Tiananmen Square

Explore the Historic Heart of Tiananmen Square

Beijing, with its layers of imperial history and modern development, is home to some of the world's most significant landmarks, and none symbolises the city's heritage more than Tiananmen Square. Located at the centre of the capital, this expansive square has been the stage for many pivotal events in Chinese history and remains one of the most visited public spaces in the world.

Walking across Tiananmen Square gives you a striking perspective of its scale, framed by monumental architecture on all sides. The Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Monument to the People's Heroes all surround the square, while the Gate of Heavenly Peace marks its northern edge. When planning your day, checking the official Tiananmen Square opening hours allows you to experience the daily flag-raising ceremony at sunrise, one of the most symbolic traditions held here.

A visit to Tiananmen Square is more than an architectural or historical excursion; it is an immersion into the cultural and political identity of China, and by arranging your Tiananmen Square tickets in advance for nearby attractions such as the museums, you ensure a seamless journey through one of Beijing's most defining landmarks.

Tiananmen Square Details

• Location Info: Tiananmen Square lies in the centre of Beijing, directly south of the Forbidden City and it is surrounded by notable landmarks such as the Great Hall of the People on the west, the National Museum of China on the east, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong at its southern edge.
• Entry Fee: Access to the square itself is free, making it one of the most accessible landmarks in the city. However, nearby attractions like the National Museum of China or the Mausoleum may require separate Tiananmen Square tickets. The Tiananmen Square entry fee for these attractions starts from INR 500 to INR 1,500, depending on the site.
• Timings: The square is open daily, with security checks beginning early in the morning. Key attractions around the site usually follow standard timings, often from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arriving early allows you to witness the flag-raising ceremony, which is one of the most moving traditions linked to the site.
• Duration: A typical visit lasts 2 to 3 hours, giving you time to walk across the square and visit major monuments. If you plan to include the National Museum of China or the Great Hall of the People, you should set aside at least half a day.
• Highlights:
  • The Monument to the People's Heroes at the centre of the square.
  • The Gate of Heavenly Peace, which connects directly to the Forbidden City.
  • The Great Hall of the People is used for official government functions.
  • The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is an important site for local visitors.
• Things to Do
  • Attend the flag-raising or lowering ceremony at sunrise or sunset.
  • Visit the National Museum of China to explore centuries of cultural heritage.
  • Capture photographs with the Gate of Heavenly Peace as your backdrop.
  • Explore the Great Hall of the People to see its grand interiors, if open to visitors.
• How to Get Around: The easiest way to reach Tiananmen Square is by metro, with Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West stations located on Line 1. Buses and taxis also stop nearby, though traffic around the area can be heavy. Once you arrive, walking is the only way to explore the square, as pedestrian routes connect the major monuments and viewing areas.

Fun Facts About Tiananmen Square

• Best Time to Visit: The most rewarding time to visit Tiananmen Square is early in the morning, especially at sunrise when the national flag is raised. The cooler months between September and November or March and May provide pleasant weather, making your time at the square more comfortable. Be mindful of the official Tiananmen Square opening hours to plan your entry and ensure you do not miss key moments such as the flag ceremony.
• Seasonal Recommendations: Winter brings crisp air and fewer crowds, creating a quieter atmosphere around the square and nearby landmarks like the Monument to the People's Heroes. During public holidays, particularly National Day in October, the area is decorated with floral arrangements and banners, giving you a rare glimpse of the site in full ceremonial grandeur.
• What to Bring: Carry valid identification, as security checks are strict at the entrance. Comfortable footwear is essential since you will spend time walking across one of the largest city squares in the world. A water bottle and a light jacket in cooler months will keep you comfortable during your exploration.
• Photo Spots: Capture wide-angle shots of the entire expanse from the southern entrance, or frame the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the north. The Monument to the People's Heroes at the centre also provides a striking backdrop. For unique views, position yourself near the National Museum of China, which offers balanced perspectives of the square's symmetry.
• Kid-friendly or Accessible Choices: The square itself is flat and open, making it suitable for families with children and visitors requiring mobility assistance. Attractions such as the National Museum of China also offer accessible facilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
• Package Tours: You can opt for general sightseeing packages that combine Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven in a single day. Many cultural itineraries also include stops at the Great Wall, allowing you to pair urban history with scenic landscapes. Entry to surrounding attractions often requires separate Tiananmen Square tickets, so factoring this into your plan helps you design a complete day in Beijing.

