Beijing - Tian'anmen Square

In 1420, the Ming Dynasty completed the construction of city walls, imperial palaces, temples, official buildings and residential housing in Beijing as a part of the plan to make Beijing the official capital of China (it was in Nanjing).  To the west of the Square is the Great Hall of the People and to the east is the Museum of the Chinese Revolution.  In 1976, upon the death of Mao Zedong, the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao was built next to the Monument to the People's Heroes in the south of the Square.

Tian'anmen Square and the surrounding area represent more than 500 years of China's history.  Tian'anmen Square is both an epitome of  China and a window for the world to gain a glimpse of he country.  Many of the momentous events occurring at Tian'anmen Square in the 20th century have become either turning point in modern Chinese history.  It is also the largest public square in the world.

Security here was the most intense we saw in China during our visit.  Military and police everywhere. Checkpoints.  Fire extinguishers (fairly common protest is for someone to light themselves on fire here).  And LOTS of people.  From the square, and under the picture of Mao, you walk into the Forbidden City.