Do you need to book Tiananmen Square?

Yes, you need to book Tiananmen Square. Entry is free, but you can’t just walk in: you reserve in advance with your passport. Here is how the reservation works for foreign visitors. The rules can change, so check the official channel before you go.

How to book

1. Open the booking channel. The official booking channel is a government mini-program in WeChat, called 天安门广场预约参观 (Tiananmen Square visit reservation). Make sure you are in the official mini-program, not a paid look-alike.
2. Choose your date. Reservations open 1 to 7 days ahead; same-day booking is not possible.
3. Choose a time slot. You choose one of four time slots: flag-raising, morning, afternoon or flag-lowering.
4. Enter each visitor’s passport details exactly as printed.

No WeChat, or the booking won’t go through? Ask your hotel whether they can help.

On the day

• Bring the original passport you booked with; a photocopy or a photo on your phone is not enough.
• Arrive within the slot you booked.

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is right next to the square, so you can combine both on the same day. Remember: a Tiananmen Square reservation does not include the Forbidden City, which has its own booking. See Forbidden City tickets for that booking, and our Beijing itinerary to plan the day.