What makes it 79% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share the dawn flag-raising, climb Tiananmen Gate for joint photos, and enjoy an evening stroll, but crowds and armed patrols reduce privacy and romance.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can join the flag ceremony at dawn, climb the Gate Tower, and stroll the square without rushing.
Flag-Raising Ceremony:
Attend the dawn flag ceremony when the plaza is nearly empty.
Tip: Reserve your free entry slot online up to 7 days ahead and arrive 15 minutes early for front-row views.
Climb Tiananmen Gate Tower:
Buy tickets to ascend the gate tower for a panoramic view over the square.
Tip: Book online at 5 PM seven days before and enter at least 30 minutes before closing.
Romantic Photo Session:
Hire a local photographer to capture you together beneath iconic monuments.
Tip: Arrange a photographer via WeChat or hotel concierge at least one day in advance.
Evening Stroll & Night Shots:
Walk the square at dusk to photograph its illuminated halls and expansive plaza.
Tip: Stay after sunset for long-exposure shots of the lit Gate and Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Crumpled Nomad
Visiting Tian’anmen Square is one of those moments where you truly feel the weight of history. As one of the largest public squares in the world, the sheer scale alone is awe-inspiring. Standing in the middle of the vast open space, surrounded by monumental landmarks like the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the iconic Tian’anmen Gate, you immediately sense the importanc...
markos paterakis
Honestly, Tiananmen Square wasn’t anything particularly special for me. It’s a huge open space, but there isn’t much to actually do once you’re there. What really stood out was the amount of security—a lot of security checks. It felt like too much, and it definitely took away from the experience. If you’re nearby, it might be worth a quick look, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again.
Lennon Matthews-Rowell
One of the most iconic spots in the world. The lines to get in a mental. There were at least 10,000 people lining up to get in - all of whom also had a booking. It was a three hour wait to get in. I cannot stress how much better it would have been to get there early. All the pics in this review are from a normal Thursday. The police do very invasive searches including looking down your pants and...
David Lee
Visiting Tiananmen Square is an absolute must for anyone traveling to Beijing. The sheer scale and magnitude of the square are breathtaking and truly overwhelming in person. It serves as the historic and political heart of China, making the experience deeply impactful. The square is impeccably maintained, and the surrounding structures—like the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of t...
Madan Kumar Adhikari
The square itself is huge and impressive, perfectly clean and well-guarded. The sight of the Tiananmen Gate with Chairman Mao’s portrait overlooking the square is iconic — it’s something you’ve seen in photos, but seeing it in real life feels powerful. Early in the morning, the flag-raising ceremony is especially moving and shows the pride of the Chinese nation. However, the atmosphere can feel a...
Check flag-raising times by season: summer ceremonies start around 5 AM, winter closer to 6:30 AM. Bring water and sun protection in summer; dress in layers in winter.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tiananmen Gate Tower tickets (2) | CNY 30 |
| Local photographer (1 hour) | CNY 400 |
| Evening snacks | CNY 20 |
| Nearby dinner for two | CNY 200 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 650 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Address: 前门 Dongcheng, China, 100051
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