
SightDraftDongcheng
Tiananmen Square
天安门广场
The vast ceremonial square at the heart of Beijing — free, but you must reserve.
Should I go? It’s fine
Worth seeing once, but it’s a huge, security-controlled plaza, not somewhere to linger. Book the free slot, pass the ID check, and combine it with the Forbidden City right behind it.
🎟 Booking — do this before you go
- OpensUp to 7 days ahead
- Where“天安门广场预约” WeChat mini-program; some hotels help
- PassportForeign passports OK — bring the one you booked with
Free timed slots; bring the passport you booked with. The dawn flag-raising needs its own slot.
Cost & timing
- PriceFree
- Time needed30–45 minutes
- Best timeEarly morning on your Forbidden City day.
💡 Local tips
- ⏱ Local tip · Tiananmen Square Morning security lines to enter the square can take 30–60 minutes. Carry only your passport and a small bag — no lighters, no drones.
Getting there
Metro: Tiananmen East / Tiananmen West (Line 1)
北京市东城区东长安街
Nearby
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