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Topic starter
16/04/2025 8:33 pm
Good morning. I read very carefully your website, specifically about the reservations of Tianamnen Tower, Great Hall of the People and Chairman Mao Memorial.
I have a WeChat account and I was able to access their respective mini programs but for the last two I mentioned, I couldnt find any date or time slot available for the next 3, 6 or 7 days. It seems that even if I was trying to book Chairman Mao Memorial with the advised plenty of time of 7 days I couldnt get a reservation. Could you please tell me if this is usually like this?
Whats the best way to make sure I can visit those places during my limited time in Beijing, after all?
My best regards,
Vincent
This topic was modified 3 days ago by Ruqin China Travel
16/04/2025 8:39 pm
Hi Vincent,
Good evening and thank you so much for your thoughtful message — I'm really glad to hear you've been exploring our website carefully!
About your question: yes, unfortunately, it's quite normal for reservations to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Great Hall of the People to be hard to get. Demand is super high, and once the tickets are released, they get snatched up very quickly — often within minutes.
A quick tip: tickets are released every day at exactly 12:30 PM (Beijing time) on the respective mini-programs. The best way to secure a spot is to be ready on your phone at that time, refresh, and try to grab a ticket the moment they open. It’s kind of like a flash sale!
Also, just a heads-up (this part is really important): if you're using the WeChat mini-programs, your account must be registered with a real-name SIM card from one of the three main Chinese mobile operators: China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom. If you're using a virtual operator or an international number, the system may reject or silently cancel your reservation, even if it seems to go through.
Could you let me know what kind of mobile number you used for the booking? That might help clarify why you're not seeing any available slots.
Right now, there isn't a better workaround — the only option is really to try daily at 12:30 PM. I know it's a bit frustrating, especially if you're only in Beijing for a short time, but don't give up! Some travelers do succeed after a couple of tries.
If there’s anything else I can help with — itinerary tips, alternatives, or even something off the beaten path in Beijing — feel free to write anytime.
Wishing you good luck with the bookings!
Warm regards,
Daniel Li
Daniel Li
Topic starter
16/04/2025 8:41 pm
Hi Daniel. Thank you so much for your careful response. It really eased my frustration about this issue, not exactly because of how it works but mostly why I was trying everything I could and yet the available spots I could see were not showing for me to get them.
I have a WeChat account but it is registered with my foreign number. I thought I would need a Chinese SIM card from those operators only to access the activation codes while I was booking the tickets... So if this is wrong I definitely need to buy a SIM Card from China Telecom/Unicom/Mobile online, have it delivered to my home and then install and register a new WeChat account with that number, right?
I am able to do that but at the moment, all the Chinese SIM cards I was able to see for sale online were e-SIM cards or just mobile data ones and those wont work, right?... Do you know where could I order online a real-name SIM card from one of those three main Chinese mobile operators and have it sended to me?
Many thanks in advance for your kind generosity!
My best regards, Vincent
16/04/2025 8:44 pm
Hi Vincent,
Thanks again for your kind message — I’m really glad my last email helped ease some of the frustration you were feeling. I totally get how confusing and limiting it can feel when things just don’t seem to work, even though you’re doing everything right.
About your current question — yes, you’re right to think that a Chinese SIM card with real-name registration is key for things like booking tickets that require a China-registered number (especially for places like the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall or the Great Hall of the People).
Here’s a solution you might find helpful:
There’s a service called Nihao Mobile that’s actually designed just for international travelers like you. It offers real Chinese SIM cards from the major carriers, and the best part is — you can order it online, register with your passport while you’re still abroad, and get it delivered straight to your home before your trip.
Here’s a quick overview:
-
Real-name registration from abroad:
You can complete the whole registration process using your passport, and activation can be done outside China. No need to wait until you land. -
Works with WeChat, SMS codes, etc.:
While some features (like receiving certain SMS codes) might need to be tested once you’re in China, many users have reported that it works well for things like WeChat verification and ticket bookings — especially if you activate and test it in advance. -
How to order:
You can buy it directly through Nihao Mobile’s website or their WeChat account (“Nihao Mobile”). They accept PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. -
Fast international delivery:
They ship via SF Express and it usually arrives within 48 hours, so you should have it in hand before your flight. -
Support in English and Chinese:
They also offer bilingual customer service, which makes it easy to get help if anything goes sideways.
Alternative (just in case):
If for some reason the timing is too tight, you could also buy a SIM card after landing — Beijing Capital Airport has counters for China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, but just a heads-up: it often involves some queuing and on-site registration.
If for some reason the timing is too tight, you could also buy a SIM card after landing — Beijing Capital Airport has counters for China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, but just a heads-up: it often involves some queuing and on-site registration.
Let me know if you do go with Nihao Mobile — I’d love to hear how it works out for you! I’m gathering feedback for other travelers in similar situations, and your experience could really help others too.
Wishing you a smooth prep and a fantastic trip ahead.
Always happy to help!
Always happy to help!
