Tiananmen Square is a must-see if you find yourself in Beijing. It’s one of the largest public squares in the world and a site rich in history, making it a fascinating place to explore, especially in light of everything that has happened there over the years.
The square is surrounded by important landmarks, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, each offering insight into China’s modern history and political life. Its vast open space provides a striking contrast to the bustling streets of the city, giving visitors a sense of scale and perspective.
It’s worth setting aside a few hours for exploring Tiananmen Square and the surrounding attractions, as there is plenty to see and take in. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing a central part of Beijing, a visit to Tiananmen Square is an essential part of understanding the city and its significance.
Trip Date
June 2011
Where we stayed
Nine Dragons Hose, 78 Dongsi Jiutiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing
What we saw and did


Me and Chairman Mao.

Military personal patrol the square so be on your best behaviour and don’t get too offended if you get stared at when taking pictures, especially if you are a Westerner.

Trying to perfect the ‘Tory Power Stance’ in Tiananmen Square (you may not get that 🙂

It’s a great place to sit and people watch.

I don’t think we saw any blue sky the whole time we were in Beijing.