is commendable. After the flag raiding ceremony, we proceeded to explore Tiananmen Square. Definitely an experience for those who visit Beijing but do note that online reservation is required.
The contingent marched from building and across the road, where traffic was stopped a few minutes earlier. Once ready, the national anthem was played and the flag was raised, all within minutes. While there were a few foreigners, most were locals and many were elders who make the trip and wait to witness the ceremony. The patriotism is commendable. After the flag raiding ceremony, we proceeded to explore Tiananmen Square. Definitely an experience for those who visit Beijing but do note that online reservation is required.
Written December 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rik T
Fredericton, Canada1,476 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
I only knew of Tiananmen Square because of the iconic video of the protester standing in front of a tank. I'm sure it means a lot more to citizens but I still enjoyed visiting it.
The size is impressive. You can fit a million people in it.
I'd recommend finding a reason to visit by reading about it, then deciding when to go. We went in the evening because it is so much less crowded. Sometimes the wait in the morning can be hours long. However, there is a military flag raising ceremony in the morning so if that floats your boat, you might have to line up.
There's a beautiful and massive flower display and a monument to the peoples heroes in the square.
The size is impressive. You can fit a million people in it.
I'd recommend finding a reason to visit by reading about it, then deciding when to go. We went in the evening because it is so much less crowded. Sometimes the wait in the morning can be hours long. However, there is a military flag raising ceremony in the morning so if that floats your boat, you might have to line up.
There's a beautiful and massive flower display and a monument to the peoples heroes in the square.
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matías C
Santiago, Chile31 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
To enter the plaza it is necessary to reserve in advance through WeChat. Checks at the Qianmen entrance last approximately 1 hour. If you go with a backpack you must leave it at the facilities center that is in front of the intersection to the plaza. If you go in summer I recommend you bring an umbrella, cap and sunscreen.
There is no possibility of entering without a reservation. On the Beijing municipality page you will find the WeChat link to reserve, it is free of charge
There is no possibility of entering without a reservation. On the Beijing municipality page you will find the WeChat link to reserve, it is free of charge

Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon
Melbourne, Australia1,154 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
You must reserve in advance as there's no tourist or reservation booths. There was only one small sign in mandarin at the entry but even that was hardly noticeable. Being someone who lived in China, never came across such a heavily secured area nor one that couldn't be reserved on the same day (bar public holidays). Even locals were overheard not knowing they needed reservations to visit. Recommend not visiting via Metro line 2 & 8 stop Qianmen station as the security detour is way too long, and it's best to either take a Didi or get off at either Tiananmen East or West metro station. Tiananmen Square is the best entry point to visiting the forbidden city so make sure you reserve otherwise you'd need to go around through the other Entry's which will cost you both time and energy.
Written September 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs.C
Leicester, UK503 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Great visit to Mao's final resting place.
It covers a very big area so there is lots to see.
Be aware that you need your Passport to be able to visit, they also have security bag check in operation so be careful what you carry ie cigarette lighters & paracetomol which i had both confiscated, you also have to queue for quite a while too.
Once inside there is the museum with Mao's tomb & you may also see the military marching.
It's very tight security so be careful, there are certain things you can't photograph or video.
It covers a very big area so there is lots to see.
Be aware that you need your Passport to be able to visit, they also have security bag check in operation so be careful what you carry ie cigarette lighters & paracetomol which i had both confiscated, you also have to queue for quite a while too.
Once inside there is the museum with Mao's tomb & you may also see the military marching.
It's very tight security so be careful, there are certain things you can't photograph or video.
Written January 31, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sina0anis
15 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Currently, TianAnMen Square and the sights around it are not freely accessible. There are barriers and checkpoints everywhere with luggage scans and passport controls. Entry is free, BUT you have to register with your passport number in a WeChat mini program (with date and time slot).
Visitors with non-Chinese passports can try to get through this way. The scanners are aimed at Chinese ID cards and the officials have to type in the passport number, which is too much work for them.
We were asked whether we were registered for the morning (we were) and were waved through.
The square itself offers little to see, especially with the many barriers. You can take a photo of the TianAnMen Tower with Mao's portrait. If you go to the trouble of registering, you should try to get tickets for the tower instead.
As always in China, however, circumstances can change in a few weeks and months.
Visitors with non-Chinese passports can try to get through this way. The scanners are aimed at Chinese ID cards and the officials have to type in the passport number, which is too much work for them.
We were asked whether we were registered for the morning (we were) and were waved through.
The square itself offers little to see, especially with the many barriers. You can take a photo of the TianAnMen Tower with Mao's portrait. If you go to the trouble of registering, you should try to get tickets for the tower instead.
As always in China, however, circumstances can change in a few weeks and months.

Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Itzik L
Tel Aviv, Israel4,570 contributions
Aug 2020
The main entrance to the Forbidden City.
