Tiananmen square tickets.

Question

I'm struggling to get tickets for Tiananmen square in a few days time. We were not able to book them online before coming and presumed we could go to a ticket booth when we arrived today to get them. We were told be the ticket check that there are no ticket booths and tickets need to be obtained online though WeChat with a Chinese phone number. I have WeChat but am using roaming for data so don't have a Chinese phone number. I was then told to get the hotel reception to book, but on coming back and asking them was told that where we are staying doesn't do any guest bookings. Does anyone have any practical suggestions on how to get these elusive tickets? Many thanks.

Answer

Obtaining Tiananmen Square tickets without a Chinese phone number can be tricky, but there are several practical solutions to try.

First, it’s important to understand that tickets are now required for certain areas of Tiananmen Square, including the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and these tickets are generally obtained online in advance via platforms like WeChat or the official ticketing site.

If you have a Chinese SIM or eSIM, you can register on the official WeChat ticketing service and book tickets directly. This is the simplest method, but it requires a Chinese phone number.
Some hotels and hostels in Beijing can help foreign guests book tickets through their own accounts. If your hotel does not provide this service, consider asking nearby hotels with larger concierge services—they often can assist even for non-guests.
Use a local travel agency or tour company. Many of them offer “Tiananmen ticket services” as part of a small tour or standalone service. You can usually pay in cash or card, and they handle the booking with their own Chinese phone number.
Consider booking a guided tour that includes Tiananmen Square access. This bypasses the need for you to obtain a ticket directly and often guarantees entry at your desired time.

Other practical tips:

Arrive early at the designated entrances—sometimes last-minute tickets are released if there is no-show or if entry is timed.
Check platforms like Klook or Trip.com, which occasionally offer Tiananmen entry tickets bundled with tours, even for international travelers without a Chinese phone number.
Make sure your passport is with you at all times, as tickets require identification for verification.

In summary, without a Chinese phone number, your best options are to either use a travel agency, book through a hotel with concierge support, or join a tour that includes Tiananmen access. Planning this in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Tiananmen square tickets.

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