A Guide to Visiting Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Tiananmen Square, located at the heart of Beijing, is the largest urban city square in the world and a symbol of modern China. Covering 440,000 square meters, it stands on Beijing’s central axis, flanked by iconic landmarks. Here’s a complete travel guide for your visit:

Basic Information
Location: East Chang’an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing (center of the city)
Admission Ticket: Free for the square
Opening Hours: 5:00–22:30 daily (last entry 22:00; closed after 22:30)
Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the flag-raising ceremony
Late afternoon for the flag-lowering ceremony
National Day (Oct 1) for grand floral displays

Must-See Landmarks
Tiananmen Gate Tower (Gate of Heavenly Peace)
The northern entrance with the famous portrait of Mao Zedong
Ticket: ¥15 (adult), ¥5 (students/seniors)
Hours:
Peak (Apr–Oct): 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Off-season (Nov–Mar): 8:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
Closed Mondays (except holidays)
Monument to the People's Heroes
38m-tall granite monument in the square’s center
Free to visit; honor China’s revolutionary martyrs

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong
South end of the square
Hours: 8:00–12:00 (Tue–Sun; closed Mon)
Rules: No bags, cameras, or electronics; dress formally

Great Hall of the People (West)
China’s national legislature building
Used for major ceremonies

National Museum of China (East)
One of the world’s largest museums
Free entry (ID required; book ahead)

Reservation & Entry Rules (2026)
Mandatory Reservation: All visitors must book 1–7 days in advance via the "Tiananmen Square Reservation" WeChat Mini Program.
Time Slots:
Flag-raising (1hr before sunrise–after ceremony)
Morning (after flag–12:00)
Afternoon (12:00–evening)
Flag-lowering (1hr before sunset–closing)
Documents: Bring original ID (passport for foreigners); children need household registration.
No Walk-ins: No on-site ticket sales.
Flag Ceremony Tips
Flag-Raising: Time matches sunrise (≈5:10–5:30 in April).
Arrive 3–4 hours early for a good spot.
Best positions: near Jinshui Bridge or south of the flagpole.
1st/11th/21st: Military band performs live.
Flag-Lowering: Time matches sunset (≈19:00 in April).
Arrive 1 hour early.
West side (Great Hall) for sunset photos.

How to Get There
Subway (Recommended)
Line 1: Tiananmen East (Exit B/C) or Tiananmen West (Exit B)
Line 2: Qianmen (Exit C/D) → 10-min walk north
Bus
Routes: 1, 2, 5, 52, 59, 82, 99, 120, Tour Bus 1/2
Stops: Tiananmen East / Tiananmen West
Driving
Not recommended: No nearby parking; strict traffic limits.
Security & Prohibited Items
Strict security checks; allow extra time.
Forbidden:
Weapons, knives, lighters, flammables
Selfie sticks, tripods, large luggage
Drone, professional cameras (some areas)
Food/drinks (except small water)
Recommended Itinerary
Early Morning (6:00–8:00): Flag-raising → square photos
Morning (8:30–12:00): Tiananmen Gate Tower → Monument → Mausoleum
Afternoon (13:00–17:00): National Museum / Great Hall
Evening: Flag-lowering → night view of Tiananmen Gate
Etiquette & Tips
Dress: Neat, no sleeveless shirts/short shorts (especially at Mausoleum).
Behavior: No loud talking; maintain solemnity.
Photography: Allowed except inside the Mausoleum.
Crowds: Peak at holidays/weekends; book early.
Seasonal:
Summer: Hot/sunny—hat, sunscreen, water.
Winter: Cold—warm clothes.

Nearby Attractions
Forbidden City (north of Tiananmen Gate)
Wangfujing Shopping Street (east)
Qianmen Street (south)
Zhongshan Park / Working People’s Cultural Palace