Tiananmen Square
CHINA
(May 11-14, 2000)

Beijing is China's capital city. It has a population of 12 million people and it is centered around the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Tiananmen Square, also named the Square of Heavenly Peace, situated in the city centre, measures about 500x800m/547x875yd. Up to a million people could fit into this square, making it probably the largest square in the world. It forms not only the geographical, but also the historical core of the city. The square was laid out in 1651, but was considerably enlarged in 1958. During the 20th century, important political events have taken place here. On May 4th 1919 students demonstrated against the Chinese provisions of the Versaille treaty. Following the memorial day of April 4th 1976 countless Beijing residents mourned their popular prime minister Zhou Enlai, and a demonstration against the Jiang Qing Group ensued, which was forcefully suppressed. The west of the Square is bordered by the colossal Great Hall of the People, the east by a further monumental building which houses the Museum of Chinese History and Chinese Revolution. The chairman Mao Mausoleum lies to the south, and in the centre of the square is the Monument to the People's Heroes.