Tian'anmen Square

Tian'anmen Square is the largest open urban square in the world. It is also the site of many famous events, including the movement of 1919, the protests of 1926, the "December Niners" of 1935, the anit-atuocratic movement of 1947, the Tiananmen protests of 1976, and most recently, the Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989. The last protest mentioned resulted in the massacre of thousands. The government pressured the Chinese Red Cross to revoke the number 2,600, and change it to 241 dead, and 7,000 wounded. However, the expatriates from China tell us different. Moving on from such a depressing topic, the Square is accessed by the Tiananmen Gate, originally built in the 1420's. The square was built in the 1600, but was only a quarter of the size it is today. It was enlarged and paved over in 1957. Near the center of the square there is a special spot. This spot at one time held the "Gate of the Nation". This was not a functional gateway, like the Tiananmen Gate, but a ceremonial gateway, used only for the emperor. Common people were not allowed to pass through this gate, but were diverted to two side gates, which proved to be a prosperous market place for merchants. This square is rich in cultural history, and, as I mentioned, was home to many events throughout the years. To visit China without seeing this Square would be insuffcient. Below and to the left are a few pictures to wet your appetite.