Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the symbolic and physical center of Beijing, named after the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen) that forms its northern edge. At 440,000 square meters it's one of the largest city squares in the world, and the site of the People's Republic of China's founding in 1949. Surrounding monuments: the Monument to the People's Heroes (center), the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong (south, free to enter — line forms before opening at 8 AM), the Great Hall of the People (west), and the National Museum of China (east, free with passport). The Flag Raising Ceremony at sunrise is a major draw — soldiers march from inside the Forbidden City; crowds gather before dawn. Security is heavy: bring your passport, expect bag X-ray and ID checks at every entrance, no liquids over 100mL, no large bags. No restricted items also means no books beyond personal reading. Allow time to clear security.