Monument to the People's Heroes
Located in the heart of Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the Monument to the People's Heroes is the largest monument in Chinese history, with its central highlight being the historical-themed reliefs on its base.
On September 30, 1949, the decision to construct the Monument to the People’s Heroes was made to commemorate those who sacrificed since 1840 and to inspire the living. Construction officially began in August 1952, and was completed on April 22, 1958.
Positioned on the central axis of Tiananmen Square, the monument stands at a total height of 38 meters (125 feet), equivalent to a 10-story building, and is divided into three sections: the main body, the bas-relief base, and platform.
The main body is approximately 30.5 meter (100 feet) high and 6.5 meters (21 feet) wide, constructed from 17,000 blocks of granite and white marble, materials symbolizing eternity and purity. The upper portions of the east and west sides of the stele are carved with decorative patterns featuring red stars, pine and cypress trees, and flags, representing a tribute to life and peace. The top of the stele is designed as a traditional Chinese-style roof with four sloping sides.
The relief base consists of two tiers. The larger lower base is 4 meters (13 feet) high and about 25 meters (82 feet) wide on each side. The remaining sections are divided into ten panels inlaid with large white marble reliefs. Surrounding the smaller upper base are eight large wreaths carved with peonies, lotuses, and chrysanthemums, flowers symbolizing nobility and purity.
The bottommost layer of the monument is a large, square terrace, about one meter high and 50 meters (164 feet) long on each side. The platform has two levels, encircled by white marble balustrades, with stairs on all four sides.
The most captivating feature of the Monument to the People’s Heroes is the ten large white marble reliefs embedded on its base, telling the story of the Chinese people's century-long struggle. Each relief contains around 20 figures, totaling 172 distinct characters, carved to life size. Representative bas-reliefs include:
Destroying Opium at Humen: This is the first relief on the east side, depicting the event in 1839 when the Chinese people resisted the opium trade. The scene shows a sky filled with dense smoke as people, holding clubs and axes and carrying chests of opium on their backs, are busy moving and dumping the drug with determined expressions. You can almost hear their heavy, powerful breaths in front of the carving.
The May Fourth Movement: The second relief on the south side portrays the patriotic movement launched by young students in 1919 to pursue science and democracy. With a young man calling for action and a female student distributing leaflets at the center of attention, 25 vivid characters from all walks of life are depicted. Some are speaking passionately, some are glaring angrily, and some are running to spread the news, conveying the inspiring fervor and strength of those patriotic young people.
Supporting the Front Line: Located on the left front of the monument, this relief shows civilians pushing wheelbarrows to transport grain and ammunition for the army. It particularly highlights two actions: stretcher-bearers bending low to push their carts with great effort, looking full of strength and dynamism, and an old farmer striding forward steadily. These details bring the scene to life, allowing you to feel their hard work and perseverance.
The Monument to the People's Heroes is situated in the center of Tiananmen Square, facing south. You can take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (Exit C) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit C) and walk south toward the square, reachable within 15 minutes. The monument is directly behind the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, with the National Museum of China to its left and the Great Hall of the People to its right. You can easily combine a visit to these attractions when touring Tiananmen Square.
No ticket is required as the Monument to the People's Heroes is a free attraction. You can visit it once you have successfully booked entry to Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square Tickets Booking
The monument is open for visit during the same hours as Tiananmen Square (5:00 - 22:00). Generally, visiting at any time other than weekends and public holidays will avoid crowds.
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History
On September 30, 1949, the decision to construct the Monument to the People’s Heroes was made to commemorate those who sacrificed since 1840 and to inspire the living. Construction officially began in August 1952, and was completed on April 22, 1958.
What does the Monument to the People's Heroes look like?
Positioned on the central axis of Tiananmen Square, the monument stands at a total height of 38 meters (125 feet), equivalent to a 10-story building, and is divided into three sections: the main body, the bas-relief base, and platform.
The main body is approximately 30.5 meter (100 feet) high and 6.5 meters (21 feet) wide, constructed from 17,000 blocks of granite and white marble, materials symbolizing eternity and purity. The upper portions of the east and west sides of the stele are carved with decorative patterns featuring red stars, pine and cypress trees, and flags, representing a tribute to life and peace. The top of the stele is designed as a traditional Chinese-style roof with four sloping sides.
The relief base consists of two tiers. The larger lower base is 4 meters (13 feet) high and about 25 meters (82 feet) wide on each side. The remaining sections are divided into ten panels inlaid with large white marble reliefs. Surrounding the smaller upper base are eight large wreaths carved with peonies, lotuses, and chrysanthemums, flowers symbolizing nobility and purity.
The bottommost layer of the monument is a large, square terrace, about one meter high and 50 meters (164 feet) long on each side. The platform has two levels, encircled by white marble balustrades, with stairs on all four sides.
Architectural Highlight: The Figural Reliefs
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| Monument to the People's Heroes |
The most captivating feature of the Monument to the People’s Heroes is the ten large white marble reliefs embedded on its base, telling the story of the Chinese people's century-long struggle. Each relief contains around 20 figures, totaling 172 distinct characters, carved to life size. Representative bas-reliefs include:
Destroying Opium at Humen: This is the first relief on the east side, depicting the event in 1839 when the Chinese people resisted the opium trade. The scene shows a sky filled with dense smoke as people, holding clubs and axes and carrying chests of opium on their backs, are busy moving and dumping the drug with determined expressions. You can almost hear their heavy, powerful breaths in front of the carving.
The May Fourth Movement: The second relief on the south side portrays the patriotic movement launched by young students in 1919 to pursue science and democracy. With a young man calling for action and a female student distributing leaflets at the center of attention, 25 vivid characters from all walks of life are depicted. Some are speaking passionately, some are glaring angrily, and some are running to spread the news, conveying the inspiring fervor and strength of those patriotic young people.
Supporting the Front Line: Located on the left front of the monument, this relief shows civilians pushing wheelbarrows to transport grain and ammunition for the army. It particularly highlights two actions: stretcher-bearers bending low to push their carts with great effort, looking full of strength and dynamism, and an old farmer striding forward steadily. These details bring the scene to life, allowing you to feel their hard work and perseverance.
Questions You May Ask about the Monument
How to get there?
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| Selfie with the Monument |
The Monument to the People's Heroes is situated in the center of Tiananmen Square, facing south. You can take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (Exit C) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit C) and walk south toward the square, reachable within 15 minutes. The monument is directly behind the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, with the National Museum of China to its left and the Great Hall of the People to its right. You can easily combine a visit to these attractions when touring Tiananmen Square.
Do I need a ticket for visiting?
No ticket is required as the Monument to the People's Heroes is a free attraction. You can visit it once you have successfully booked entry to Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square Tickets Booking What is the best time to visit the monument?
The monument is open for visit during the same hours as Tiananmen Square (5:00 - 22:00). Generally, visiting at any time other than weekends and public holidays will avoid crowds.
Other Attractions around Tiananmen Square
- Last updated on Jan. 28, 2026 by Gabby Li -