IDs: Bring valid identity documents because security checks may be carried out when entering the square and some areas.
Time Arrangement: Try to avoid major holidays and peak tourist seasons. If you go during these periods, you need to arrive much earlier.
2. Main Attractions and Features
Tian’anmen
Tian’anmen was the main gate of the imperial city in Beijing during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and a symbol of New China. You can take photos in front of Tian’anmen to remember the moment and appreciate its magnificent architectural style with red walls, yellow tiles, and exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters.
Note that the flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies at Tian’anmen are very important and ceremonial activities. If you plan to watch them, you need to check the flag-raising/flag-lowering time in advance and arrive early (at least 2 3 hours in advance) because there are usually a large number of people watching.
Monument to the People’s Heroes
Located in the center of Tian’anmen Square, it was built to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs in modern Chinese history. You can walk around the monument and pay your respects to the inscription “The People’s Heroes Are Immortal” written by Mao Zedong on the front of the monument and the inscription written by Zhou Enlai on the back, etc., and experience that magnificent period of history.
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
Here you can pay your respects to the remains of Chairman Mao. Pay attention to the opening hours and relevant regulations, such as not being allowed to bring bags, cameras and other items (you can deposit them at the nearby storage area), and maintaining a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
Zhengyangmen
Commonly known as Qianmen, it is one of the “Nine Gates of the Capital” in old Beijing. It integrates Zhengyangmen Gate Tower, Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower and Zhengyangmen Wengcheng, and has high architectural art value. You can climb the tower to visit and learn about the ancient city defense architecture.
3. Tour Route Planning
Classic Route
Enter from the east entrance of Tian’anmen Square. First, visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (if open), then go to the Monument to the People’s Heroes, walk around the monument and then head towards Tian’anmen to enjoy its grandeur. Finally, you can go to Zhengyangmen.
In-depth Route
In the morning, first visit the main attractions according to the classic route. In the afternoon, you can further explore the surrounding areas of the square and visit the National Museum of China (make an appointment in advance), etc. to learn about China’s historical culture and artistic treasures from ancient times to the present.
1. Traditional Beijing Snacks
Quanjude (Qianmen Store)
Signature Dish: Beijing Roast Duck is the most famous. The duck skin is crispy and the meat is tender. It is served with thin pancakes, shredded scallions, cucumber sticks and sweet bean sauce, with a rich and mellow taste.
Address: No. 32, Qianmen Street, relatively close to Tian’anmen Square.
Donglaishun Restaurant (Wangfujing Store)
Signature Dish: The signature dish is instant-boiled mutton. High-quality mutton from Xilingol League in Inner Mongolia is selected. The mutton is fresh and tender, and paired with the special sesame sauce seasoning, it has a unique flavor.
Address: No. 198, Wangfujing Street.
Huguosi Snacks (Huguosi Head Store)
Signature Dish: There are various rich Beijing snacks, such as pea flour cake, ludagunr (a kind of glutinous rice roll), aiwowo (a kind of steamed rice cake), miancha (a kind of flour paste), douzhi (a kind of fermented soybean milk) with fried dough rings, etc. You can taste a variety of special delicacies at one time.
Address: No. 93, Huguosi Street.
2. Other Special Delicacies
Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant (Wangfujing Store)
Signature Dish: In addition to the traditional roast duck, there are also some innovative fusion dishes, and the environment is relatively elegant. Its roast duck is “crispy but not greasy” with a unique flavor.
Address: 5th Floor, Wangfu Century, No. 55, Dong’anmen Street.
Hongbinlou (Zhanlanguan Road Store)
Signature Dish: As an old and famous halal restaurant, its braised oxtail is soft and tender with a rich flavor; the fried lamb tripe with coriander is crispy and fresh with a unique taste.
Address: No. 11, Zhanlanguan Road.
1. Public Transportation
Subway: You can take Metro Line 1 and get off at Tian’anmen East Station or Tian’anmen West Station; or take Metro Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station. Then you can walk to Tian’anmen Square.
Bus: There are multiple bus routes that can reach the vicinity of Tian’anmen Square, such as Route 1, Route 52, Route 5, etc. You can choose according to the actual situation.
2. Self-driving
There are many traffic controls around Tian’anmen Square, so it is not recommended to drive there by yourself. If you need to drive, you can park your car in the designated parking lots around, such as the underground parking lot of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and then walk to the square.
