Wed, August 06, 2008
Climbing up Tian’anmen Gate to take a view of Tian’anmen Square is a dream for many generations of Chinese. Tian’anmen is not simply a gate. It had bore witness to many historical events, and the decline and resurgence of the nation.
Located at the center of Beijing City is Tiananmen Square, where you can visit Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. Thousands of people come to the Square every day. It is a must place to visit in Beijing City.
With a total area of 440,000 square meters (880-m-long and 500-m-wide), the Tian'anmen Square, located in the center of Beijing, is the largest of its kind. Over a hundred years, many ceremonies and demonstrations have been held here. The spacious square was originally to demonstrate the majestic imperial power, walled in on the eastern, western and southern sides, shutting out the common people. It is now an ideal place for people to observe celebratory occasions or fly kites.
Tian'anmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) was built in the 15th century and restored in the 17th century. From imperial days, the yellow glaze-tiled double-eave tower functioned as a rostrum for proclaiming pronouncements to the assembled masses. On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the new China here. The tower has five doors and in front of it are seven bridges spanning a stream. In the past, only the emperor could use the central door and bridge. The gate leads to the imperial city -- the Forbidden City.
Five Star Red Flag -- the Chinese national flag, flies high in the sky above the Square. To see the guard of honor raise the Flag is a must for the tourist visiting Beijing City. You have to get up very early and arrive at the Square before sunrise. Only by doing so can you see the ceremony clearly as there are crowds of people attending the ceremony every day.
The present Tiananmen Square has become a relaxing place for the common people to fly kites and walk. On holidays, the whole square is covered with fresh flowers.