Warm regards,
Daniel
Daniel
Topic starter
16/04/2025 8:47 pm
Daniel, thank you so much, that seems so helpfull! I will definitely try the Nihao Mobile options but I was left with a doubt. if it doesnt have roaming how can I use WeChat to reserve the Tianamnen Tower and the Chairman Mao Memorial before I land in China? I should probably ask this to their costumer service. Thank you for your help in all of this.
I will make sure I will help with a review or somethig else you need!
I will only go to China on May 16th, I planned to visit Tianamnen Square and buildings on the 21st so for the Tower I think I need to book it before I am in China, on the 15th... So I am trying my best to have everything correct with plenty of time.
My best regards
16/04/2025 8:49 pm
Hi Vincent,
I just wanted to follow up on your last two emails — thank you for your patience!
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure I’ve understood everything correctly, but from what I gather, both the Memorial Hall and the Great Hall of the People mention in their booking notices that reservations are only accepted via WeChat — and specifically through accounts registered with one of China’s three major mobile providers. It’s a pretty frustrating system, and to be honest, it’s something I’m still learning more about myself.
It’s true that if you don’t have mobile service with roaming set up before arriving in China, you won’t be able to make bookings in advance for these attractions. I know that’s not ideal at all — really hope there’s a workaround for you.
If there’s anything else I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m really sorry I can’t offer a better solution this time, but I’ll do my best to support you however I can.
Warm regards,
Daniel Li
Daniel Li
16/04/2025 8:53 pm
Hi Daniel,
I talked with the Costumers Service of Nihao Mobile and they confirmed me the SIM card can only be activated after entering China, they do not provide international roaming services for the time being and I cannot obtain a OTP one time password in my country to use the APP that requires the OPT. So it seems I met a dead end again in this issue which is a bit sad for me because I was so interested in seeing those monuments...
I already organized my trip and booked other monuments (before I even met Ruqin China Travel) for every other day so I was really trying to fit Tiananmen monuments for the 21st of May. I land in China 5 days before that at 2pm. We need to book Tiananmen Tower 7 days in advance and bookings start at 12h30 right? So no joy for me. Same goes for Chairman Mao Memorial... but from what I read online the Memorial is a meaningful but rather quick visit to pay respects so I think I could fit it in my day for the earliest time slot (8am) of the 22nd of May (or even on the day of my flight, 23rd of May, since I only need to be at Daxing Airport at 10am...). If I knew it would be this difficult, I would have organized my trip in a complete different way and would probably stay in Beijing a few more days to get everything in the same morning.
Thank you so much for all your attention and suggestions. I will still purchase a Nihao Mobile even though it seems I cannot do anything with it before landing in China. It is been a blessing for me to meet and actually be able to talk to someone from China that could guide me in this issue. I already followed Ruqin China Travel on Facebook and Instagram and will gladly share your new posts to promote them on Instagram, where I have some travelling friends and pages. Is there any other way I could help as well as a reader and costumer?
I am not sure if this is possible or acceptable but if you know someone who would be kind and generous enough to try to book these Monuments for me for the morning of the 21st of May, I would obviously give a fee. I would provide the data they ask (probably my Passport number) but I am not sure if thats even possible?
Thank you again and warm regards,Vincent
16/04/2025 9:25 pm
Hi Vincent,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message — I really appreciate you taking the time to share the full context. I’m genuinely sorry to hear about the challenges with Nihao Mobile and the timing around the monument bookings. It’s completely understandable to feel a bit frustrated, especially when you've been so enthusiastic about your trip and tried to plan everything carefully.
You're absolutely right — Tiananmen Tower and Chairman Mao Memorial both open for booking exactly 7 days in advance at 12:30pm (Beijing time), and unfortunately, the SIM card activation limitation outside of China does make it tricky to secure those spots before landing. You're not alone in running into this — it's a common hurdle for many travelers and something we're working to help make smoother in future itineraries and tips.
Your plan to visit the Chairman Mao Memorial early on the 22nd (or even on the 23rd before heading to Daxing) is a good one — it’s a short but meaningful visit and that morning slot is typically less crowded. I’d say go for it!
As for your incredibly kind offer to help promote Ruqin China Travel — thank you so much, Tito! That truly means a lot. Following us and sharing our posts already helps more than you know. If you ever feel like writing a short post or even a few tips from your journey to share on our site or socials, we’d love that — no pressure at all, just if you feel inspired.
Now, regarding your question about someone helping to book the Tiananmen monuments for the 21st — I completely understand the idea and the spirit behind it. Unfortunately, for these particular sites, bookings are strictly linked to the ID or passport used at entry, and the app (and real-name system) requires the person making the booking to be logged in with their own verified account. That makes it hard for someone else to book on your behalf, even with your details. I really wish there was a workaround, but it’s one of those very China-specific systems.
Still, you’ll have plenty of amazing experiences on your trip, and I hope your time in Beijing — and in China overall — is full of memorable moments. Once you land and get that SIM activated, feel free to drop me a message if you have any last-minute questions or need help with anything.
Wishing you safe travels and an unforgettable journey ahead!
Warm regards,
Daniel
Ruqin China Travel
Daniel
Ruqin China Travel
