Tiananmen facts for kids
The Tiananmen is a famous building in Beijing, China. It is often seen as a national symbol of China. This important gate was built in 1420 during the Ming dynasty. Tiananmen was the main entrance to the Imperial City. The famous Forbidden City was located inside the Imperial City. Tiananmen is found north of Tiananmen Square, with Chang'an Avenue separating them.
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What Does Tiananmen Mean?
The Chinese name for the gate (天安门/天安門) uses three Chinese characters. The first character, "天" (tiān), means "heaven." The second, "安" (ān), means "peace." The third, "门/門" (mén), means "gate." Because of these meanings, the name is usually translated as the "Gate of Heavenly Peace."
History of the Gate of Heavenly Peace
When Was Tiananmen Built?
The Tiananmen gate was first built in 1420. This was during the Ming dynasty, a time when emperors ruled China. It was originally called "Chengtianmen," which means "Gate of Accepting Heavenly Mandate."
How Was Tiananmen Used?
For centuries, Tiananmen was a very important place. It was the main entrance to the Imperial City. Only special people, like the emperor and his officials, could use this gate. Important ceremonies and announcements often happened here.
Changes Over Time
The gate has been damaged and rebuilt several times. It was burned down in 1644 during a war. Later, it was rebuilt and given its current name, "Tiananmen," in 1651. This happened during the Qing dynasty. The gate has been repaired and updated many times since then to keep it strong and beautiful.
Features of Tiananmen
What Does Tiananmen Look Like?
Tiananmen is a large and impressive gate. It has five arched entrances. The central arch was traditionally reserved for the emperor. The gate also has a large tower on top. This tower has a yellow tiled roof, which was a color often used for imperial buildings.
Symbols and Decorations
The gate is decorated with many traditional Chinese symbols. You can see stone columns called huabiao nearby. These columns are carved with dragons and phoenixes. These animals are important symbols in Chinese culture. A large portrait of Mao Zedong is also displayed on the gate.
Tiananmen Square Connection
Tiananmen is located at the northern end of Tiananmen Square. This square is one of the largest public squares in the world. Many important events in Chinese history have taken place in or near Tiananmen Square. The gate and the square are often seen together as symbols of China.
Images for kids
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Stone column (huabiao) with depiction of dragons and phoenixes decorates the surroundings of the Tiananmen gate.
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Portrait of Chiang Kai-shek on Tiananmen in Beijing, Republic of China
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Portrait of Mao Zedong at the Tiananmen gate made by Ge Xiaoguang
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Route 1 bus passing Tiananmen
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See also
In Spanish: Puerta de Tiananmén para niños
