Tiananmen is a large city square in the centre of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen Gate (literally, Gate of Heaven’s Pacification) located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world (440,000 m² – 880m by 500m). It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history.
Monument of the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People
Monument in front of Mao's Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square
Used as a massive meeting place since its creation, its flatness is contrasted by the 38-meter (125 ft) high Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. The square lies between two ancient, massive gates: the Tian’anmen to the north and the Zhengyangmen, better known as Qianmen as to the south. Along the west side of the Square is the Great Hall of the People. Along the east side is the National Museum of China (dedicated to Chinese history predating 1919). Chang’an Avenue, which is used for parades, lies between the Tian’anmen and the Square.
Useful Vocab:
Tiān'ānménGuǎngchǎng = Tiananmen Square
zhèngzhì = politics
Máozédōng = MaoZedong
