Galloping Horse: Beijing Trip: Mao's Legacy

The significance of Tunku Abdul Rahman to all Malaysians is equivalent to Mao Zedong as the founding father of today's People's Republic of China. In Malaysia we have Dataran Merdeka, in China, they have Tiananmen Square. The square is best known for the protest in 1989, where army forced out pro-democracy demonstrators out of the square. Mao's legacy is depicted enormously by this largest square in the world. I wouldn't say the square is a must-see if you are on a short trip in Beijing but if you could spare extra time, you can spend it at the square. Be warned, it's pretty large.

View of Tiananmen Square from Tiananmen Gate

Tiananmen Square is located at the southern of Forbidden City, separated by Tiananmen Gate. The gate is one of the famous landmarks where Mao's portrait is hung. The nearest subway stations are either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West on Line 1. In spite of the free entrance, the square is heavily secured: fenced and guarded where you need to go through security check (just like any other huge attraction sites in China). It's advisable to bring your passport along with you in case the guards asking for it (for not looking like Chinese).

Tiananmen Gate by day

Tiananmen Gate by night

I believe you could walk up to top of Tiananmen Gate with a fee, in which I opt that out during my visit. I proceed to the square itself in which it is enclosing Mausoleum of Mao ZeDong, the place where Mao's body is preserved and open to public (0800 - 1130 hours, 1400 - 1600 hours).

From the left: Monument to the People's Heroes, Mausoleum of Mao ZeDong, surrounded by Tiananmen Square with its flowery landscape

It is free to enter the hall but you are not allowed to bring any sorts of rucksack in. If you are travelling in group, I would suggest you to take turn to go in to take care of one another's bag. Otherwise, you can choose to rent a locker at the cost of 17 RMB in which you need cross the street (in which I don't think find it's worth it). There is signage to lead you there. Obviously, you can't take photos inside the hall. The body is kept in a glass box which extended up to the ceiling. I have to be honest, I'm not sure if the body is real as it appears more like a wax figure to me. The local Chinese, I noticed, would pay respect as they pass by. You won't be able to halt in the hall as everyone needs to move continuously. Exiting the hall at the back and you shall see a monument.

To the east of square, there lies National Museum of China. Again, with passport in your hand, you can enter the museum for free. The place displays various exhibitions that tell the stories since ancient times until modern days. My knowledge on China history is rather limited but there are some parts of the displays you can appreciate and along the way, learn more on those days (like the Nanjing massacre). There is one particular section I spend most time is the one that exhibit the gift exchange between China and foreign countries.