Tiananmen

Tiananmen, meaning Gate of Heavenly Peace, refers to the Gate of Heavenly Peace and the adjacent public square in central Beijing. The gate sits at the northern edge of the Forbidden City and faces the square, which lies to its south. The square covers about 440,000 square meters, making it one of the largest public squares in the world and a central point in the city’s ceremonial and political life.

The square is flanked by several major buildings. The Monument to the People's Heroes stands at its center, while the Great Hall of the People is on the western side and the National Museum of China on the eastern side. At the southern end is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. The Gate of Heavenly Peace itself is a prominent feature above the square, famous for Mao Zedong’s portrait that has often been displayed on the gate.

Historically, Tiananmen has been a focal point of national events. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the Gate of Heavenly Peace in front of the square. Since then, it has been used for state ceremonies, parades, and other political events, as well as a symbol of national identity.

In 1989, the square became internationally known as the epicenter of pro-democracy protests that drew widespread attention. The ensuing crackdown in early June led to casualties and arrests, though the exact numbers remain disputed.

Today, Tiananmen remains a major public space and tourist destination, frequently used for national celebrations and visitor access, while continuing to be a symbol of Chinese state power and modern history.