Tiananmen Square is the symbolic heart of modern China and one of the largest city squares in the world. It stretches south from Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, whose famous portrait of Mao Zedong looks out over Chang’an Avenue, and it is framed by the monumental buildings of the People’s Republic: the Great Hall of the People to the west, the National Museum of China to the east, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in the middle. For most visitors it is the natural first stop before entering the Forbidden City, and the flag-raising ceremony at dawn, performed by an honour guard, draws large crowds of Chinese visitors. Entry is free, but access is tightly managed, with security checks and a compulsory reservation system. This page links to the official Beijing government notice on reserving a visit, issued for the Tian’anmen Square Management Committee.
How to visit: all visitors must reserve a free, real-name visit through the Tian’anmen Square Visit Reservation Service Platform, which includes an official WeChat mini program. Reservations open one to seven days ahead, and new dates are released every day at 12:00 noon. Foreign visitors book with their passport and must carry the same passport for the check at the entrance, along with their reservation. The flag-raising ceremony needs a separate reservation, and visitors without one are not admitted to it. Many Forbidden City tours book the square for you, which is the easiest route if WeChat is new to you. Enter at your assigned time and at the designated entrance, and expect airport-style security.
What to expect: the square is vast, open and exposed, with very little shade or shelter, and it can close temporarily for official events. Bags are screened, so carry little.
Making the most of it: plan your visit for the same morning as the Forbidden City, crossing the square from south to north and passing under the Gate of Heavenly Peace towards the Meridian Gate. Cancel your reservation promptly if your plans change.
What to expect
The experience
A walk across a vast, security-controlled public square, past the Monument to the People’s Heroes towards the Gate of Heavenly Peace and the Forbidden City.
Best time
Early morning on the same day as your Forbidden City visit, or at dawn for the flag-raising ceremony if you have reserved it.
How long
About an hour, more if you attend the flag-raising or queue for the Mao Memorial Hall.
Tips
Reserve one to seven days ahead after the noon release, carry the passport you booked with, bring as little as possible, and cancel if your plans change.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see the political heart of modern China on the way into the Forbidden City.
- Families
- Free and open, but very exposed and busy; keep children close in the crowds and through security.
- Couples
- The dawn flag-raising, shared with thousands of Chinese visitors, is a memorable way to start a Beijing day.
- Pair with
- The Forbidden City, directly to the north through the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Do I need a reservation to visit Tiananmen Square?+
Yes, every visitor needs a free, real-name reservation, made one to seven days ahead through the official reservation platform or its WeChat mini program. New dates open daily at 12:00 noon.
Is Tiananmen Square free?+
Yes, entry to the square is free. You still need the reservation and must pass a security check with your passport.
How do I see the flag-raising ceremony?+
The flag-raising ceremony at dawn needs its own reservation, and visitors without one are not admitted. Book it as soon as your date opens, and arrive early for security.
Can foreigners book Tiananmen Square?+
Yes, foreign visitors book with their passport details and show the same passport at the entrance. Many Forbidden City tours include the square reservation if you would rather not use WeChat.
Can Tiananmen Square close?+
Yes, the square can close temporarily for official events and major occasions. Check your reservation the day before and keep a flexible plan.
