Visiting Tiananmen Square for the First Time (2025 Guide)

So, you’ve secured your Tiananmen Square tickets (or maybe you’re still trying to figure that part out), and now you’re wondering.. what next?

This blog post is for first-time visitors who want to know how to actually visit Tiananmen Square: where to go, what to see, how long to stay, and all the little things we wish we knew beforehand.

Let’s break it all down so you can explore one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks without getting lost… or stuck in a one-way footpath maze (yep, we’ve been there.. twice 😳).

---

Beijing China Mini Guide

How to travel Beijing, China in bite-sized form to help you plan less and travel more!
Want to watch not read? Check out the China Vlogs here.

Best time to visit

• Peak Tourist Season (July to August)
• Best Time to Travel (Spring or Autumn)

Where to stay

• ($) Shijia Hutong Yecheng Yunju
• ($$) Legendale Hotel Beijing
• ($$$) The Peninsula Beijing

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Great Wall of China
• Forbidden City Entry
• Red Theater Acrobatic Show

More on china

• 8 Apps you NEED for China
• Cheaper Summer Palace Entry
• 7 Best Things To Do in Beijing

*prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and, unless otherwise stated are in USD.

---

---

• 

• 

---

Visiting Tiananmen Square Basics

Opening Time: 5am – 10pm | Entrance Fee: Free

Did you know Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world? Before we went there, I had no idea! And, not only that, but it is one of the most significant landmarks in China, both politically and culturally!

It has been the stage for military parades, national celebrations and major historical events, some of which you may not hear about while you’re there thanks to the Great Firewall of China. 

And the whole thing feels very Chinese, lots of politically charged monuments, tight security, timed entry and, of course, a few logistical quirks thrown in!

Rules, Reminders & Things No One Tells You

Tiananmen Square is not your average sightseeing spot, it’s one of the most tightly controlled public spaces in the world. That doesn’t mean it’s stressful to visit, but it does mean you should know a few things before you show up.

Here’s what to keep in mind for a smooth experience:

1. Bring your passport 🛂
   No passport, no entry. You’ll need the physical copy, not a photo, for both ticket checks and security. 
   
2. Have your reservation ready 📱
   Whether it’s a QR code, screenshot, or booking confirmation, make sure it’s easy to pull up when asked. We saved ours to our camera roll just in case.
   
3. Prepare for serious security checks 🔍
   Think airport-style: bag scans, metal detectors, and the occasional sip test for your water bottle!
   
4. Tripods are surprisingly allowed 📸
   We brought ours in without any issues. Still, keep things low-key and don’t film the guards.
   
5. Patience is key ⏳
   Even with a reservation, entry can take time, especially during busy slots and at the busy gates. 

How Long Do You Need to Visit Tiananmen Square?

• Quick visit (walk + photos): 45 mins – 1 hour
• Mausoleum/Museum included: 2-3 hours
• Visiting the Forbidden City after? Set aside the majority of the day!

When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Tiananmen Square?

You can visit Tiananmen Square all year round, but some months are definitely more comfortable than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in each season:

• 🌸 Spring (March to May)
  Mild temps, blue skies, and flowers blooming? Yes please. This is one of the best times to visit, just expect more tourists around public holidays.
  
• ☀️ Summer (June to August)
  Hot, humid, and crowded. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your patience. It’s doable, but not the most pleasant time to be standing in a wide-open square with no shade.
  
• 🍂 Autumn (September to November) When we went!
  Another ideal window. Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and great photo conditions. We’d aim for this or spring if you have the choice.
  
• ❄️ Winter (December to February)
  Cold, crisp, and very quiet. If you don’t mind bundling up, you’ll enjoy thinner crowds and easier entry, just bring gloves and layers!
  

How to Get to Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is right in the heart of Beijing, so getting there is actually pretty easy, once you know where to go and how to avoid those one-way road traps.

By Subway (Easiest Option):

The trains in Beijing are actually really simple to navigate – check out this blog post for tips how!

• Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations.
• Follow signs to the square (and prepare for a bag check before you enter the plaza itself).
• Good for avoiding road closures and traffic.

By Taxi or DiDi:

• Totally fine, but be careful with your drop off choice, one-way streets are everywhere around here. So, make sure you’re dropped off on the correct side of the road, or you could be walking in circles!

On Foot (what we did!):

• If you’re already exploring nearby, walking to the square is easy.
• You’ll likely pass landmarks, cute buildings and maybe even a dumping shop!

What to Expect at Tiananmen Square

Alright, we’ll get into all the juicy details further down, but before you dive into this blog post like it’s a Beijing buffet (why did I say that, now I’m hungry 🤤), here are the need-to-knows right up front.

Think of this as your quick-fire cheat sheet to set expectations before your feet hit the square:

• It’s massive: Like, bring-a-snack massive. Be ready to clock up some serious steps. 🥾
  You need a reservation to enter: Even though it’s free, you can’t just walk in off the street. 🎟️
• Don’t head for the “main” gate: The gate near the Forbidden City is VERY busy so head to another instead. ❌
• 🚨 Expect airport-style security: Bags scanned, water sipped, maybe even a pat-down. 

Now that you’re mentally prepared, let’s get into the fun stuff – what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where is Tiananmen Square?

Just like a lot of Beijing’s landmarks, Tiananmen Square is located smack dab in the middle of the city making it pretty easy to get to (once you know about the entry points). 

Because this is Beijing it is also surrounded by other top Beijing attractions like the Forbidden City, Mao’s Mausoleum, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People. Basically, if Beijing had a “power corner,” this would be it.

