Tiananmen Square is located in the center of Beijing, 880 m long from south to north, 500 m wide from west to east. It is the world's largest city square with an area of 440,000 m² and capable to hold 1 million people.
The square has recorded several significant events that happened in Chinese contemporary revolution history, including the May Fourth Movement in 1919, the Jan 29th Movement in 1935 and the May 20th Movement in 1947. After the establishment of New China, the square was widened by building Monument to the People's Heroes in the center, Great Hall of the People in the west, Chinese Revolution Museum and Chinese History Museum in the east and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in the south.
Tiananmen Gate Tower
Tianmen Gate Tower (Tiananmen Gate or Tiananmen) is in the north of Tiananmen Square. The construction began in 1417 (yongle period 15th year of Ming dynasty) and completed in 1420 with the name of Chengtianmen Gate (receiving instructions from heaven). In 1651, Qing dynasty Emperor Shunzhi rebuilt the building and changed its name to Tiananmen (lasting peace blessed by the heaven).
Tiananmen is the main entrance of the Forbidden City. It comprises 2 layers: the upper layer is the tower and the lower layer is the red abutment wall, about 13 m high. Tiananmen is set up at a white marble carved base, more than 2,000 m². Under the tower is the rippling and clear water called Jinshui River on which located 5 Jinshui Bridge.
Standing in the Tower, Chairman Mao denounced the establishment of the Republic of China. The sessions of military parades for China National Day anniversaries were held here. Besides, the solemn appearance of Tiananmen is a constitute design of China's national emblem as a symbol of China.
Monument to the People's Heroes
It is in the middle of Tiananmen Square and was built in memory of the people's heroes sacrificing during the People's Liberation and Revolution War. It is the first tallest monument since the ancient times, 37.94 m high, 4.24 more than its opposite Tiananmen. It is built with 17,000 strong granites and white marbles and is the symbol of great achievement made by the martyrs and also reflects Chinese people's cherisher of them. Eternal glory to the people's heroes!
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
It is located to the south of the Monument to the People's Heroes. In the hall lays the remains of the founder of the People's Republic of China Chairman Mao Zedong. Every day tourists from all over the world come here to show their reverence to the great leader in the world in an endless stream.
Great Hall of the People
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| Great Hall of the People |
Situated in the west of Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People is the place where NPC (National People's Congress), CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress) and NCCPC (National Congress of the Communist Party of China) hold their respective sessions. It is the office of NPC and the Standing Committee of the NPC. Besides, important political, diplomatic and cultural activities also take place here.
National Museum of China
National Museum of China is located in the west of Tiananmen Square, face to face with Great Hall of the People. The museum displays the centuries old history and culture of the Chinese nation. It is an integration of the previous Chinese History Museum and Chinese Revolution Museum with the central hall as their demarcation. Relics kept as national treasure are exhibited in the museum both from China and foreign countries, such as Japan, Italy, Greece, and Egypt.
Entrance fees:
Great Hall of the People: 30RMB
National Museum of China: 30RMB
Tiananmen Gate Tower: 15RMB
