Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
Tiananmen
For some, Tiananmen Square will remain the place where the tragic and absurd happened: in 1989, the Chinese government brutally repressed pro-democratie protests and demonstrations. Tiananmen square is also the place where Mao Zedong proclaimed the People’s Republic of China on October 1st 1949, and where many movements started, such as the May 4th Movement.
Today, Tiananmen Square remains one of the symbol of Mao’s disillusion of grandeur, a huge square — the biggest in the world — dedicated to him, China, the “people’s heroes”, and jealously guarded night and day by the Party. The lampposts sport video cameras and the square itself is heavily monitored by uniformed and plain clothes policemen… Yet, a lot of Chinese still gather on Tiananmen to watch the flag ceremony either at dusk or at down, take picture, fly kites or just visit the site of so many key event in Chinese modern and contemporary history.
 Arriving On Tiananmen |
 Hanging Out On Tiananmen |
 Little Girl Among The Crowd |
 Souvenirs |
 Guarding The Square |
 Mao’s Mausoleum |
 China’s National Museum |
 Chang An Jie |
 Changing The Guards |
 Lowering The Flag |
 People’s Heroes Monument |
 In Front Of Qianmen |
Related posts:
- Qianmen (前门)
- The Forbidden City (故宫)
- Old Beijing (老北京)
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Night And Day In Toronto’s Chinatown
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@shionge — Thank you and… thank you
@Annie — Is there a similar place in India? Just curious… Like a key site for historical events?
@Max Coutinho — De rien! I just love taking pics
@Seraphine — I love pretty much all movements. Especially after sitting in a bus/ plane for hours
@RennyBA — Thank you Renny! For once I get to show you something that doesn’t look like Norway!
Hi Zhu,
This whole series of your trip to China is a well documented eyewitness account of developments with snippets of history and personal experience that’s beautifully merged and blended. I’m inclined to believe these can fit into a documentary for National Geographic or the Living Asia Channel.
Maybe you should look towards this aspect whenever you travel — you may be able to replenish some of the amounts you spent for the trip. And, when you have made a name for yourself in like tasks, you can get your entire vacation for free!:-)
Tiananmen Square is indeed dedicated to Mao’s glory. But at the Olympic sites, especially the Bird’s Nest, his memory was practically ignored. I’m not sure if it was meant as a dedication to the people or to the current party rulers — or it could be the beginning of relegating Mao to the past so that the country can move on to exert better and more positive influence among the community of nations.
Whatever it is, China has progressed by leaps and bounds in a lot of areas and should be viewed in that context with a lot of respect. They have also done a tremendous job during the Olympics that made almost all of Asia proud to be Asian. Excellent series with very sharp and beautiful photos.
–Durano, done!
durano lawayans last great read…Demographic Deficiencies Down-Under
Hey Zhu,
There are many such places in India
India basically has 4 region (as in other countries) East India, West India, South India and North India 
Every region has history attached to it so wheresoever’s you go in India; you will find atleast one such monument. That’s why do plan a visit to India 
Take care,
Ann
Totally remarkable … super photos Zhu
Eric “Speedcat Hollydale“s last great read…Speedcat Hollydale Grass Roots Campain Trail
@durano lawayan — I think most Chinese just think of Mao as an historical figure but definitely in good and in bad now. People are quite critical and since China is moving forward, its print is slowly being erased. A silly thing for example: in 1999, the “Mao lighter” was sold everywhere… I couldn’t find it anymore.
As for selling pictures… I’d love too! I’m looking into it actually. Thanks for your encouragements!
@Annie — This is one thing I’m always confused with in India. AS you said, there are several regions and each has its history, culture, language maybe. China, probably because of the politics, is very much centered on Beijing and is much more East — West. I guess in India I have to look at each region individually. Not sure if I’m clear, I’m sleepy, sorry!
@Eric “Speedcat Hollydale” — Thank you!