How to Visit Tiananmen Square: A Complete Travel Guide

Tiananmen Square isn’t just Beijing’s center—it’s the heart of China’s story. Wondering how to visit Tiananmen Square without stress? I’ve been there, and I’ll help you plan every step.

First, reservations are free but required. I’ll show you exactly how to get one. Meanwhile, powerful landmarks surround you—the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Mao’s Memorial Hall, and more.

With a little prep, visiting Tiananmen Square feels easy, meaningful, and unforgettable. Let’s begin this journey together.

1. How to Avoid Crowds at Tiananmen Square

Wondering how to visit Tiananmen Square without losing two hours in a security line? Timing is key. I’ve waited before—and trust me, once was enough.

First, if your goal is the Forbidden City, skip entering via the square. The wait at security can easily take 1–2 hours. However, if you’re here to experience the square itself, aim for quieter hours.

Avoid National Day (Oct 1–7) and Labor Day (May 1–5). During these holidays, Tiananmen Square becomes a river of people. Security lines? Endless. Movement? Slow.

Next, steer clear of weekends, especially Saturdays. Massive tour groups arrive after the flag-raising ceremony, and by 9:00 AM, it’s packed.

Even weekdays have crowd traps. Between 5:00–8:00 AM, people linger after the flag-raising. From 9:00–11:00 AM, tours flood in. By 4:00–6:00 PM, everyone gathers again for sunset and flag-lowering.

In addition, the stunning light doesn’t make up for bumping elbows. So, how to avoid crowds at Tiananmen Square? Visit mid-week, between late morning and early afternoon. You’ll breathe easier, see more, and enjoy the square as it was meant to be—open, calm, and unforgettable.

2. Inside Tips: Best Entrance for Security Checks at Tiananmen Square

Here’s the truth: knowing how to visit Tiananmen Square isn’t just about when you go—it’s about where you enter.

I learned the hard way that some security lines move like glaciers. However, once you know the right entrance for Tiananmen Square, it changes everything.

First, travel light. Bring only your phone and passport. Bags? They must go through scanners, and the line slows fast. If you go bag-free, take the “No Bag” lane—you’ll breeze past entire tour groups.

Next, pick the best entrance for security checks at Tiananmen Square. Most tourists go to Checkpoint 04 (Zhengyangmen/Qianmen). It looks obvious. It’s also the most crowded.

Instead, I recommend Checkpoint 07, near the Great Hall of the People (south side). It’s valid for most reservation types—including Mao Memorial Hall and the Forbidden City.

Checkpoint 03, near the National Museum, is also a less crowded security check.

On holidays, arrive two hours early and avoid unnecessary detours. Only enter through your reserved gate, or risk being turned away.

With smart planning and the right entrance, Tiananmen Square becomes smooth, not stressful. Less waiting. More wonder. That’s how I’d do it again.

3. How to Get to Tiananmen Square

Getting to Tiananmen Square is easier than you think. Beijing’s subway is fast, clean, and tourist-friendly. I’ve used it every time—it never disappoints.

First, take Subway Line 1. You can hop off at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West. Both exits are near Security Checkpoints 01 , 02 and 03, just steps from the square.

Next, Subway Line 2 is another good option. Exit at Qianmen Station (Exit C). Then walk to Checkpoint 07, one of the smoothest entries I’ve used.

In addition, Subway Line 8 brings you to Qianmen Station Exit E, then line up for the long qeue for Checkpoint 04—but be warned, it’s often the busiest.

Meanwhile, keeping a digital or paper map handy is also smart, especially for first-time visitors.

With the right metro stop and a little planning, getting to Tiananmen Square is simple, smooth, and stress-free.

4. Tiananmen Square Entry Reservation

Tiananmen Square is free to enter, but there’s a catch—you need to reserve in advance. I remember my first visit. I showed up early, full of excitement, only to be turned away. That’s when I learned: even a free plaza needs a ticket.

Since 2021, all visitors must pre-book. This helps keep the area organized and the experience smooth. It’s now standard across China—plan ahead or miss out.

1) How to Book Tiananmen Square Tickets

You can book Tiananmen Square entry 1–7 days in advance. I’ve used several methods—some are easier than others.

