Tiananmen Square

The world's most famous public square — flag ceremonies, Mao's mausoleum, and the gateway to the Forbidden City. It's free, but since late 2021 you must reserve in advance (passport, WeChat mini-program) and clear airport-style security. Powerful to stand in; allow real time for the lines, and mind the strict rules.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Tiananmen Square free?

The square itself is free, as is Mao's Mausoleum (bring your passport; bags must be checked at a paid deposit across the street). The Tiananmen Gate tower rostrum and the National Museum flanking the square have their own separate free-or-cheap reservations.

What time is the flag-raising ceremony?

At sunrise, so it shifts daily — roughly 4:45am in June, 7:30am in December. Crowds arrive well over an hour early and it's surprisingly packed. The flag-lowering at sunset is the same ritual with a fraction of the audience.

Does my Tiananmen reservation cover the Forbidden City?

No — they're separate bookings, and the Forbidden City's is the harder one to get. But if you hold a Forbidden City ticket, you can generally pass through the square's security corridor to reach the Meridian Gate without a separate square reservation. Verify current rules when you book.

Can I visit Mao's Mausoleum?

Yes, typically Tuesday-Sunday mornings only (roughly 8am-noon), free with your passport. No bags, cameras, or phones inside — use the bag deposit east of the square. The queue moves fast because you file past without stopping. Dress respectfully.

What can't I bring into Tiananmen Square?

Drones, banners, and anything security deems political are out; large bags slow you down at screening. Expect passport checks at entry corridors. This is the most heavily policed space in China — follow instructions and photography of security procedures is unwise.

How big is Tiananmen Square actually?

About 440,000 square meters — one of the largest city squares on earth, holding the Monument to the People's Heroes, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum around its edges. Walking it end to end takes a solid 15 minutes.

Is it worth going at night?

The square usually closes to entry in the evening after flag-lowering, but the view of the illuminated Tiananmen Gate from the north sidewalk of Chang'an Avenue doesn't require square entry and is genuinely beautiful.

Do I really need a reservation just to enter Tiananmen Square?

Yes — since 2021, entry requires an advance real-name booking, done via a WeChat mini-program with your passport details, typically 1-7 days ahead. There are no walk-ups. Many foreign visitors use their hotel or a booking service to handle it, since the mini-program is Chinese-only.

Nearby in Ask Beijing

• National Museum of ChinaMuseum0.45 km · 6 min walk
• Beijing Etiquette, Tipping and Scams to SkipAttraction0.53 km · 7 min walk
• Dashilar and QianmenNeighborhood0.71 km · 9 min walk
• Zhongshan ParkPark0.84 km · 10 min walk
• Quan Ju De (Qianmen Branch)Restaurant1 km · 12 min walk