Visit the Great Hall of the People and MaozheDong Memorial

Question

Hi everyone,

I'll be traveling to Beijing in a few days and I'd like to visit the Great Hall of the People and MaozheDong Memorial Hall. I saw that there are mini apps on WeChat but it seems impossible to book... every time I try to connect I see that there are no places available. I also tried to check the ticket issuing time (despite the time zone difficulties), but I never saw availability. Do you know if there are agencies/tour operators to visit these places? Has anyone contacted them and knows if they are reliable? And if so, do you know the prices? Otherwise, do you have any ideas to suggest to me for visiting them? Thank you very much in advance to everyone!

Answer

Visiting the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall in Beijing can be challenging for independent travelers due to ticketing restrictions and high demand, especially if booking through WeChat mini apps, which often show limited availability.

Here’s what you need to know and practical options for arranging a visit:

Official Ticketing: Both sites have strict entry controls. The Great Hall of the People generally requires online reservation through official channels and sometimes only allows visits as part of a guided group. Similarly, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall has fixed visiting hours and can be crowded, with tickets usually distributed on the day or through group tours.
Tour Operators / Agencies: Many local Beijing tour agencies and online platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, or Viator offer day tours that include both attractions. These operators usually secure tickets in advance and provide English-speaking guides. Prices for such tours typically range from 150 to 400 CNY per person, depending on whether transportation and guiding services are included.
Hotel Concierge Services: High-end hotels in Beijing often have contacts with agencies that can arrange tickets and guided tours for these sites, which can bypass the difficulty of online booking for individual travelers.
Alternative Options: If official bookings are fully sold out, consider visiting during the early morning opening time, as some tickets are released on-site. Also, visiting on weekdays rather than weekends improves the chances of getting a spot.

Tips for a smooth visit:

Prepare your passport for entry, as both sites require ID verification.
Plan at least 2–3 hours for the Great Hall of the People if including a guided tour, and around 1–1.5 hours for Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.
If booking through a tour operator, confirm in advance that English commentary is available and clarify meeting points and transportation arrangements.
Have a Chinese translation of your request or itinerary, as it may help when communicating with local agencies or hotel staff.

In summary, the most reliable way to visit both the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall is through a trusted tour operator or hotel-arranged service, which ensures tickets and guidance without the frustration of online booking failures.

Visit the Great Hall of the People and MaozheDong Memorial

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