4/13/2007 ~ Beijing: Tiananmen Square

On the Rio: Peter Rowan ~ Pullin' the Devil by the Tail

Tainanmen Square is located is in the center of Beijing and covers a total area of 440,000 sq meters, making it the largest public square in the world. This is the square, with the Monument to the People's Heroes and beyond that is the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. I was not able to walk past Mao as viewing times were only in the morning.

These are pictures of Tiananmen Gate or Gate of Heavenly Peace.

It was first built in 1417 and known as Chengtianmen during the Ming Dynasty and was the front gate of the Imperial Palace. It was given its present name after reconstruction in 1651.

Standing guard.

I don't know what these guys were doing.

Tourists are allowed to go up and get a birds eye view from the 33.7 meter-high gate. There are also several rooms with artwork. I had to take this picture, as it is similar to one I purchased in Chengdu.