How to Enter Tiananmen Square & Visitor Precautions

Tiananmen Square is free of charge, but advance reservation is mandatory for entry. No on-site walk-in tickets are available. Below is the complete entry process, transportation, security rules and visiting tips updated for 2026.

1. Mandatory Reservation Rules (Most Important)
Reservation Channel
All visitors must book via the official WeChat Mini Program: Tiananmen Square Visit Reservation (no third-party platforms are valid).
Booking period: Reserve 1 to 7 days in advance; new slots are released at 12:00 daily.
No same-day booking: You cannot register on the day you visit.
Four time slots to choose:
Flag-raising (1 hour before sunrise to end of ceremony)
Morning (after flag-raising to 12:00)
Afternoon (12:00 to sunset)
Flag-lowering (1 hour before sunset to closing)
ID requirement: Bring your original passport/ID card for verification; foreigners use passports.
2. Entry Process & Access Routes
Step-by-step entry procedure
Show your reserved ID/passport at the security checkpoint
Go through luggage X-ray scan and manual security check
Enter the square through designated east/west security gates
Access Gates
Daily visitors: Tiananmen East Security Gate and Tiananmen West Security Gate
Tour groups: Enter via southeast or southwest group passages
Entry direction: One-way flow from south to north; you cannot cut back freely inside the square
Transportation (How to Get There)
Subway (Highly Recommended)
Line 1: Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station
Line 2: Qianmen Station, then walk north for 10 minutes
Bus: Routes 1, 2, 5, 52, 59, 82 stop at Tiananmen East / West
Driving: Not allowed. No public parking nearby; strict traffic control around the square.
3. Strict Prohibited Items (Security Check List)
All below items will be confiscated and you will be denied entry:
Dangerous goods: Knives, scissors, lighters, inflammable sprays, explosives
Electronic devices: Drones, kites, large tripods, selfie sticks
Luggage: Large suitcases (over 24 inches), big backpacks
Others: Leaflets, flyers, outside food, drinks (small bottled water is allowed)
4. Visiting Etiquette & Important Precautions
Dress Code
Wear neat and decent clothes; no sleeveless tops, short shorts, revealing outfits
Keep solemn, especially near the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
Behavioral Rules
No loud talking, running, playing ball, skating or sitting on railings
Do not litter, spit, damage public facilities or carve on stone relics
Do not walk on the lawn and flower beds
Photography Rules
Outdoor photography is allowed in most areas of the square
No photography inside Chairman Mao Memorial Hall; cameras and phones must be stored before entry
Opening Hours
Daily: 05:00 – 22:30; last entry at 22:00
Closed temporarily during flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies for crowd control
Extra Tips
Arrive 30 minutes earlier to avoid long security queues
Keep your ID/passport with you at all times for repeated checks
Holiday crowds are extremely heavy; book your slot as early as possible
Free entry does not mean free access—reservation is still required