Tian’anmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the main entrance of the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Beijing, built in the 15th year of Emperor Yongle’s reign (1417) during the Ming Dynasty. The original name was Chengtian Gate, which means the gate was constructed under the blessing of Heaven and gods. Designer of it is named Kuai Xiang, an imperial architect of the Ming Dynasty. In the 8th year of Emperor Shunzhi’s reign (1651) during the Qing Dynasty, the name was changed to Tiananmen Square.

Tiananmen Square is the center of Beijing, and also the world's largest city center square. Tiananmen Square begins from Tiananmen in the north, and ends at the Great Hall of the People in the west. It is 880 meters long and 500 meters wide, covers an area of 440,000 square meters, and can accommodate 100 million visitors at one time. In the center of Tiananmen Square are the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the solemn the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Located on the west side of it is the Great Hall of the People, and located in the south are the Zhengyangmen Archway and Qianmen Tower, which were built in the 14th century. On both sides of the square are the Working People’s Cultural Palace and Zhongshan Park. Tiananmen Square is neat, symmetrical, and magnificent, and is a stunning scenic spot in Beijing.

Useful information

Best travel time: All year

Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West.