Great Hall of the People and Mao's Mausoleum

Question

Hello everyone,

I wanted to know if it was possible to buy tickets for the Great Hall of the People and Mao's Mausoleum directly in Tiananmen Square, without having booked the tickets in advance. I ask this question because I can book the access to the square via WeChat without any problems, but not for the Hall of the People and the Mausoleum.

Answer

Visiting the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong Mausoleum in Beijing is possible, but there are important details to know regarding ticketing and access.

For the Great Hall of the People, tickets are generally required to enter. While some tour agencies in Beijing sell tickets on the day, the availability is limited and you may encounter long lines. The Great Hall has a controlled entry system, so spontaneous walk-ins without prior booking are not guaranteed, especially during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Most reliable visitors book through official channels or trusted tour operators.

For Mao Zedong Mausoleum, it is more strict. Tickets are usually free, but they are limited and must be collected early in the day. The mausoleum opens at 8:00 AM and lines can get very long. Tickets are first-come, first-served, and it is highly recommended to arrive early to secure entry. Advance booking is generally not available online for this site, so planning an early morning visit is the safest option.

Great Hall of the People: Tickets may be available on-site via official windows or tour agencies, but limited; advance booking is safest.
Mao Zedong Mausoleum: Tickets are free, issued on-site, limited; arrive early (around 8:00 AM) to get one.
Access to Tiananmen Square itself is easier via WeChat or on-site, but special buildings inside require separate ticketing.

Other tips:

Carry your passport with you; it is required for entry to both sites.
Security checks are strict; allow extra time for screening.
Visiting early in the morning is advisable to avoid crowds, particularly for Mao's Mausoleum.
Consider booking a guided tour that includes both attractions; they often handle tickets in advance and streamline entry.

In summary, while Tiananmen Square itself is easy to access without prior booking, entry to the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong Mausoleum is much more controlled. On-site tickets are possible for the Hall of the People, but very limited for Mao's Mausoleum, making early arrival or using a tour operator the most reliable options.

Great Hall of the People and Mao's Mausoleum

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