Tiananmen — Attraction in Beijing

As a Top Google Local Guide with a keen eye for historical and cultural landmarks, visiting Tiananmen Square is an experience that leaves an indelible impression.

Tiananmen Square is one of the most iconic and historically significant sites in the world. Situated at the heart of Beijing, it has witnessed pivotal events in Chinese history and remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s enduring spirit. Walking through the square, you can’t help but feel the weight of history and the deep connection to the past.

The sheer scale of Tiananmen Square is awe-inspiring. Flanked by monumental buildings like the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, the square itself is vast and imposing. The grand architecture reflects the importance of the location, and every structure within the square is steeped in cultural and historical relevance.

Tiananmen Square is not just a tourist attraction but also a center for major national ceremonies and events. The daily flag-raising and lowering ceremonies are particularly poignant, drawing crowds who come to witness this patriotic display. The square also hosts parades and other significant events, making it a living part of China’s cultural fabric.

At the center of the square stands the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a towering obelisk that pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation and progress. The monument is a focal point for reflection and remembrance, adding to the square’s solemn atmosphere.

Tiananmen Square is easily accessible, with several metro stations nearby, making it convenient for both locals and tourists to visit. Despite the large number of visitors, the square is well-maintained, with clear signage and ample security presence ensuring a safe and orderly experience. The surrounding area is also rich in attractions, including the Forbidden City, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Beijing.

The atmosphere at Tiananmen Square is both solemn and vibrant. It’s a place where you can observe the hustle and bustle of daily life while also feeling a deep sense of respect and reverence for the history that unfolded here. The square is particularly striking at sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a golden hue over the surrounding buildings.

Tiananmen Square is more than just a public square; it is a living testament to China’s history and its ongoing journey as a nation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply a traveler seeking to understand more about China, a visit to Tiananmen Square is essential. It offers a profound and moving experience that captures the essence of Beijing and the spirit of the...

The Gate of Heavenly Peace: Ordained from Above

The Gate of Heavenly Peace represents modern China. It is part of the emblem of the People's Republic of China. The Gate of Heavenly Peace functioned as the gatehouse of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. History tells of this name being derived from is derived from a mandate to build the gate as a mandate from heaven to stabilized the dynasty. Of course this is related to wars and feuds that were often common during imperial China. Made up of a platform and a tower, the tower sits on the platform with five arch gateways. The center archway was the precise passage for Ming and Qing emperors. The side ones is lesser in size and was the passages for ministers and officials and minor servants. Above the archway you would see the large portrait of Mao Zedong. On the east and west sides there are two giant placards, the left one reading: "Long Live the People's Republic of China." The one on the right reads, "Long Live the Great Unity of the World's Peoples." I tell you that in front of the Tiananmen Tower are a golden water bridge with fine carvings, quite nice to see! Outside the gate there are two lions guarding the bridges. A cultural insight: in Chinese lions are believed to protect human beings from evil spirits. Make sure to walk towards the south of Tiananmen, to number 1 Street of Beijing, Chang'an Street. There is a tower sitting on a platform. You could not miss it. Constructed during the reign of Yongle in 1420, a Ming emperor, the tower has been rebuilt several times. The gate was given its present name when a massive remodeling lasting for six years completed under the reign of Emperor Shunzhi, a king of the Qing Dynasty. Another cultural insight: the Chinese name of the gate, Tiananmen represents three Chinese characters "heaven, peace, and gate." The common translation is the present form "The Gate of Heavenly Peace.” There is a cost of approximate three dollars to the attraction. Be aware, you are not allowed bags inside the tower but they do have a storage service. I leave you with a provocative thought. When you visit another nation, do you learn a little about the place you are visiting? I do. And because of that I am able to share even with the locals. They like it and we all become one peaceful family, even if it is just for a short time! Let Peace...

This square is famous around the world because of an obvious reason, but is also a cultural symbol and the site of other important events in Chinese history. It was good to be there, but let's be honest, it is just a massive concrete square with not much to do but walk around it and get baked in the sun, as there is no shade here. I saw it just as a precursor to the more impressive Forbidden City which is adjacent. There is a museum and a mausoleum here but that's about it. The mausoleum of course has Chairman Mao's body on show, but the queues to get in there are insane, so you need the whole day for that. This is where he proclaimed the founding of the country as it is today. The national flag raising and lowering at sunrise and sunset respectively, seems a big deal to people here as it draws a large crowd. It is not easy as a foreigner to book tickets for here independently with WeChat, so you are better off going with a tour and combining it with The Forbidden City. Do not forget your passport for this. The multiple security points are a real pain here and with the colossal number of people coming here every day, be prepared to do a...