VIBE

The largest public square in the world (rumor has it that it can hold over one million people), Tiananmen’s seemingly endless expanse of gray stone is overwhelmingly humongous–even the massive government buildings surrounding it do nothing to dwarf its mind-boggling size. Many of the most crucial political events in 20th century China took place here, ranging from the May 5th student uprising in 1919 and Mao’s declaration of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, to Red Guard rallies during the Cultural Revolution and the pro-democracy movement of 1989. Despite its association in the West with the violent repression of the 1989 protests, domestic tourists view it more as a national monument along the lines of Washington DC’s mall. Monuments around the square include the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (where Mao himself is entombed in a glass coffin), Tiananmen Gate (the south entrance to the Forbidden City, with Mao’s picture hung smack dab in the center), Qianmen Gate (a Ming Dynasty guard tower offering great views of the surrounding area), the Great Hall of the People (where the National Assembly meets), and the ultra-patriotic Monument to the People's Heroes.

GO HERE WITH

A friend; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

The political and historical significance of the square is undeniable. A must-see if you want to connect with China’s contemporary history.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The packs of plainclothes police officers and telephone poles bristling with security cameras are disconcerting.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is open Tuesday-Sunday, 6:00am-12:00pm. If you’re planning to visit, get there early–the line starts forming from about 5:00am, and no matter how long you’ve waited, if you’re not at the front by 12:00pm, you won’t be allowed in. Purchasing flowers from the vendors at the entrance to place on Mao’s tomb is pretty much mandatory.

CLOSEST COMPS

Forbidden City (Beijing)