Tian'anmen Gate was the principal entry to the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

It is one of the finest monumental gates in the world, extraordinary for its imposing size. Ornamental Columns (huabiao), stone lions and white marble bridges decorate the front.

The base of Tian'anmen pierced with five arched gateways and set on a foundation of white marble, stands 10 meters high. It is built of huge bricks, each weighing approximately 24 kilograms. On top of this massive structure stands a palace-like gate tower with its roof top 33.7 meters above the ground. A low wall surrounding the gate tower encircles a white marble balustrade which frames the gate tower on four sides. The roof is covered with the same imperial yellow-glazed tiles found on every building in the Imperial Palace.

Tian'anmen Gate

Travel tips:

Address: On the Chang'an Boulevard, west of Wangfujing;

Opening hours: 8:30-17:00

Entry ticket for the rostrum: 15 yuan for Adult; 5 yuan for Student or visitor above 70-year-old; free for Chinese soldiers in military service.

Transportation:

Bus: No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 52 or walk over from Qianmen or Wangfujing.

Subway: Line 1 Arrive at Tian'anmen East or Tian'anmen West.