Built in 1420 as the front gate of the imperial city, it is where Mao proclaimed the People's Republic in 1949; his portrait still hangs over the central arch. The rostrum gives a view straight down the square along the Central Axis.
- Address
- North end of Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District
- Hours
- Mon-Sun 05:00-22:00 (visitbeijing.com.cn)
- Best time to go
- Morning · About 45 min
- Price
- Walking through the gate is free (visitbeijing.com.cn); the upper rostrum needs a pre-booked WeChat ticket, price not verified (Lonely Planet 2025)
- Price level
- ¥
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Rostrum tickets go through WeChat and sell out fast, per Lonely Planet (2025); without one you can still walk under the gate towards the Forbidden City.
- The balcony is treated as sacred ground: be on your best behaviour (Lonely Planet).