2025 September 3 Military Parade: What Foreign Travelers Need to Know

On September 3, 2025, Beijing will host a grand military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War. This event is a significant national celebration, but it will also bring temporary disruptions to tourism and transportation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your visit.

▶Key Details of the September 3 Military Parade

• Date & Time: The parade will start at 10:00 AM and last approximately 70 minutes, ending around 11:10 AM.
• Schedule:
  • 10:00 AM: Opening ceremony with a 21-gun salute and flag-raising at Tiananmen Square.
  • 10:00–10:20 AM: The President of China will review the troops, with soldiers chanting slogans celebrating a strong military.
  • 10:20 AM onwards: A grand march-past featuring airborne flag-guarding units, infantry divisions, war flag squads, equipment divisions, and aerial formations.

▶Travel Restrictions & Adjustments

1. Core Area Closures (September 2–3)

• Tiananmen Square & Surroundings: Closed entirely on September 2–3, including the forbidden city, National Museum, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Reopens on September 4.
  • Tip: Book/adjust tickets for The Forbidden City via its official website in advance.
• Chang’an Avenue & Parade Route: Scenic spots like Zhongshan Park and Labor People’s Cultural Palace will close during the parade (September 3 morning) and reopen in the afternoon.

2. Other Major Attractions

• Olympic Park: Open as usual, with nightly light shows themed around the victory.
• Summer Palace & Yuanmingyuan: Open all day, but lake cruises operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Badaling Great Wall: Open normally; expect short-term traffic controls on the G6 Expressway near Beijing.
• Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai: Open, but surrounding roads will have traffic diversions.

▶Transportation Tips

Metro

• Lines 1, 2, and 4 will skip stations near Tiananmen Square (e.g., Wangfujing, Qianmen) from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on September 3.

Buses

• Over 40 bus routes along Chang’an Avenue will detour. Check real-time updates via the Beijing Bus Group app.

Taxis/Ride-Hailing

• No pick-ups/drop-offs in central Beijing (within the 2nd Ring Road) from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Use shared bikes for short transfers.

Air Travel

• Flight operations at Beijing Capital Airport may be affected by aerial displays. Arrive 4 hours early for flights on September 3.

▶Traveler Services & Support

• 24/7 Multilingual Hotline: Call 12345 (press 3 for English) for assistance.
• Consultation Points: Temporary help desks at major transport hubs (e.g., Beijing Railway Station, South Station).
• Dining: Iconic restaurants like Quanjude and Donglaishun will extend hours until 11:00 PM.

▶Recommendations for a Smooth Trip

1. Avoid Peak Times: Visit core attractions like Tiananmen Square from September 4–6 when crowds thin but ceremonial decorations remain.
2. Alternative Destinations: Explore non-restricted areas like Fragrant Hills Park, 798 Art Zone, or Chaoyang Park.
3. Cultural Experiences: Reserve spots for exhibitions at the Anti-Japanese War Museum or Lugou Bridge (book in advance).

▶Final Note

While the September 3 parade offers a unique glimpse into China’s historical pride, planning ahead is key to avoiding disruptions. Monitor official updates via the Beijing Municipal Government website or follow #Intotravelchina on social media for real-time alerts. Book accommodations and tickets early, and embrace the spirit of this historic commemoration!