It is possible to enter from side entrances that are less crowded.
Still I recommend getting in from this entrance among other things due to the proximity to Tiananmen Square, Monument to the People's Heroes, China National Museum.
Very convenient access by subway.
Notice the long queue for review, the queue moves very fast and most impressively.
A passport is required to enter this complex and almost any attraction in China.
An entry ticket to the Forbidden City cannot be purchased for that day but several days in advance, depending on the season.
There are many speculators who will try to sell you tickets at double prices. And when you decide to buy, the price will go up even more.
Inside the entire complex there are additional museums where tickets can be purchased on the same day, but again, without a passport you will not be able to purchase tickets. In these places they did agree to sell tickets with a passport photo on a smartphone.
It is possible to enter from side entrances that are less crowded.
Still I recommend getting in from this entrance among other things due to the proximity to Tiananmen Square, Monument to the People's Heroes, China National Museum.
Very convenient access by subway.
Notice the long queue for review, the queue moves very fast and most impressively.
A passport is required to enter this complex and almost any attraction in China.
An entry ticket to the Forbidden City cannot be purchased for that day but several days in advance, depending on the season.
There are many speculators who will try to sell you tickets at double prices. And when you decide to buy, the price will go up even more.
Inside the entire complex there are additional museums where tickets can be purchased on the same day, but again, without a passport you will not be able to purchase tickets. In these places they did agree to sell tickets with a passport photo on a smartphone.
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie H-D
Poole, UK2,285 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
An iconic location that was not to be missed as part of our group tour. It was very busy with a number of different queue systems, all of which our guide expertly navigated. If we tried doing this ourselves we would have been completely lost! There is lots of security to be mindful of as well. From here you can go to Mao’s mausoleum, the Museum of Chinese History or the Parliament Great Hall. The square itself is all about its history rather than it being an incredible place to be, its large and surrounded by huge, impressive buildings, but it’s still just a square.
Make sure you have booked your ticket online, or have a guide do it, and take your passport.
Make sure you have booked your ticket online, or have a guide do it, and take your passport.
Written December 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Y H
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan433 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Beijing is a place you often see.
It contains a portrait of Mao Zedong, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Monument to the Heroes of the People, and a museum.
I didn't enter each building, but Beijing is a common place to see, so it's a good place to take sightseeing photos. If you just want to take a picture, it only takes a few minutes.
There may be an idea that it is enough because you can take portraits from the street.
It contains a portrait of Mao Zedong, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Monument to the Heroes of the People, and a museum.
I didn't enter each building, but Beijing is a common place to see, so it's a good place to take sightseeing photos. If you just want to take a picture, it only takes a few minutes.
There may be an idea that it is enough because you can take portraits from the street.
Automatically translated
Written November 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce S
Hat Head, Australia75 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Been to Tian’anmen Square twice, once during the day-time, certainly spacious (makes Moscow’s Red Square look a bit short on real estate!), and once at night. The night time visit is the ace time if you need to choose. Huge crowds, heaps of atmosphere, electric vibe, pomp of ceremony, ritual, flag-waving in overdrive, lights, cameras….
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voor het Tiananmen square is een appointment nodig. De ingang van de Verboden stad lijkt in de bewaakte zone te liggen. Is er een appointment nodig om naar de Verboden stad te gaan? Of geldt het ticket voor de Verboden stad als toegang voor de bewaakte zone?
Written October 28, 2024
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.
Written July 22, 2023
Is Tiananmen Square free or do you need tickets? Thanks
Written September 21, 2019
Free for the square, but forbidden city has charges, but security line its real long without a “skip the line” of a tour guide.
Written October 7, 2019
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
Written July 21, 2019
It’s currently been closed for last two days due to some ?political meeting. Does anyone know if it’ll be open tomorrow?
Written April 30, 2019
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.
Written May 1, 2019
Will it be opened or closed during chinese new year holidays Jan-Feb 2019?
Written December 6, 2018
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.
Written December 6, 2018
Will it be opened or closed during chinese new year holidays Jan-Feb 2019?
Written December 6, 2018
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
Written December 10, 2018
Is there an entrance fee to enter the square since I heard that the square is now blocked and security checks everywhere
Written January 10, 2018
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.
Written January 13, 2018
Hi, I'm also after self guided resources for the square and the forbidden city. I'd love some resources if you have any.
When in Canada we had an app that talked to us as we drove through the area reaching us all about the area and it's history.
Is there something in China?
Written August 2, 2017
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.
Written August 2, 2017
Hi, I'm looking for a child friendly tour of the area with our 5 and 7 year old boys in September. Do any parents have recommendations on great tours or suggested itinerary for the day to explore the area and make it friendly for kids? Thanks
Written August 2, 2017
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!
Written August 3, 2017
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