First, if you’re in China, open WeChat and search for the “Tiananmen Square Reservation Service” mini-program. It’s fast but only in Chinese.

Next, try the official website of the Tiananmen Square Reservation Service Section (Tiananmen Area Management Committee). It’s a bit clunky, but it works.

For international visitors, I highly recommend using platforms like Viator, Trip.com, or Klook. They’re user-friendly, in English, and often offer bundled tours.

👉Tiananmen Square Entry Reservation via Viator

Need help by phone? Call the Tiananmen Square Reservation Hotline: 0086 10 86409123.

Booking tips:

• One reservation can include up to 7 people (max 4 adults, 3 children).
• New slots open daily at 12:00 noon, so set a reminder!

In addition, if you’ve booked Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, National Museum of China or the Great Hall of the People, you can enter the square on the same day without a separate reservation.

Planning ahead means fewer headaches—and more time soaking in history.

2) How to Book Chairman Mao Memorial Hall Tickets

Visiting the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is a powerful, humbling experience. I remember the quiet, the stillness—it stayed with me.

To go inside, you’ll need a free ticket, but you must book 1–6 days in advance. Wondering how to book Chairman Mao Memorial Hall tickets? You have a few options.

First, try Trip.com, WeChat, Alipay, or the official site:  毛主席纪念堂 – Individual booking (mfu.com.cn)

New slots open daily at 12:30 PM (Beijing time). Act fast—they go quickly.

Each booking allows up to 5 people. For more tips on , check out my complete guide – Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: Booking, Hours & Visitor Guide.

If you’re traveling without a Chinese ID, don’t worry. Same-day tickets are available at the International Visitors Desk, located at the southeast corner of the hall. Bring your passport and arrive early—before 12:00 noon is best. With some luck, you might manage to get a ticket.

The hall is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. Closed Mondays and special holidays.

3) How to Book Great Hall of the People Entry Tickets

The Great Hall of the People amazed me with its scale and quiet power. It’s not just a building—it’s a stage for history.

To visit, you must reserve 1–3 days in advance. Wondering how to book Great Hall of the People entry tickets? Use the WeChat mini-program—it’s the only official option.

However, there are no on-site sales. No group or same-day bookings, either. Plan ahead or miss out.

Ticket prices are fair: ¥30 for adults, ¥15 for students, and free for children under 18 or seniors over 60.

Call the reservation hotline at 0086 10 83084776 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM) if you need help.

Opening hours: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM, with last entry at 2:30 PM.

In addition, if you’ve reserved entry here, you can enter Tiananmen Square without a separate ticket—except during the morning flag-raising. Check for closures during state events.

4) How to Book Tiananmen Tower Entry Tickets

The Tiananmen Gate Tower left me speechless. Standing where emperors once stood—it’s something I’ll never forget.

Still curious how to book Tiananmen Tower entry tickets for the future? Here’s what you need to know. When open, booking must be done 1–7 days in advance. No on-site tickets.

Tickets cost ¥15 per person, and reservations open daily at 5:00 PM. Use the WeChat mini-program or the official website: Tiananmen Tower Ticket Booking Website.

Visitors over 60 enter free, but still need a reservation. Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed Mondays.

Also, a tower ticket gives you access to Tiananmen Square—except during the flag-raising ceremony. Set a reminder. It’s worth the wait when it reopens.

5) How to Book Working People’s Cultural Palace Tickets

Tucked beside Tiananmen, this spot felt like a hidden gem. Locals know it as the Working People’s Cultural Palace—but it was once the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

I wandered under ancient pines, picturing emperors offering rituals centuries ago. Then, in the 1920s, it opened to the public. After 1949, it became a quiet cultural space for workers.

Wondering how to book Working People’s Cultural Palace tickets? It’s simple. Use WeChat for easy, same-day reservations.

Tickets cost only ¥2 per person. Hours are 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, closed Mondays.

The address: East of Tian’anmen Gate, Dong Chang’an Avenue. For questions, call 0086 010-6511 6776.

For a quiet break full of history, this peaceful park is worth every step.

6) How to Book National Museum of China Entry Tickets

This museum took my breath away. I spent hours exploring—from ancient jade carvings to revolutionary posters. It’s a true time capsule.

