Tian An Men Square
By - Posted on 28 March 2008
On October 1st, 1949, Mao climbed atop the "Gate of Heavenly Peace", which gives the square its name, to proclaim the foundation of the People's Republic of China. In 1949, Tian An Men Square was a narrow walled plaza,but it was expanded in the 1950's to its present size of 400,000 square meters. The site of major parades, the quare has also palyed host to impromptu celebartions as when Beijing was awarded the 2008 Olympic Games in July 2001. Most days Tian An Men Square is filled with sightseers and kite-flyers. During national holidays, it's usually festooned with banners and floral decorations. Many Chinese visit at dawn or dusk to see elite People's Liberation Army troops conduct flag raising or lowering ceremonies.
On the suqare's north end is the Gate of Heavenly Peace (天安门), which leads towards the Forbidden City.
In the center of the square is the 40m-high Monument to the People's heros(人民英雄纪念碑). South of the monument is the Chairmen Mao's Mausoleum (毛主席纪念堂).
Metro Lines 1 (Tiananmen Dong Station or Tiananmen Xi Station); Metro Line 2 (Qianmen Station).
