Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Plaza / Square
Tiananmen Square, or Tiananmen Guangchang, has always been not so much a square as a symbol. Mao built it to flaunt the epic scale of the Communist project. After the 1989 pro-democracy rallies that ended up in the massacre of protesters in the streets leading away from the square, it's impossible to stand in this vast space without thinking of its bleak history. And yet, it can be a bright, bustling sort of place, full of kids flying kites.
The scale really is extraordinary - this is the largest square in the world, able to fit 300,000 people (when Mao died, a million people crammed in here for a last farewell to their leader). Acres of paving stones stretch away in every direction. The square is bounded by the Museums of Chinese History and Chinese Revolution, the Great Hall of the People, and the Chairman Mao Mausoleum.
In the center of the square, soaring 38 metres (125 feet) into the sky, is Monument to the People's Heroes, a granite obelisk erected in 1958. Other than checking out this monument and maybe taking a peek at the embalmed body of Chairman Mao, there's not a great deal to do here besides people-watch. Folk come from all over China to have their photo taken in this square, so there's a lot going on.
Latest Reviews
Review by Bandit, USA, May 2012
Doing what: Imperial Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park with Lunch
Review by Bandit, USA, May 2012
Doing what: 4-Day Private Tour of Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Peking Duck Dinner
Review by Gordon B, March 2012
Doing what: Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
My tour with Mr. Jimmy Li was an excellent 1 day tour. I appreciate that I was able to visit all three venues the same day-Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the Great Wall. There were five other persons on this tour and it was a good group. Mr Li did a great lecture on each venue as well as answering questions. Our Chinese lunch was delicious and the jade and silk demonstrations were good. I would highly recommend this tour if you have only 1 day to spend in Beijing. The time at the Great Wall was adaquate as was the other venues. The transportation and driver was good as well. Thanks for the good communications on the meeting place and pick up time. Arrived back at my hotel on time.
Practical Info
Take the underground rail to Tiananmen Dong, Tiananmen Xi (line 1) or Qianmen (line 2). There are also numerous buses that go to the square.
