Tiananmen Square

Visiting Tian’anmen Square is one of those moments where you truly feel the weight of history. As one of the largest public squares in the world, the sheer scale alone is awe-inspiring. Standing in the middle of the vast open space, surrounded by monumental landmarks like the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the iconic Tian’anmen Gate, you immediately sense the importance this place holds in China’s cultural and political identity. The square is meticulously maintained — clean, orderly, and beautifully structured. Crowds are expected, but the space is so expansive that it rarely feels overwhelming. Security is tight but efficient, giving you a sense of safety while you explore. If you visit in the morning or late afternoon, the lighting is perfect for photos, and you can capture some truly iconic shots with the towering flagpole or Tian’anmen Gate behind you. Being here also gives you a deeper appreciation of China’s modern history, especially when you see the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the patriotic atmosphere surrounding the flag-raising ceremonies. It’s a place where the past and present stand side by side. Whether you come for the architecture, the history, or simply to experience one of the most symbolic places in China, Tian’anmen Square is a must-visit landmark in Beijing.

The square itself is huge and impressive, perfectly clean and well-guarded. The sight of the Tiananmen Gate with Chairman Mao’s portrait overlooking the square is iconic — it’s something you’ve seen in photos, but seeing it in real life feels powerful. Early in the morning, the flag-raising ceremony is especially moving and shows the pride of the Chinese nation. However, the atmosphere can feel a bit strict and heavily secured, with checkpoints and guards everywhere, which reminds you how politically important the place is. Despite that, it’s very well-organized and safe for tourists. Visiting Tiananmen Square gives you a real sense of China’s modern history, patriotism, and discipline. It’s not a place full of entertainment or shops, but a place to observe, reflect, and understand the country’s journey.

One of the most iconic spots in the world. The lines to get in a mental. There were at least 10,000 people lining up to get in - all of whom also had a booking. It was a three hour wait to get in. I cannot stress how much better it would have been to get there early. All the pics in this review are from a normal Thursday. The police do very invasive searches including looking down your pants and groping you. They also pull everything out of any bags you have. The square itself is wonderful with plenty of great photo ops. You can get better photos of the Mao portrait on the other side of the northern road.

Visiting Tiananmen Square is an absolute must for anyone traveling to Beijing. The sheer scale and magnitude of the square are breathtaking and truly overwhelming in person. It serves as the historic and political heart of China, making the experience deeply impactful. The square is impeccably maintained, and the surrounding structures—like the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum—are monumental, highlighting the country's rich history. Be sure to arrive early, as security checks can take time! The large crowds are amazing. and for the best experience, visit around sunrise or sunset to witness the flag-raising or flag-lowering ceremony. Allow plenty of time to walk the entire perimeter and appreciate the solemnity and grandeur of the location.

The name of this world-famous square derives from Tiananmen (Tiananmen Gate), the gate that, from 1417 onwards, provided access to the Imperial City, the district where the Forbidden City had stood since the 15th century. Tiananmen Square itself, however, was not constructed until 1651 (234 years later!); in the 1950s, the square was expanded (fourfold) and now measures 765 × 282 meters (215,730 m²). In and around the square are some of China's most important monuments (including Mao Zedong's Mausoleum, the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, and, of course, Tiananmen Gate). The square has also witnessed several important milestones in Chinese history, such as the proclamation of the People's Republic and various parades and protests (the most famous of which was the June Protest in 1989). During/after your visit, sit down somewhere and just watch what's happening in this iconic square.

Honestly, Tiananmen Square wasn’t anything particularly special for me. It’s a huge open space, but there isn’t much to actually do once you’re there. What really stood out was the amount of security—a lot of security checks. It felt like too much, and it definitely took away from the experience. If you’re nearby, it might be worth a quick look, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again.

Visited on the Oct 1st holiday — the square was very crowded but absolutely impressive. Its massive size, vibrant decorations and colorful flower displays made the visit unforgettable. A must-see landmark in Beijing!

Tickets are free but reservations are required. Behold President Mao. The night view is better than the day. There are also musical fountain show which starts around 8pm.