Explore everything about Tiananmen Square - The Heart of Beijing

Where is Tiananmen Square located? What is its construction history?

Located in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is a famous Chinese tourist spot known for its distinctive architecture and immense cultural and historical significance. It is situated at W95W+FXQ, Dongcheng, Beijing, and serves as the main gate to the Forbidden City, positioned right in front of the Meridian Gate.

• Opening hours: 05:00 - 22:00
• Admission: Free

Where is Tiananmen Square located? (Photo: @ardevric)

Construction of Tiananmen Square began in 1417, covering a total area of 440,000m2, with a length of 880m and a width of 500m in a 'T' shape design. Initially named Chéngtiānmén, it was officially renamed in 1651, with its meaning symbolizing 'the gate of peaceful heaven.'

In front of the main gate of Tiananmen, stone lion statues stand guard, protecting the Emperor inside the Forbidden City. The central gate features a portrait of the founder of the People's Republic of China, Chairman Mao Zedong. The surrounding walls of Tiananmen are adorned with massive banners celebrating patriotism and national spirit.

The largest square in the world as of now, this historical and cultural meeting point has a history spanning over 600 years, and it holds numerous significant milestones for China, such as:

• 1417: Construction of Tiananmen Square began during the Ming Dynasty.
• 1457: The gate was struck by lightning and caught fire, requiring 8 years for its restoration to its original state.
• 1644: The gate was burned down by the rebellious forces of Li Zicheng, and it took 15 years for the Qing Dynasty to restore and rebuild it.
• 1949: Chairman Mao Zedong delivered the speech declaring the founding of the People's Republic of China at Tiananmen Square.
• 1959: Tiananmen Square was reconstructed to its current form.

Best time to visit Tiananmen Square, Beijing

When is the best time to visit Beijing and explore Tiananmen Square? This is a question that many travelers often ask. The ideal time to fully enjoy the square and the surrounding attractions is usually in the fall (from September to November).

During this period, Beijing's weather is quite pleasant, not as harsh as in summer and not as cold as in winter. Visiting Tiananmen Square at this time also allows travelers to enjoy the picturesque views of the capital as the leaves gradually turn red and yellow.

Traveling to Tiananmen Square, Beijing in autumn (Photo: @katrinaysco)

However, this is also the peak tourist season in China as it coincides with National Day on 01/10. Visitors should consider going early in the morning to avoid crowds, and also book tickets in advance if planning to combine the trip with a visit to the Forbidden City.

In particular, travelers should avoid visiting Tiananmen Square on June 4th each year, as this is a sensitive time when the people of China commemorate the victims of the 1989 Anti-Corruption and Inflation Democracy Movement protests.

Guide to getting to the square

From Vietnam to Beijing

Traveling to Tiananmen Square, Beijing usually involves flying as the main mode of transportation from Vietnam to China. Many domestic and international airlines operate this route, with direct and connecting flights available from carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and more.

Flying reduces the average travel time, which can range from hours to 1 day, depending on the route. Below are the airfare prices for some popular routes from Vietnam to Beijing, including taxes and fees, for your reference:

Airfare reference for traveling to China in August 2024

*The ticket prices include taxes and fees and may vary depending on the travel date

From Beijing to Tiananmen Square

According to travel experience in China, the journey from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Tiananmen Square typically takes about 1 hour for the 55km distance under favorable traffic conditions. During peak times, the travel time may be longer if tourists choose transportation options like taxis or buses.

The route from the airport to the city center

Within Beijing's city center, there are many common public transportation options available, including taxis, subways, buses, and more. Tourists can even choose to walk or bike if the distance to the square is short. Each transportation method comes with its own pros, cons, and pricing, specifically:

Taxi

- Advantages:

• Easy to catch a ride at designated pick-up points.

• No need to jostle with other passengers.

- Disadvantages:

• High cost.

• Prone to traffic jams.

- Fare: 10 - 12 CNY (35,000 - 40,000 VND)/ first 3 km, decreasing thereafter.

- Route: Can be boarded directly at any pick-up point.

Bus

- Advantages:

• Low cost.

• Offers a chance to enjoy the city views.

- Disadvantages: Prone to traffic jams.

- Fare: 2 - 15 CNY (7,000 - 52,000 VND)/ trip.

- Route: Take bus number 103 or 101 to reach the Gugong station.

Subway

Advantages:

• Low cost.

• Quick travel time, punctuality.

- Disadvantages: The subway system is complex, and the walk to the platform can be quite long.

- Fare: 3 - 15 CNY (10,000 - 52,000 VND)/ trip.

- Route: Take subway line 1 to the stations right at the entrances of Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West.

Top experiences when visiting Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Visiting Tiananmen Square in Beijing is not just about exploring the historical flow preserved through centuries of culture. Here, visitors can admire the impressive architecture of the Tiananmen Tower, Mao Zedong's Mausoleum, the National Museum of China, and more.

Check in Tiananmen Tower

Located at the northern end of the square, Tiananmen Tower was once the site for important royal ceremonies and rituals. This tower measures 66m in length, 37m in width, and 32m in height, making it a unique architectural feature that no one should miss when exploring Beijing's historical beauty.

