Tiananmen Square Tours and Activities

Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square


One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

It’s the history, more so than the architecture, behind Tiananmen Square that has brought it into the international spotlight. This public square is surrounded by Beijing’s most famous attractions, a sight you can’t miss if you are in Beijing. Centrally located, Tianaman Square covers an area of nearly 109 acres (44 hectares). It is framed by two imperial gates to its north and south: the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen Gate) and the Front Gate (Qianmen Gate). To the west stands the communist-era Great Hall of the People, the meeting place of the Chinese government. To the east is the National Museum of China. Get to the square early and line up for the daily flag-raising ceremony, with soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army marching across the square. This flag is lowered with a similar stately show at sunset.Tiananmen Square is heavily monitored by security cameras, metal detectors and police officers, presumably because it has a long history of a place of dissent. Examples of this dissent include the mass protest against the Versailles Treaty in 1919 and the pro-democracy student uprising 70 years later. These days the atmosphere in the square is very friendly, so take in the scene at your own pace. Buy a kite for your children or watch the locals take photos at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in front of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Inside this hall in the mausoleum, you can get a closer look at Mao Zedong, who died in 1976. Line up to catch a glimpse of what is either his mummified body, or a wax replica, depending on who you ask. Either way, you’ll be filing past the image of one of China’s most famous rulers at rest.To reach Tiananmen Square, take a taxi or the subway Tian’anmen East, Tian’anmen West or Qianmen Station. Many combine their visit to the square with a journey through the adjacent Forbidden City.

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East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel
Gracie Art Hotel 798
New World Beijing Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Tiananmen Square

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

5 out of 5
1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
New World Beijing Hotel

New World Beijing Hotel

5 out of 5
No. 8 Qinian Street, Chongwenmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
New World Beijing Hotel
Regent Beijing

Regent Beijing

5 out of 5
99 Jinbao St Dongcheng Dstrct, Beijing, Beijing
Regent Beijing
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
50 Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Peace

4 out of 5
No 3 Jinyu Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace
Beijing Hotel Nuo Forbidden City

Beijing Hotel Nuo Forbidden City

5 out of 5
33 Chang An Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Beijing Hotel Nuo Forbidden City
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

5 out of 5
57 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tiananmen Square

When visiting Tiananmen Square, take the time to stroll through the expansive area and soak in its historical significance. Nearby, you can enjoy a variety of shopping experiences, from local markets to modern boutiques, and explore the vibrant entertainment scene, including theatres showcasing unique performances. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture and lively atmosphere that surrounds this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Discover shopping near Tiananmen Square at the Beijing New World Shopping Mall, just 1.4km away, offering a vibrant family and entertainment atmosphere. The Neiliansheng Shoe Shop is 1.3km away, perfect for unique footwear. Qianshi Lane, located 966m away, provides a delightful city shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience the enchanting sounds at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, located 966m from Tiananmen Square, for a memorable music performance. For a relaxing atmosphere, visit Jingshan Table Tennis Park, 1.6km away, where you can enjoy leisurely table tennis and unwind amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Happy Magic Water Cube, a vibrant waterpark 9.7km from Tiananmen Square, perfect for family fun and adventure. For speed enthusiasts, Goldenport Park Circuit offers exhilarating motor racing 19.3km away. Additionally, enjoy skiing at Baijing Bayi Ski Field, located 20.9km from the square.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Tiananmen Square! Enjoy captivating performances at the Great Hall of the People, located 644m away, or visit the National Centre for the Performing Arts, 1.3km away. Don't miss the thrilling shows at Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre, just 1.6km from the square.

Find the best attractions near Tiananmen Square

When visiting Tiananmen Square in Beijing, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to cultural enthusiasts and families alike. Explore iconic sites such as Tiananmen Square itself, the historic Qianmen Street, and the surrounding urban parks and palaces. These points of interest offer a rich blend of history and local experiences, ensuring a memorable visit for every traveller.

  • Forbidden City: Step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a historic palace that served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors. With its stunning architecture and rich cultural vibes, it's a mesmerizing glimpse into China's royal past, located just 1.6km from Tiananmen Square.
  • The Palace Museum: Explore the Palace Museum, which occupies the Forbidden City and showcases a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. This history museum, located 1.4km away, offers deep insights into Chinese art and history, radiating cultural vibes throughout.
  • Temple of Heaven: Visit the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent temple complex where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests. Situated 3.2km from Tiananmen Square, it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and exudes serene cultural vibes, perfect for leisurely exploration.

Best time to go to Tiananmen Square

Visitor numbers around Tiananmen Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Tiananmen Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.2°F (0.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December28.2°F (-2.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tiananmen Square

To save money on your visit to Tiananmen Square, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like Wangfujing and Qianmen Streets. Travel during the off-peak season from December to February for lower accommodation prices, and book your hotel three months in advance for the best deals. Consider Saturday stays for the lowest rates and use Expedia to compare hotels and find last-minute deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can further reduce costs. Don't forget to check for booking fees and eco-certified options!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tiananmen Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Tiananmen Square about 3+ months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tiananmen Square is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Tiananmen Square is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation near Tiananmen Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.