Tiananmen, Imperial gate in Dongcheng District, China.
Description
Tiananmen is a gate in Dongcheng District, Beijing, that rises 32 meters high and extends 66 meters wide with red walls. The structure marks the southern entrance to the Forbidden City and has five passageways, with the central one formerly reserved for the emperor.
History
Emperor Yongle ordered the gate built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty when Beijing became the new capital. The Qing Dynasty rebuilt it in 1651 after a fire and enlarged the entire structure.
Culture
The large portrait above the central archway shows Mao Zedong and was installed in 1949 after he proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic from this spot. Visitors see Chinese characters on both sides that display slogans about national unity and the country's progress.
Practical
Security checks take place before entering the square, so visitors should allow extra time for waiting. Several subway stations are nearby and provide direct access to the area around the gate.
Did you know?
The gate appears on the national emblem of China and serves as an official symbol on government buildings across the country. During special occasions, huge red lanterns hang from the sides of the gate and create a festive mood in the square.
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Very large square, unfortunately very well-known. I saw the countdown for the transition to the year 2000 there!
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