Within this huge square, many government structures and monuments are to be found. The National Museum of China on the east side of the Square. The Great Hall of the People on the west side of the Square. The Zhengyangmen Gate Tower to the south end of Tiananmen Square. The Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong occupy the center of the Square.
MILITARY GUARDS
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| Tiananmen Square |
MILITARY GUARDS
We got off at the Tiananmen West subway and climbed out into the Square. I got overwhelmed by the vastness of the square. So many people were scurrying around. Military guards in full attention on their assigned spots or posts. Some were marching toward each other exchanging posts.
It's the ultimate sight which indeed reminded me that I was in the midst of the Communist Republic of China.
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| Military Guards |
It's the ultimate sight which indeed reminded me that I was in the midst of the Communist Republic of China.
THE MASSACRE OF 1989
I have read the story about the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989 and this was the place where it all took place; that human rights drama (whatever happened to that tank man?)
Center of China’s Communist Sovereignty
It is surrounded with official buildings that look very imposing and intimidating. A large portrait painting of their leader plastered up high on the wall. Bold red Chinese character on a banner.
It is also here where they hold many huge military marches and gatherings of the government leaders to address their citizens and to the whole world to see.
Public Toilet Propaganda
Even the public toilet we walked in had a TV monitor that continually showing government propaganda. Chinese armies marching impressively in perfect formation and the equally valiant women marching like a platoon ready for battle. It’s giving me the impression how powerful this government over its people. An extremely disciplined army. Very intimidating show of power.
Tiananmen means the Gate of Heavenly Peace. There are three tower gates. The first gate is the Tiananmen Gate. The gate leading to the Forbidden City.
It seemed like there were guards in every meter apart. The guards were mostly young, stern, and good-looking. They’re inside a yellow rope separated from the crowd.
It seemed like the woman was in the wrong line. I just kept on walking forward so not to appear like I was overly concerned to what I have just witnessed. People chose to ignore the commotion. I thought, ok, these military police are really freakin’ strict.
The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial Palace from hundred of years ago. More familiar if you’ve seen the movie the Last Emperor.
No Time for the Forbidden City
It was closing within 30 minutes at the time we got to the ticketing booth; not enough time for us to see the huge place so we opted not to go in anymore.
Public Toilet Propaganda
Even the public toilet we walked in had a TV monitor that continually showing government propaganda. Chinese armies marching impressively in perfect formation and the equally valiant women marching like a platoon ready for battle. It’s giving me the impression how powerful this government over its people. An extremely disciplined army. Very intimidating show of power.
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| Military Guards |
Tiananmen means the Gate of Heavenly Peace. There are three tower gates. The first gate is the Tiananmen Gate. The gate leading to the Forbidden City.
It seemed like there were guards in every meter apart. The guards were mostly young, stern, and good-looking. They’re inside a yellow rope separated from the crowd.
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| Guards manning the crowd |
Entering the Forbidden Line
I noticed one guard quickly went over the yellow police line and charged towards this woman, probably in her late 40s, then held her up high by the collar and pushed her against the wall, conversing in Chinese very rapidly.
It seemed like the woman was in the wrong line. I just kept on walking forward so not to appear like I was overly concerned to what I have just witnessed. People chose to ignore the commotion. I thought, ok, these military police are really freakin’ strict.
We walked over a bridge. There were five short bridges connecting to the gate. As you cross one short bridge, you will enter through a high-arched gate with massive doors.
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| Gate corridor |
Inside was a huge court yard. A large crowd were walking in all directions. In spite of all the people, it did not seem too crowded because the place was immense.
THE FORBIDDEN CITY
No fees to get in within the two tower gates. But there's a fee of 40RMB to enter the third gate. The gate to the famous Forbidden City - called the Meridian Gate.
The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial Palace from hundred of years ago. More familiar if you’ve seen the movie the Last Emperor.
The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. It consists of 980 surviving buildings and is surrounded by giant walls.
No Time for the Forbidden City
It was closing within 30 minutes at the time we got to the ticketing booth; not enough time for us to see the huge place so we opted not to go in anymore.
There were lots of places to explore in its immediate surroundings anyway; enough to fill up our time. So impressed as I looked closer to those massively high retaining walls.
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| Retaining wall |
Military guards do not appreciate being photographed, although one handsome guard I photographed didn’t seem to mind.
Rules were strictly enforced. No sitting to just anywhere, although I didn’t really see any bench around or nooks to sit on.
We slowly eased out of the place and looked for a place to eat. We did not find any diners near the square so we wandered off. I enjoyed the walk and stumbled upon the Beijing National Center for the Performing Arts, also known as the Giant Egg. See PART 10.
Tian'anmen At Night
We got back to the square at night fall coming from the Giant Egg and saw the Square at night; beautifully lit Tiananmen Gate gave a different perspective and a wonderfully calmer atmosphere.
We slowly eased out of the place and looked for a place to eat. We did not find any diners near the square so we wandered off. I enjoyed the walk and stumbled upon the Beijing National Center for the Performing Arts, also known as the Giant Egg. See PART 10.
Tian'anmen At Night
We got back to the square at night fall coming from the Giant Egg and saw the Square at night; beautifully lit Tiananmen Gate gave a different perspective and a wonderfully calmer atmosphere.
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| Tiananmen at night |
Every lamp post was equipped with speakers which can put across a message to a huge crowd (in Chinese). Soldiers came and dispersed everyone at 10:30 PM and sealed the place off for the night.
Flag raising ceremony is also a must-see when visiting the Square, just make sure you get there early to beat the crowd. Like before-sunrise early.