You've probably seen the Great Hall of the People in the news hundreds of times and even dreamed of freely exploring it one day. But when you finally visit Beijing, you might forget all about it. To remind yourself, we suggest you save this guide and follow it step by step.

1. Recommended Tour Route

Recommended route: Main Entrance - Central Hall - Hunan Hall - Liaoning Hall - Great Auditorium - Second Floor East Hall - Shanghai Hall - Reception Hall - Banquet Hall - Guangdong Hall - Sichuan Hall - Press Conference Hall - Great Hall of the People Building

2. Must-See Highlights

Great Auditorium: This is the heart of the Great Hall of the People, renowned for its grand dome and pillarless design. The central red star light at the top symbolizes the unity of the 56 ethnic groups, with smaller surrounding lights representing their solidarity. The red star light was manufactured in Dongguan.

Reception Hall: This hall features the largest artwork in the Great Hall of the People, the traditional Chinese painting "A Land So Rich In Beauty". It is also the place where leaders take group photos before banquets.

Banquet Hall: Although it is not frequently used for banquets, the Banquet Hall is still lavishly decorated. The central crystal glass chandelier and the gilded plaster sculptures around the hall highlight its unique artistic style.

Other Must-See Halls: If time is limited, make sure to visit Hunan Hall, Liaoning Hall, Shanghai Hall, Guangdong Hall, and Sichuan Hall. These halls display cultural characteristics and artworks from various regions, providing a window into the cultural and artistic diversity of China.

3. Ticket Reservation

Price: Adults 30 yuan, students half-price, free for seniors and children

Release Time: Tickets for the third day are released every day at 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Please arrive on time as the hall is cleared at 3:00 PM.

4. Tips

Near the exit of the first-floor lobby, you can get paper cups with "Great Hall of the People" printed on them for photos or water.

Milk, beverages, and liquids like Eight Treasures Congee are not allowed inside, but you can bring an empty water bottle to fill inside.

Selfie sticks and power banks are allowed.

The exhibition hall is outside the main building of the Great Hall of the People, on the right side, with an entrance in a semi-basement.

Children are not required to have tickets and can enter without a reservation.

Once you have a reservation for the Great Hall of the People, you don't need a separate reservation for Tiananmen Square. After your visit, you can stroll around Tiananmen Square, see the Monument to the People's Heroes, and watch the flag-lowering ceremony.

Translator: DING Hongwei

Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan