Major tourist destination in the heart of Beijing.

About Tiananmen Square / Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square is the vast ceremonial heart of the People's Republic of China — at 440,000 square meters, it is one of the largest public squares in the world. Flanked by the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the square is where China's most significant political events have unfolded. The daily flag-raising ceremony at sunrise draws crowds of early-rising spectators.

Directly north of the square through the Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) lies the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the former imperial palace complex used by 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 980 surviving buildings across 72 hectares, it is the world's largest palace complex. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the emperor's throne room, and the intricate imperial gardens at the northern end are highlights among thousands of rooms filled with priceless artifacts.

The area around these landmarks is rich with additional attractions. Jingshan Park, directly behind the Forbidden City, offers the best panoramic view over the palace's golden rooftops. Beihai Park with its white dagoba is a former imperial garden now open to the public. The hutong neighborhoods of Qianmen, south of Tiananmen, preserve traditional Beijing street life with restored shopfronts and artisan workshops.

Nearby Landmarks

Forbidden City Tiananmen Gate Jingshan Park National Museum of China Qianmen Street

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 120-160 ($17-22)
Time 50-100 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 100-140 ($14-20)
Time 50-100 minutes

Arrivals level rideshare area

Train (Airport Express + Line 2)

Cost CNY 28
Time 45 minutes
Frequency Every 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Airport Express to Dongzhimen (25 min). 2. Line 2 south to Qianmen (15 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 120-160 ($17-22) 50-100 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 100-140 ($14-20) 50-100 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train CNY 28 45 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Tiananmen Square area has strict security and is closed to visitors after dark (around 10:00 PM in summer, earlier in winter). The Airport Express runs until about 10:30 PM. For evening arrivals, take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen then taxi to your hotel. Taxis from PEK to the Tiananmen area cost ¥100-130.

Luggage Tips

The Forbidden City requires security screening and prohibits large luggage inside. There are no luggage storage facilities at Tiananmen Square. If arriving directly from the airport, store luggage at Dongzhimen metro lockers, your hotel, or a nearby luggage storage service before visiting.

Accessibility

Tiananmen Square is flat and accessible. The Forbidden City has made significant accessibility improvements with wheelchair ramps at key gates, though some inner courtyards have high thresholds. Free wheelchairs are available at the entrance. Metro stations at Tiananmen East and West have elevators.