From the top of this tower, visitors can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the square as well as the charming beauty of the capital from above.

Check-in at Tiananmen Tower (Photo: @rachelwanling)

Admire the Memorial to the People's Heroes

Located just a 5-minute walk from the center of the square, the Memorial to the People's Heroes not only holds national historical and cultural significance but also symbolizes the honor given to those who have contributed to China's history.

The memorial was initiated in 1952 and primarily made of granite, a highly durable stone that symbolizes national pride and the eternal value of those who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence.

Explore the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong

Located opposite Tiananmen Tower to the south of the square, the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong was constructed in 1977, covering 70,000 square meters. The design blends traditional and modern architecture, reflecting both the grandeur and respect that the Chinese people have for their great leader.

Visitors to the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong are required to leave all personal belongings outside, including: phones, bags, hats, cameras, and other filming or photography devices.

Explore the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong (Photo: @arch_urbanist)

Visit the National Museum of China

One of the largest museums in the world, the National Museum of China spans 190,000 square meters and was opened in 2003. It uniquely combines the history museum with the Chinese Revolutionary Museum.

Here, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the rich historical heritage of China, spanning thousands of years from the ancient era to the modern period, featuring artifacts such as bronze, ceramics, and impressive jade relics.

Visit the National Museum of China (Photo: @insta.beijing)

Stroll through the Zhengyangmen

Zhengyangmen (Qianmen) is part of the old city wall, featuring its signature arch architecture. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Forbidden City, this spot attracts visitors with its panoramic view from the top of the gate, offering a complete perspective of the city.

A walk through Zhengyangmen allows visitors to experience a journey through history, as you pass through the watchtower if you are entering the city from the outskirts.

Witness the grand flag raising and military review

In addition to the must-see spots at Tiananmen Square, taking part in the flag raising ceremony and military review is another fascinating experience. Visitors can witness soldiers marching in full military attire, performing the solemn flag raising and lowering ceremonies, as well as a grand military parade.

Where to stay for convenient access to the square?

Here are five affordable hotels located within 3 kilometers of Tiananmen Square, providing convenient access to the site.

*The hotel prices listed are current as of this moment and may change depending on the season.

Hotels near Tiananmen Square (Photo: @booking)

Famous landmarks near Tiananmen Square

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a monumental feat of human engineering, stretching over 21,000 kilometers in length. By combining a visit to Tiananmen Square with this over 2,500-year-old wonder, travelers can explore the section of the Wall at Badaling, the closest to the square, located approximately 75 km to the northwest.

• Address: Jundushan, Yanqing District, Beijing, China.
• Distance from Tiananmen Square: 75 km.

Combining a visit to Tiananmen Square with the Great Wall of China (Photo: @bbam_s)

The Forbidden City

As the main destination for most visitors to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City is located right behind the square, adjacent to the Meridian Gate. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the distinctive architecture and culture of the mysterious Imperial Palace, which is over 500 years old and one of the greatest historical sites in China. This site is a major highlight for tourists on comprehensive China tours.

• Address: No. 4, Jingshan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
• Distance from Tiananmen Square: 1.4 km.

Visiting the Forbidden City in combination with Tiananmen Square (Photo: @rachelvogttrends)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is renowned for its traditional Chinese garden art, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of not only cultural significance and spiritual nourishment but also as an ancient Chinese architectural masterpiece carefully designed with feng shui principles.

• Address: Haidian, Beijing, China.
• Distance from Tiananmen Square: 22 km.

Hutong Old Streets

The Hutong Old Streets are ancient alleyways built following the traditional Si-He-Yuan layout, featuring courtyard homes enclosed on all four sides with distinctive water wells and garden spaces. Located just under 1 km from Tiananmen Square, visitors can conveniently explore these historic streets and immerse themselves in the ancient China of centuries past.

• Address: Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
• Distance from Tiananmen Square: 650 m.

The Hutong Old Streets near Tiananmen Square (Image: @mielikkim_tong_hoang)

The most useful tips for exploring Tiananmen Square.

Tiananmen Square holds significant historical and political importance in China. Therefore, visitors should keep the following tips in mind when exploring the square:

• Security at the square is strictly monitored. Visitors should carefully read and follow the rules before entering. Dangerous items are prohibited, and pushing or cutting in line may result in being asked to leave.
• June 4th each year is a sensitive time, as people often hold memorial events for the 1989 Democracy Movement. It is best to visit at another time for a safer and more fulfilling experience.
• There are few trees around Tiananmen Square, so if visiting during hot weather, make sure to bring water and other necessary items to stay healthy.
• Wear suitable clothing for the weather to ensure a comfortable visit.
• Tiananmen Square tends to be crowded, so if visiting with children, be sure to keep an eye on them.

Although Beijing is known for its many famous landmarks, Tiananmen Square remains the iconic name that is mentioned when discussing the city. With its distinct architectural beauty and rich historical value, it has become an essential symbol for anyone exploring this ancient capital.

Author: Dung

Image Source: Internet