Suggested Itinerary for Tiananmen Square

• Morning: Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, arriving early to witness the ceremonial flag-raising at sunrise. This quiet hour lets you take in the square's vastness without large crowds. After exploring the Monument to the People's Heroes and admiring the Gate of Heavenly Peace, continue to the National Museum of China, where your Tiananmen Square tickets may include access to temporary exhibitions showcasing the country's cultural heritage.
• Afternoon: Pause for lunch in the Qianmen area, just south of the square, where you can try authentic Beijing dishes such as Peking duck or traditional dumplings. In the afternoon, walk across to the Great Hall of the People, often open for public tours when not in official use, and then head to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, another important site located within the square's boundaries.
• Evening: Conclude your visit by watching the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset, which mirrors the morning ritual with equal dignity. As evening sets in, stroll along Wangfujing Street, a short distance from Tiananmen Square, where you can explore lively night markets and sample local street food ranging from candied fruits to savoury skewers.

Beijing Itinerary

• If You Only Have One Day: Begin with Tiananmen Square, arriving early in line with the official Tiananmen Square opening hours to experience the flag-raising ceremony. Continue north to the Forbidden City, where you can explore its palaces and courtyards. In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Heaven to admire its Ming-era architecture, and conclude your day at the Summer Palace with a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
• Must-Sees for First-Time Visitors: The monumental scale of Tiananmen Square and the Gate of Heavenly Peace provides an essential introduction to Beijing's cultural identity. Add the Great Wall of China at Badaling or Mutianyu for a striking contrast of city and countryside. Within the city, the Lama Temple and the hutong alleyways around Shichahai give you an authentic view of local life, complementing the heritage of the square.
• Best for Families/Couples/Adventure Lovers: Families will appreciate the accessibility of the square itself, as well as nearby sites like the National Museum of China, which offer interactive exhibitions. Couples may enjoy an evening stroll along Wangfujing Street after a visit to the square, combining sightseeing with local dining experiences. Adventure lovers can balance the historic setting of the square with a day trip to the Great Wall or explore the intricate halls of the Forbidden City. Knowing the Tiananmen Square entry fee for surrounding museums helps you plan a well-rounded experience without missing key highlights.

How to Book a Trip to Tiananmen Square

Booking your visit to Tiananmen Square on MakeMyTrip is a straightforward process that ensures you can enjoy a seamless experience. While access to the square itself is free, surrounding attractions such as the National Museum of China or the Mausoleum may require separate Tiananmen Square tickets. Here is how you can confirm your plans in advance:

• Select the Date: Choose the date on which you wish to explore Tiananmen Square, keeping in mind the daily flag-raising ceremony and official schedules.
• Choose Pricing: Review the pricing for attractions around the square and the Tiananmen Square entry fee varies depending on the site, generally starting from INR 500 to INR 1,500.
• Click on the Continue Button: Proceed to the next step once your selection has been made.
• Select Traveller Number: Adults: Indicate the number of adult travellers. Children: Specify the number of child travellers, if applicable.
• Click on the Time Slot (if applicable/available): Certain museums and halls have limited admission times, so select a suitable slot to match your itinerary.
• Click on Continue: Move forward to the traveller details page.
• Add Traveller Details: Enter the required information, such as name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and other relevant details.
• Add PAN Details: Provide your PAN card information to complete verification.
• Click on Pay Now: Proceed to the payment page.
• Complete Payment: Choose from the available payment modes and finalise your booking. This ensures your entry to associated attractions is confirmed, giving you the freedom to plan your day around Tiananmen Square with confidence.