Tiananmen Square, Mausoleum and Great Hall of People

Question

Hello everyone,

I should visit Tiananmen Square in June and I would like to know if it is necessary to book in advance the entrance to the square, the mausoleum and the great hall of the people. If so, I would like to know on which sites to make the reservation. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Visiting Tiananmen Square and its surrounding landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Great Hall of the People requires some advance planning, as each site has different entry requirements and booking procedures. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you organize your visit efficiently.

1. Tiananmen Square Entry

Entry to Tiananmen Square itself is free of charge, but since 2021, visitors are required to register online in advance due to security regulations and crowd control. This rule applies to both local and foreign visitors.

Advance booking is made through the official Tiananmen Square reservation website (accessible only in Chinese) or through the WeChat mini program “天安门广场参观预约” (Tiananmen Square Visit Reservation).
Foreign visitors can use their passport number instead of a Chinese ID when making the reservation.
Upon arrival, expect airport-style security checks and ID verification before entry.

If you are joining a guided tour, your tour operator usually handles the registration on your behalf.

2. Mao Zedong Mausoleum (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall)

The Mausoleum is located on the southern side of Tiananmen Square and is one of the most visited sites in Beijing. Admission is free, but entry also requires online advance booking.

Reservations can be made through the official WeChat mini program “毛主席纪念堂预约参观” (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall Reservation).
Visits are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon, and the mausoleum is closed on Mondays.
Visitors must bring their passport and pass through security screening. Bags, cameras, and drinks are not allowed inside; there is a luggage storage area nearby for a small fee.

It is recommended to book your visit at least a few days in advance, especially during weekends and public holidays, as the daily quota is limited.

3. Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall of the People (人民大会堂) is the meeting place of China’s National People’s Congress and is also open to tourists when not in session. Admission requires both a ticket purchase and an advance reservation.

Tickets can be booked through the official Great Hall of the People website (available in Chinese) or on-site at the west side ticket office near the main entrance on Chang’an Avenue.
Bring your passport to register and purchase your ticket (usually around 30 RMB).
The building offers guided tours covering the main assembly halls, banquet rooms, and national reception areas. The visit usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Suggested Visiting Order and Tips

Start early in the morning with a visit to the Tiananmen Square flag-raising ceremony (around sunrise) if you wish to experience a national tradition.
Then proceed to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, which opens early and tends to have shorter queues in the morning.
After visiting the Mausoleum, you can explore Tiananmen Square and later visit the Great Hall of the People before continuing to the Forbidden City located just across the road to the north.

Conclusion:

To summarize, Tiananmen Square, the Mausoleum, and the Great Hall of the People all require prior registration, though the process is straightforward if done through the respective official channels or with help from your hotel or guide. Ensure you carry your passport for all entries, arrive early to allow for security checks, and plan at least half a day to fully experience the area and its landmarks.

Tiananmen Square, Mausoleum and Great Hall of People

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