Tiananmen Square
is special

It is the world's largest urban square used for public gatherings. A half million people can comfortably stand in it. Tiananmen Square also has structures of ancient and recent historical note.

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Tiananmen Square
tips & insights

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Function

The square has been used for many prominent ceremonies, parades and protests. It is also a popular spot for kite flying, family strolling and tourist sightseeing.

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Size

The square measures 880 by 500 meters (one half mile by one third mile). Much of that area was populated with governmental administrative offices until they were cleared in the mid 20th century.

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Name

Tiananmen translates as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, referring to the square's most prominent building, the large red colored entrance tower (see photo) that leads into the Forbidden City. 

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Historic rostrum

In 1949. from the high rostrum of the Gate of Heavenly Peace entrance tower, Mao Zedong proclaimed the China People's Republic to the multitude standing in Tiananmen Square. Many other Chinese leaders have viewed May Day and International Labor Day parades from that perch.

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Also significant

These buildings rim Tiananmen Square:

Mao Zedong Memorial Hall
The embalmed body of Mao is on public display. Each year millions of Chinese citizens line up to view it.

Great Hall of the People
It houses a 10,000 seat auditorium and a 5,000 seat banquet hall.

China National Museum
Has relics dating back 2.5 million years. Also has exhibits on the Chinese Revolution.

Monument to People's Heroes
Situated near the middle of the square.

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Flag ceremonies

Try to catch the early morning flag raising and late afternoon flag lowering ceremonies conducted by precision marching guards. Bring your video camera.

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Pronunciation guide

Tiananmen:   tee'ah-nahn-mehn

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