Tian'anmen Gate was the principal entry to the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it could be considered as the symbol of Beijing where the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao stands. The scenery "Tian'anmen Square with Shining Sun" is one the 16 great views of Beijing, which visitors must see. The representatives stood on the Tian'anmen Square - "heart of China" and took photos with excited faces.

It is one of the finest monumental gates in the world, extraordinary for its imposing size. Ornamental Columns (huabiao), stone lions and white marble bridges decorate the front.

Tian'anmen was off limits to commoners as the main entrance to the Imperial Palace during the last two dynasties. Several hundred meters in from stood the "Great Ming Gate." Between the two ran the Imperial Way.

In 1949, Tian'anmen regained its former grandeur through a complete renovation. The square has been widened to 40 hectares and is now one of the largest public squares in the world.

Address: On the Chang’an Boulevard, west of Wangfujing;

Traffic: Subway Line 1, Bus No.s 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 22, 52, 57, or walk over from Qianmen or Wangfujing.