As a symbol of China, Tiananmen Square captivates countless visitors annually. This vast open space features iconic landmarks that witnessed pivotal moments in history.

The Tiananmen Tower to the north, with its vermilion walls and golden tiles, stands as the centerpiece. The Outer Golden Water Bridge and stone lions at its front preserve Ming-Qing (15th to 19th century) architectural traditions, adorned with intricate cloud carvings.

At the square's heart lies the Monument to the People's Heroes, honoring martyrs and inspiring future generations. Its reliefs vividly depict China's struggle for independence since 1840.

To the east, the National Museum of China showcases millions of artifacts spanning ancient history to modern revolutions, offering a window into the nation's journey. The Great Hall of the People on the west side is an important venue for important activities in China, with its symmetrical colonnades and huge domes serving as a masterpiece of architectural aesthetics.

Currently, the Tiananmen Square requires prior reservation for everyone. Visitors must reserve an entry slot in advance and pass through a security check at the designated time to enter.

Travel China Guide Service

Our service is designed to provide a seamless experience, eliminating the need for local phone numbers and the stress of rushed bookings. Simply provide your passport details and visit dates, and then relax as we manage the entire booking process on your behalf. We’ll secure your passport entry confirmation efficiently, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience from start to finish.

Official Website Booking

Entry reservations can be booked through Tiananmen Square's official website 1 to 7 days before your visit. Please be aware that the site is currently in Chinese only, and a Chinese mobile number is required to receive the necessary verification code.

When booking the entry, there are four time slots to choose from: flag-raising (4:30–7:00), morning (7:00–12:00), afternoon (12:00–16:30), or flag-lowering (15:00–20:30). The Flag Raising and Lowering ceremonies are popular among domestic tourists, with more crowds and longer queues. For a better experience, it is recommended to choose the morning or afternoon time slots according to your schedule:

The morning slot offers ample time for both queuing and visiting. For energetic visitors, it’s ideal for combining with nearby attractions like the National Museum and the Forbidden City. Arriving before 7:30 means shorter lines. Note that security check queues typically peak between 9:00-11:00 with waits exceeding an hour, so best to avoid it if possible.

Opting for the afternoon to visit Tiananmen Square means you can avoid an early start, and you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds compared to other times. The queue usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, offering a more pleasant experience, perfect for those who just want to stroll around the square leisurely.

Note: Try to enter during your booked time slot. If you miss it, there’s a chance you may still be allowed in, but entry is not guaranteed. 

The transportation to Tiananmen Square depends on your selected security checkpoint when booking. 

Three closest checkpoints and their transportation methods include:

• Tiananmen West Red Wall Security Checkpoint 01: 3-minute walk from Exit B of Tiananmen West Station on Subway Line 1.
• Tiananmen East Red Wall Security Checkpoint 02: 3-minute walk from Exit B of Tiananmen East Station on Subway Line 1.
• Square North Side Road East Security Checkpoint 03: 3-minute walk from Exit C of Tiananmen East Station on Subway Line 1.

Two farther checkpoints and their transportation methods include:

• Square South Side Road East Security Checkpoint 04: 17-minute walk from Exit E2 of Qianmen Station on Subway Lines 2 and 8.
• Square South Side Road West Security Checkpoint 07: 15-minute walk from Exit C of Qianmen Station on Subway Lines 2 and 8, including an underground passage.

It is worth noting that if you have successfully reserved the entry of Tiananmen Square, you can enter through any security checkpoint, not necessarily the one you selected during booking.

1. Security checks at Tiananmen Square are strict and can be slow. Minimize your belongings. It's best to carry only your passport, phone, light snacks, and bottled water. Note that sprays, selfie sticks, and drones are strictly prohibited, so please avoid bringing them.

2. Always have your passport with you. If you forget it, you’ll need to go through a longer manual verification process, which can be time-consuming and less enjoyable.

3. To avoid long queues, try visiting Tiananmen Square on weekdays rather than during holidays. Additionally, observe the lines and choose one with fewer people carrying bags to speed up the process.

4. If you've already booked a visit to internal attractions like the National Museum of China, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, or the Great Hall of the People, you can enter Tiananmen Square during your booked time slot using the same reservation, without needing a separate booking for the square.

5. If you are planning to visit the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City in a row, you'll need to book tickets for the two separately.

6. The square is vast with little shade. Wear comfortable shoes and sun-protective clothing. Beijing's autumn and winter are cold, so if you have an early morning visit, bring an extra jacket and other warm accessories during these seasons.