Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), Beijing, China

5Chris C 5:00 PM Jan 4, 2020

Lay over flying visit - Temporary Visa
We had an 8 hour window between landing from Bangkok and departing for London at Bejing. The process for us was to automatically authorise our fingerprints then complete the temporary visa application. There is also an Arrival Form which we filled in which is simple to complete. Then you have it stamped at the Visa Desk. Once done you have to go through passport control. It had taken 2.5 hours from landing.The time was now 9/9,30 am and we asked at Information Pints what would be the best way to get to Tiannemen Sq. We were told the train and a taxi would take about the same time, 45mins and cost the same. We decided to go for the taxi and were directed to where we should go. Someone was there directing people to a counter where you paid for the fare (Only took cash) and were told to give the driver 10Y only (cash) for the TOLL. We were taken to our car where we had to sign an accident waiver.travel contract. With this signed we headed into Bejing and Tiannemen Sq. He explained he was not permitted to enter the Square and would drop us off just near to it. which he did and showed us where to go. While the Square is very impressive there is nothing outside the sights such as restaurants or bars etc simply the attractions around three sides with the Forbidden Palace at one end. The food was amazing and came to about £20. We called a cab over and quickly established the fare to our terminal would be 320Y. So it is possible but watch the time and research what you need to do.

3Licia W 5:00 PM May 18, 2020

Large open space
It’s a very big square (one of the largest public squares in the world). We visited early in the morning. We were part or an organised tour, and as soon as we got off the coach we were whisked past a very very long snaking queue. I don’t remember having to pass through security or showing my passport. I assume all this had been sorted by our guide. In the middle of the square is the monument to the People’s Heroes. The Great Hall of the People is at the West end of the square and the National Museum of China is at the East end of the square. Chairman Mao’s mausoleum is situated at the end opposite the entrance to the Forbidden City. Be careful crossing the road to get to the Forbidden City, there are several lanes of traffic separating it from the square.