DK Travel : Beijing : Tian’an Men Square

Tian’an Men Square

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Tian’an Men Guangchang (the Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace) is not one of the world’s most attractive public plazas. It also has unfortunate associations with death, in the physical form of Mao’s Mausoleum and in the memories of the bloody climax of 1989’s pro-democracy demonstrations. But it has witnessed triumphant events too, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and it remains central to modern life in Beijing, surrounded by important national institutions and filled daily with visitors and kite flyers.
For a look at the Tian’an Men area as it used to be, visit the Imperial City Museum

Top 10 Features

1. Tian’an Men

1. Tian’an Men

Mao proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949 from this massive Ming-dynasty gate, where his huge portrait still hangs. The way to the Forbidden City is through here.
2. China National Museum

2. China National Museum

This brutal 1959 building on the eastern side of the square combines the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Revolution. Exhibits include stunning Chinese artistic masterpieces, as well as less impressive pieces of propaganda.
3. Mao’s Mausoleum

3. Mao’s Mausoleum

In an imposing hall at the center of the square lies the embalmed body of Mao, who died in 1976. Encased in a crystal casket and draped in a red flag, he is raised from his refrigerated chamber for twice-daily public viewings.
4. Great Hall of the People

A monolithic structure dominating the western side of the square, the Great Hall is the seat of the Chinese legislature. The vast auditorium and banqueting halls are open for part of every day except when the People’s Congress is in session.
5. Monument to the Heroes

5. Monument to the Heroes

Erected in 1958, the granite monument is decorated with bas-reliefs of episodes from the nation’s revolutionary history and calligraphy from Communist veterans Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
6. Qian Men

The “Front Gate”, also known as Zhengyang Men (“Sun-facing Gate”), was constructed during the Ming dynasty and was the largest of the nine gates of the inner city wall. It now houses a city history museum.
7. Arrow Tower

7. Arrow Tower

With the Qian Men, the Arrow Gate formed part of a great double gate. The walls that once flanked the gate were demolished in the 20th century.
8. National Flag

At the northern end of the square is a towering pole, from which flies the Chinese flag; a troop of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers raises the flag each day at dawn and lowers it again at sunset.
9. Qian Men Old Railway Station

The stripy building on the square’s southeast corner is a British-built railway station. It now houses shops, an internet café, a branch of McDonald’s, and a theater where performances of Beijing Opera take place.
10. Bicycles

10. Bicycles

Although car owner-ship in Beijing continues to rise dramatically, for the moment at least the bicycle remains the quintessentially Chinese way of getting around. Cyclists still crowd the wide avenues that ring Tian’an Men Square.

Practical Information

Cafés and restaurants ring the square, but there are better places a short walk south of Qian Men. Mao’s Mausoleum is best visited in the morning to avoid the afternoon queues. Tian’an Men Square Subway: Tian’an Men Xi, Tian’an Men Dong, or Qian Men China National Museum 6512 8901 Open: Jul, Aug 8am–6pm daily. Sep–Jun 9am–4pm daily. Last admission 1 hr before closing. Admission: ¥30 Mao’s Mausoleum 6513 227 Open 8am–11.30am Tue–Sun Free Qian Men 6522 938 Open 8:30am–4pm daily. Admission: ¥20 Tian’an Men 6524 332 Open 8:30am–4:30pm daily. Admission: ¥10