Tiananmen square

Introduction
Tiananmen Square is located in the center of Beijing City, which is a city square and it was named after Tiananmen Gate.The gate was built in the 15th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. From imperial days, the yellow glaze-tiled double-eave tower functioned as a rostrum for proclaiming pronouncements to assembled masses. On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the new China here. The tower has five doors and in front of it are seven bridges spanning a stream. Historically, only the emperor could use the central door and bridge. The gate leads to an imperial city -- the Forbidden City.

It covers an area of 440,000 square meters, the Tian'anmen Square, is the largest of its kind. Over a hundred years, many ceremonies and demonstrations have been held here. The spacious square was originally meant to demonstrate majestic imperial power, walled in on the eastern, western and southern sides, shutting out common people. It is an ideal place for people to observe celebratory occasions or fly kites. where you can visit Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. Thousands of people come to the Square every day.

History
Early in the Ming Dynasty, a wooden memorial gate covered in yellow-glazed tiles was built on the present site. Known as the Gate of Receiving Grace from Heaven (Chengtianmen), it burned down, and was later rebuilt in 1465 during the reign of the Ming Emperor Xianzong.

At the end of the dynasty, when the peasant leader Li Zicheng, who had defeated Ming forces, was driven out by Qing troops, many buildings were destroyed. The Gate of receiving Grace from Heaven burned again, leaving only the foundation of its walls. 

In 1651, under the Qing Emperor Shunzhi, the gate tower was rebuilt in the original style and renamed Tian'anmen -- the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Today it retains the basic character of the early Qing gate.

Events
On December 25, 1911, the imperial edict announcing the abdication of the last Qing emperor, Puyi, was issued by Empress Dowager Longyu in the traditional fashion.

On May 4, 1919, thousands of students from Peking University and 13 other institutions raised thier voices here.They came to protest the signing of the Treaty of Versailles by Chinese representatives and the Northern Warlord government's traitorous policies against the country. Their demonstration marked the start of the May 4th Movement and set the sage for the founding of the Communist Party of China.

On December 9, 1935, Beijing students marched again to Tiananmen, this time in opposition to the Japanese invasion of northern China and the Kuomintang's policy of non-resistance. Over 10,000 people participated, calling for an end to the civil war and the formation of a united front against the foreign invaders.

From the year of 1945 to 1949, Tiananmen was frequently the meeting place for members of progressive student movements, an undying legacy to this day. On October 1st 1949, the people of Beijing hailed the liberation on Tian’anmen Square, Chairmen Mao Zedong, standing on Tian’anmen Rostrum, solemnly declared to the whole world ‘The PRC has been founded!

What to see in Tian'anmen Sqaure

1. Flag-Raising Ceremony

Five Star Red Flag, which is Chinese national flag, flies high in the sky above the Square. To see the guard of honor raise the Flag is a must for a tourist visiting Beijing. You must wake up early and arrive at the Square before sunrise. Many people attend the ceremony every day.
The present Tiananmen Square has become a relaxing place for people to fly kites and walk. On holidays, the whole square is covered with fresh flowers.

2. Tian'anmen Tower

Tian'anmen Tower is situated in the north end of the Square, it was built during the Ming Dynasty.The Square was the front door of the Forbidden City. The most important use of it in the past was to declare in a big ceremony to the common people who became the emperor and who became the empress. Until 1911 when the last feudal kingdom was over, no one could enter the Tower except for the royal family and aristocrats.

3. Great Hall of the People

West of the Square is the Great Hall of the People. This building, erected in 1959, is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings and provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities.Twelve marble posts are infront of the Hall which has three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall.The floor of the Central Hall is paved with marble and crystal lamps hang from the ceiling. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall seats 10,000. The Banqueting Hall is a huge hall with 5,000 seats.

4. Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao(Mao Zedong)
Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao is at the south side of the Square. This Hall is divided into three halls and our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in one of the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.

Information
How to get to Tiananmen Square
1. Bus Route
Take bus 1, 5, 10, 22, 37, 52, 205, 728 or 802 and get off at Tiananmen West
Take bus 1, 2, 10, 20, 37, 52, 59, 82, 120, 126, 203, 205, 210, 728 or 802 and get off at Tiananmen Dong.
Take bus 2, 5, 8, 20, 22, 120, 126, 203, or 210 and get off at Tiananmen Guangchang Dong (Tiananmen Square East).
Take bus 2, 5, 20, 120, 126 or 210 and get off at Tiananmen Guangchang Xi (Tiananmen Square West).

2.Subway
Line 1: get off at Tiananmen Dong or Tiananmen Xi Station.
Line 2: get off at Qianmen Station. Get out from Exit A or B and walk north.

Admission Fee: Free for visiting the square, CNY15 for Tian'anmen Tower
Opening Hours: All day
Time for Visiting: half an hour

Tour The Tian'anmen Square with Beijing Private Tour 
We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. You will be escorted during your tour. Transport, ticket, and dining (At some local restaurants popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Beijing Tours including The Tian'anmen Square as below: 

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