Tiananmen Square Facts for Kids

Tian'anmen Square (pronounced Tee-an-an-men Gwong-chang) is a very large open space in the center of Beijing, China. It's named after the Tian'anmen Gate, which means 'Gate of Heavenly Peace'. This gate is to the north of the square and leads to the famous Forbidden City, an ancient palace where emperors once lived. The square is known around the world as a place where many important historical events and large gatherings have happened, including protests in 1989.

The square is huge! It stretches about 880 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west. This makes its total area about 440,000 square meters. It is one of the largest public squares in the entire world.

Tian'anmen Square

What You Can See at Tian'anmen Square
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What You Can See at Tian'anmen Square

Tian'anmen Square is surrounded by many important buildings and monuments. Each one has its own special history and purpose.

Tian'anmen Gate

To the north of the square is the impressive Tian'anmen Gate. This gate is very famous and has a large portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong hanging on it. It's the main entrance to the Forbidden City, which was once the home of China's emperors.

Great Hall of the People

On the west side of the square, you'll find the Great Hall of the People. This huge building is where China's government holds important meetings and ceremonies. It's a very grand and important place.

National Museum of China

To the east of the square is the National Museum of China. This museum is one of the largest in the world. It has amazing collections that tell the long and rich story of China's history and culture.

Monument to the People's Heroes

In the very center of the square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. This tall stone monument honors the people who died fighting for China. It's a place for remembrance and respect.

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

Just south of the monument is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This is where the body of Mao Zedong, a very important leader in China's history, rests. Many people visit this building to pay their respects.

Zhengyangmen Gate

At the very south end of Tian'anmen Square is the Zhengyangmen Gate, also known as Qianmen Gate. This is another historic gate that was once part of Beijing's old city walls.

Images for kids

Tiananmen Square in the early 20th century, seen from Zhengyangmen Gate.
A famous image of Tiananmen Square from the May Fourth movement in 1919.
A satellite view of Tiananmen Square from 1967.
Security cameras at Tiananmen Square.
The Tiananmen Gate at the north of the square.
The National Museum of China on the east side.
The Great Hall of the People on the west side.
Zhengyangmen Gate at the south end of the square.
The Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the center.
A closer look at the Monument to the People's Heroes.
The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
A monument in front of Mao's Mausoleum.
A temporary monument in Tiananmen Square from 2011.