But here’s the thing: it gets busy. So, if you’re wondering how to book National Museum of China entry tickets, plan ahead.

Reservations are free but required 1–7 days in advance. There’s no on-site booking, and tickets go fast.

Booking opens daily at 5:00 PM. Use the official website: Reserve Tickets for National Museum of China or call the hotline at +86 10 6511 6400 for help.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). It’s closed on Mondays, unless it’s a public holiday.

Also, with a confirmed museum ticket, you can enter Tiananmen Square without a separate reservation—just not during the morning flag-raising. This place is a must if you want to feel the depth of Chinese history.

7) How to Book Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower Entry Tickets

I’ll never forget climbing Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower. The view, the history—it felt like stepping into a living chapter of old Beijing.

Built in 1439, this stone giant once guarded the city. Today, it welcomes curious travelers. Wondering how to book Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower entry tickets? Here’s what worked for me.

Use the official WeChat account: 北京中轴线遗产保护中心. Booking opens daily at 5:00 PM, and must be made 1–7 days in advance.

There’s no same-day or on-site booking. One WeChat account can reserve tickets for up to five people. Right now, admission is free during the trial period (since March 24, 2025), but check WeChat for updates.

Inside, four floors showcase Beijing’s Central Axis and traditional heritage. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30). Closed Mondays.

Need help? Call 010-63159185. This spot is a true hidden gem—don’t skip it.

5. What to See at Tiananmen Square at Night

I still remember my first evening here. The crowds had thinned, and suddenly Tiananmen Square felt almost peaceful.

By day, it’s busy and bright. However, at night, the square transforms. The Great Hall of the People glows golden, while the National Museum of China shines softly across the plaza. In addition, the Monument to the People’s Heroes casts long, dramatic shadows.

Meanwhile, the Tiananmen Gate Tower stands illuminated like a guardian of history. Walking slowly, I felt both calm and amazed.

So, if you’re wondering what to see at Tiananmen Square at night, start with the glowing architecture, then simply pause. Listen to the quiet. Feel the space breathe.

Visiting Tiananmen after sunset is not just sightseeing—it’s an unforgettable way to experience Beijing’s heart at its most majestic.

6. Nearby Attractions and City Walks around the Forbidden City

One of my favorite memories in Beijing was wandering after Tiananmen Square. The area is full of history, and each step tells a story.

First, just north lies the Forbidden City. Its red walls and golden roofs are breathtaking. I still remember walking through the vast courtyards, imagining emperors and royal ceremonies.

Next, head southeast to the China Railway Museum. The old engines and rail stories gave me a surprising glimpse of modern China’s journey. Nearby, the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall reveals the city’s future with giant models and interactive maps.

Meanwhile, if you prefer quiet alleys, explore Dongjiaomin and Xijiaomin Lanes. These hutongs whisper tales of old Beijing.

South of the square, Qianmen Street bustles with shops and snacks. In addition, Dashilan Street and Yangmeizhu Xiejie mix history with lively markets and art spaces.

For something slower, try Sanlihe Park. Locals gather here for tai chi at dawn. Finally, don’t miss the Caochang Hutongs—authentic, intimate, and perfect for photographers.

Each of these stops adds a different layer to a walk around Tiananmen. Together, they make the best city walks around the Forbidden City—blending past, present, and daily life.

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I hope this guide makes you feel ready and inspired. We’ve covered how to visit Tiananmen Square with confidence—tickets, timing, and hidden tips.

However, visiting isn’t just about logistics. It’s about standing in the heart of China’s history.

So, walk slowly. Look closely. In addition, let the square’s stories surround you.

Safe travels—and I’ll see you on the square, where the past still speaks.

🌟Further Reading

What to See at Tiananmen Square at Night
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: Booking, Hours & Visitor Guide
How to Visit the Forbidden City: Tickets, Hours, Maps & Travel Tips
Avoid Crowds: When Not to Visit the Forbidden City
Forbidden City Night View: A Guide for Visitors – Ruqin China Travel
How to Visit the National Museum of China: Tickets & Tours Guide
Qianmen Street Beijing: Map, Food, Shopping & Hotels