Free: All time
Tiananmen Square is definitely one of the most recognizable squares in the world – and the largest! With an area covering 44,000 square meters, its sheer size alone is overwhelming. Although it’s literally just a vast concrete square with the Gate of Heavenly Peace on which hung the portrait of Chairman Mao, Tiananmen Square is great for people watching (and there are a lot of people!). Visit during sunrise or sunset and you may catch the raising and lowering of the national flag. Beware of the scams of “art students”, “english major students” and “friendly couples” inviting you for tea ceremonies. You will receive an unreasonably priced bill. If you’re visiting in the morning, also pay a visit to Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Another free thing to do in the neighborhood is checking out the National Museum of China.
Address: Dongcheng, Beijing
Opening hours: Daily 24h
Direction: Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen Square Station
Phone: +86 10 6511 8713
Website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square
Photo credit: Jirka Matousek
