Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Since then, Tiananmen has been the site of massive displays of communist might. During the Cultural Revolu-
tion of the 1960s and '70s, up to a million people would pack into the square to listen to speeches that drove them
into a frenzy. And even now, it is where the Communist Party puts on shows of its military muscle, as it did in
2009 during the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PRC.
Socialist Realist Architecture
Like every other newly communist country, the People's Republic of China took its early
architectural cues from the old Soviet Union. Beijing abounds with structures built in
what is known as the Socialist Realist style, but Tiananmen Square has some of the most
prominent examples. Check out the 1959 Great Hall of the People ; the architecture is
monolithic and intimidating and a very fitting symbol of China's political inertia.
Top Tips
If you're coming to the dawn flag-raising/lowering ceremonies, get here as early as you can as it can get very
crowded.
Bikes are banned from the square; you'll be stopped if you try to ride across it. Stash cycles at the bike park to
the west of the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
Avoid Tiananmen Square on public holidays, especially National Day on the 1 October; it is packed to the gills
and you won't be able to move.
Take a Break
Head south of the square to the restored shopping street of Qianmen Dajie for delectable dumplings at Duyichu (
Click here ). On the same street, you'll find the Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant ( Click here ), the
capital's most famous outlet for Peking duck.
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