A square of extraordinary proportions
Tiananmen Square, also known as the Square of Heavenly Peace, in Beijing is filled with superlatives. This vast 880-metre-long and 500-metre-wide square can hold a million people and is the 4th largest square in the world. The Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Tiananmen Gate, provides access to the Forbidden City. Above the entrance hangs a portrait of Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China.
Museum of the revolution
Behind an enormous colonnade on the eastern side of the square is the Museum of Chinese History and Revolution, also known as the National Museum of China. Almost as big as the Parliament building on the other side, this structure was built in 1959 in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Republic. A visit to the museum takes you through large halls filled with many objects from different dynasties and pictures of all the revolutions and protests.
A square full of attractions
Tiananmen Square boasts unprecedented proportions. From the balcony of the gate – one of the 6 gates to the Forbidden City – Mao and other Chinese leaders would address the people with their speeches. In the middle of the square stands a 70-ton granite column, the Monument to the People's Heroes, commemorating the soldiers and civilians who died in various revolutionary wars. Another noteworthy building is the Parliament. Also vying for your attention are the huge Communist buildings that were added to the square in the 1950s – and the large video screens with advertising that were placed here in recent years. Every day, from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm, visitors and locals are welcome to walk around and tour the impressive sights on and around the square. The visit to the square and Mao’s mausoleum are free, access to the Gate of Heavenly Peace costs about 1.5 euros (15 yuan).
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