• Tiananmen Square

• Name in Chinese characters: 天安门广场
• Name in Pinyin: Tiān'ānmén Guǎngchǎng

• General Overview

  Tiananmen Square sits due south of the Forbidden City. Originally, there was a succession of gates allowing the Emperor an uninterrupted view from his throne down this important Meridian Line and, by implication, command and control over the whole kingdom. The square was much smaller in those days and of less significance.

  For many foreigners, Tiananmen Square is a site associated with the sad events of 1989. Even these are rarely understood in the context of Chinese history and so it is worth going back to the events at the end of World War I to get a better perspective.

  A Bit of History

  Back in 1919 students and local residents protested in Tiananmen Square for the first such mass demonstration. They were disgusted by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles which gave concession areas belonging to the defeated Germans to the Japanese rather than back to China. This event is often referred to as the May 4th Movement.

  The next major demonstration was in 1935 and also became known better by the date of the event - the December 9th Movement. The protest was also anti-Japanese, this time a protest against the Kuomintang's policy of non-resistance to the increasing incursions.

  In 1976, Tiananmen Square was the focus, of commemorations for the recently deceased Zhou Enlai, a much respected figure from the political leadership. Some say the demonstrations were also against the 'Gang of Four' - Chairman Mao's wife and cohorts - and their increasing control/corruption at the top levels.

  The events in 1989 were ostensibly pro-democracy but did not, as many westerners believe, only occur on the one day. Demonstrations had been taking place for weeks - they just culminated in the army involvement. There are different explanations as to why the governemnt chose this course of action.

  Celebrations

  October 1, 2009 marked 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

  Attractions For Visitors

  The extent of Tiananmen Square is hard to convey. Those arriving at the Qianmen metro stop at the south side of the square will find themselves with a good twenty minute walk to reach the Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West stations at the north end, and that is without stopping for sites along the way. Even then, that is only about half way to the entrance to the Forbidden City.

  It would take a full day, at least, to see all of the sites in and around Tiananmen Square. Few visitors spend more than half that time and need to walk past many very significant features.

  It is well worth returning to the Tiananmen Square area after dark. The square itself is out-of-bounds after dark but the streets around are still popular with locals and always seem to have something of a carnival atmosphere.

  Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace)

  This gate, at the north end of Tiananmen Square, has become a symbol of the People's Republic of China. A large picture of Chairman Mao hangs down the red stone walls right over the five arches, accessed by five marble bridges. A wooden roof looms over the top. The rostrum is open to the public and a fun distraction for those who would like to look across and down to the many features of Tiananmen Square and to get some idea of the view that Chairman Mao had when declaring the founding of the People's Republic of China back in 1949.

  Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

  On his death, Chairman Mao was not buried (as he had requested) but preserved in a crystal coffin. This is on public display and many thousands of visitors troop through the imposing building every day to pay their respects. The queue oftens extends around two or three sides of the square and it may take 30-60 minutes to gain entry. There is no charge.

  Please note: strict security measures require that no bags be taken into the hall. You can deposit these at a booth on the east side of the square.

  Monument to the People's Heroes

  The Monument to the People's Heroes was built in memory of those, often anonymous, citizens who laid down their lives during the struggle against the Imperial society, especially those during the 100 years leading up to the founding of the People's Republic. The 38 metre high monument features many scenes including those depicting events during the Opium War, the Taiping Revolution, and the War of Resistance Against Japan.

  Great Hall of the People

  The Great Hall of the People has an auditorium that can hold 10 000 delegates for events such as the National People's Congress, a sign of the democratic procedures within China, and a banquet hall that can seat 5 000. Visitors are permitted except when official events are in session.

  China National Museum

  The China National Museum officially opened in 2003 as a merger between the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. The museum therefore now encompasses the entire period of Chinese civilization. Many of the finest pieces from across China are on display here, and there are regular special exhibitions to celebrate particular periods or events.

  Qianmen (Front Gate)

  The South-facing or Front Gate is one of the few remaining gates of the old Beijing City Wall. This was the main access point for the Emperor heading to the Temple of Heaven for ceremonial occasions, with only the most important officials allowed to use it. Funeral processions were forbidden to pass. The gate is open to the public with displays on the history of this gate and of the other gates of old Beijing.

  Zhongshan Park

  Zhongshan Park is sandwiched between Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In Imperial times it was the location of the Altar of Earth (and Harvests) but in 1914 it was renamed in memory of Dr Sun Yat Sen (Sun Zhongshan in pinyin), one of the leading figures in the democratic revolution.

  The National Flag-raising Ceremony

  Many domestic visitors to Beijing attend the Flag-raising Ceremony which takes place at dawn every day. If you are interested in attending you can find the exact times of sunrise and sunset posted next to the flagpole.

  
  
  
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• Current Comments

  2 comments so far (post your own)

  Sybil
  
  Thank you for confirming. We reckon it counts as a special experience especially as you get to see Beijing waking up

  Posted by China Journeys on Tue 1 May, 2012

  Rising early in the morning to see the flag-raising ceremony was hugely rewarding and memorable.Highly recommended.

  Posted by SybilR on Tue 1 May, 2012

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