As a visual learner I thought it might be helpful to pop a map in here, if you want to download this map for offline use when you are travelling China – click here.

👉 P.s. Google Maps (apart from this map!) won’t be super accurate when you are travelling in Beijing – check out this blog post to find out what you should do instead!

A Very Brief History of Tiananmen Square

Let’s keep it short and sweet, because while Tiananmen Square has a lot of history, you probably didn’t come here for a full-on lecture.

• 📜 Built way back in the 15th century, during the Ming Dynasty.
• 🚧 Massively expanded in the 1950s under Chairman Mao to create a space for parades, rallies, and political events.
• 🏯 Named after the nearby Tiananmen Gate, which means “Gate of Heavenly Peace” – the one with Mao’s portrait above it.
• 🇨🇳 Became a symbol of Communist power and national pride, especially during the early days of the People’s Republic of China.
• 🕊️ In 1989, it became internationally known as the site of pro-democracy student protests and the government’s controversial military response.
• 🎉 Today, it still hosts major state events, flag-raising ceremonies, and a whole lot of security.

Whether you’re into politics, architecture, or just ticking off bucket list spots, it’s one of those ‘must-visit spots’ in Beijing!

How to Get Tickets (Yes, You Still Need One)

Yep, even though Tiananmen Square is free, you still need a reservation just to enter the area. Think of it less like buying a ticket and more like reserving your spot in a very secure, very famous square.

And if you want to visit attractions inside the square, like Mao’s Mausoleum or the National Museum, you might need separate tickets for those, too (more on that below 😘).

Entry Time Slots

When booking, you’ll choose from four entry time slots:

• Flag Raising: Early morning, just after sunrise: for those iconic ceremony vibes. 🇨🇳
• Morning: 8am to 12pm:  good lighting, smaller crowds if you go early. 🌅
  Afternoon: 12pm to 4om: could be hotter and busier, but doable. 🌞
• Evening: After 4pm: you won’t catch everything open, but the square lights up beautifully. 🌇

If you’re unsure how to book, don’t worry – we’ve covered all your options, from free but fiddly to easy but paid.

How To Get A Tiananmen Square Reservation

There are two main options when reserving your entry to Tiananmen Square:

1. Free (but kinda confusing)
   You can use a WeChat mini-program to register. It’s doable, but not the easiest process for non-Chinese speakers.
   Check out this blog post for a step-by-step guide!
   
2. Paid (but easy)
   If you want to skip the stress, you can book a time slot through GetYourGuide, Viator, or Klook and be done within minutes.

---

How To Get Tiananmen Square Tickets on WeChat

---

Which Gate to Enter Tiananmen Square From?

Ah, Beijing’s one-way footpaths, making even walking feel like you’re in a puzzle game. The goal of this section is to ensure you learn from our mistakes and don’t miss where you are going.. twice 😳

There are a few different entrances, but not all are created equal. And yes, where you enter matters, both for convenience and wait times.

Most popular (aka busiest):

• Near the Forbidden City exit: Convenient but expect LONG lines.

Our favorite:

• South Security Check 04 (East Side): Shorter line, we got in-and-out in 10 minutes both times we passed through. (this is where we got lost and stuck on one-way roads lol).

Other options:

• Tiananmen East or West Subway Station entrances
• North and South side gates
• If you’re catching a DiDi or subway, double check which side of the road you’re on. 

What’s Actually Inside Tiananmen Square?

A lot more than just a big open space. Here’s what you can find inside the square:

• Monument to the People’s Heroes: The giant obelisk in the middle.
• Mao Zedong Mausoleum: Open mornings only. Long lines, and yes, you’ll see Mao himself.
• Great Hall of the People: Home to China’s parliament. Mostly viewed from outside.
• National Museum of China: One of the biggest museums we’ve ever seen.
• Flagpole + Ceremony: Daily flag raising and lowering with full military flair.
• Fun fact: You’ll spot LOTS of CCTV and military presence!

Can You Visit Tiananmen Square Without a Tour?

Yes! We did! If you’re confident using WeChat and navigating on your own, it’s 100% doable.

But if you’re short on time, can’t be bothered with translations, or just want a smoother ride – a guided tour might be your new best friend.

They usually include:

• Entry ticket (booked for you)
• Skip-the-confusion navigation
• Bonus history you wouldn’t get on your own!

Itinerary Add-On: What to Do Nearby

Okay, I did a full blog post on our perfect Beijing Itinerary (check it out here). But here are just a couple of things you could add on to your Tiananmen Square trip:

• Forbidden City (just north – perfect combo, but would be a huge day!)
• Zhengyangmen Gate (south end of the square)
• Qianmen Street for food & shopping
• Jingshan Park (for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City)

FAQ: Visiting Tiananmen Square

Q: Do you need a ticket to enter?
A: Yes, entry is free, but advance booking is required.

Q: Can foreigners visit?
A: Yes, just bring your original passport (not a copy).

Q: Can you take photos?
A: Yes, but no drones and avoid photographing guards/military.

Q: Is Tiananmen Square safe to visit?
A: Absolutely, it’s one of the most secure (and surveilled) places in China.

Q: Can you visit at night?
A: No, official entry is daytime only, though it’s lit up and visible at night.

Q: How far is Tiananmen Square from the Forbidden City?
A: Right next door! The north end of the square leads straight into the Forbidden City via the famous gate with Mao’s portrait.

Final Thoughts: Is Tiananmen Square Worth Visiting?

Tiananmen Square is one of those places that’s both surreal and significant. Even if you’re not a history nerd, the scale of it is mind-blowing!