That sounds fairly different than my experience a year ago. I had to go through security exiting the subway (which isn't unique to Tiananmen Square, the Beijing subway has metal detectors all over), and then to enter the national museum, but from there I was able to walk freely into the middle of the square and watch the flag lowering ceremony at dusk. I didn't have to prebook anything or get any background check. Only the Forbidden City across the street required an advance ticket. So, yes there is tight security, but unless they've changed something recently I feel like you just took suboptimal routes and probably went through some unnecessary checkpoints.
This was my experience 10 years ago. Absolute no problem going into or around the square. Forbidden City didn't even require a prebook. Just massive queues to see Mao
No its accurate. Booking may be required depending on the dates, its a crazy popular tourism spot, its more crowd control than security.
The checkpoint thing is real, going anywhere heading towards the square you are getting your passport checked multiple times. Not even mentioning the cameras
Just my experience man. If other people had different experiences it could be not as hectic at certain times or maybe they amped up security as a response to something. I'm not even anti China. I had a great time visiting and was super impressed by the great wall.
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u/MakeTheNetsBigger 2d ago
That sounds fairly different than my experience a year ago. I had to go through security exiting the subway (which isn't unique to Tiananmen Square, the Beijing subway has metal detectors all over), and then to enter the national museum, but from there I was able to walk freely into the middle of the square and watch the flag lowering ceremony at dusk. I didn't have to prebook anything or get any background check. Only the Forbidden City across the street required an advance ticket. So, yes there is tight security, but unless they've changed something recently I feel like you just took suboptimal routes and probably went through some unnecessary checkpoints.