A humanistic monument - a frozen national epic
Every building on the square is not made of cold stone, but a monument carrying the national memory and political implications.
Tian 'anmen Rostrum: A historical viewing platform
- Visual core: This vermilion city tower with a double-eaved hip roof is a symbol of the square and even of China. The roof is covered with golden glazed tiles, and there are ten kissing beasts on the ridge, symbolizing the highest grade of imperial architecture. Standing on the city tower and looking down at the square, it was precisely the perspective that successive leaders of the Republic held during major celebrations. The interior of the building is now an exhibition hall, showcasing its architectural evolution and historical role. The best photography spot is near the memorial hall on the south side of the square, where you can capture the panoramic view of the city tower and the square.
Monument to the People's Heroes: The backbone of the nation
- Spiritual pillar: This is the largest monument in Chinese history. The eight giant reliefs on the pedestal condense the century-long revolutionary epic from the destruction of opium at Humen to the victory of the War of Liberation. It is located at the center point of the central axis of the square, reminding people of where today's national peace and prosperity come from.
- Temple of Faith: This square building is solemn and dignified, with 44 yellow granite columns from Fujian supporting the golden glazed double-eaved roof. This was a quiet and solemn experience. Countless people queued for hours with admiration, just for that brief moment of pause and gaze.
The Great Hall of the People and the National Museum: The Two Wings of Power
To the west of the square lies the Great Hall of the People, where the Grand Hall for ten thousand People, the State Banquet Hall and the provincial halls showcase the highest venues for state deliberation and reception. To the east is the National Museum of China. The basic exhibitions "Ancient China" and "The Road to Revival" are the most authoritative classrooms for understanding the five-thousand-year-old Chinese civilization and the history of modern struggle. Both buildings are grand in scale, and the colonnade design forms the magnificent boundary of the square.
Space and Nature - Ultimate scale and flowing scenery
The charm of the square also lies in its unparalleled physical space and the atmosphere that changes with the seasons and hours.
Grand Scale: The Heart-stirring "Emptiness"
- Spatial Aesthetics: Standing in the center of the 440,000-square-meter square, you will be enveloped by an unprecedented sense of openness. The ground is entirely paved with light-colored granite slabs, with no obstructions to the view. This ultimate "emptiness" precisely highlights the "fullness" and "heaviness" of the surrounding buildings, creating an emotional atmosphere of sublimity, solemnity and sanctity. The stroll along the central axis from the city tower to the monument is itself an experience full of ritualistic sense.
The flowing flag: The National Heartbeat Once a day
- Flag-raising and lowering ceremony: This is the most vibrant and must-see dynamic scene on the square. Every sunrise, 36 soldiers of the National Flag Guard cross the Jinshui Bridge and raise the Five-starred Red Flag to the top of the pole in the "March of the Volunteers". At sunset, it descends solemnly again. The time is accurate to the second depending on the season. Watching the flag-raising ceremony is not merely about observing a process; it is also about experiencing a national aesthetic that embodies belief, discipline and passion.
Festive finery: The changing expressions of the seasons
On ordinary days, the square is solemn. However, every National Day (October 1st), the square is decorated with giant theme flower beds, red lanterns and large flower and fruit baskets with the theme of "Blessing the Motherland", and is ablaze with lights at night. There are also corresponding arrangements for Labor Day (May 1st) and New Year's Day. In winter, the square looks even more solemn under the cover of snow. These seasonal decorations give the eternal national space a flowing festive expression.
Photography Tips: Flag-raising ceremony: Occupy the front row positions on the east or west side of the flagpole in advance to capture the classic moment when soldiers step out of the city tower and cross the Jinshui Bridge. High-sensitivity devices need to be used to deal with the morning light.
Architectural details: Take close-up shots of the door studs, dougong brackets, and kissing beasts of the city tower, or the colonnades and national emblem of the Great Hall of the People, and experience the beauty of architectural details.
The night view is splendid: Half an hour after sunset, during the blue hour, when the lights come on, it is an excellent opportunity to capture the light trails of the square and the cars on the streets of Chang 'an.
