Tiananmen Square from Forbidden City, a photo from Beijing, North

Photographer's Note

This view of Tiananmen Square in Beijing is taken from the top of Tiananmen Gate (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), which you pass through to get to the southern entrance to the Forbidden City proper.

Originally built in 1417, it was burnt down and rebuilt several times. The present gate was rebuilt in 1651 and is 33.7 meters high. The site was used for grand ceremonies in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ming and Qing emperors would issue decrees from near this spot on the gate tower. The gate is considered to be the very centre of Beijing.

Mao's giant portrait hangs just below the spot from which this photo is taken. It was from this spot that Mao proclaimed the formation of the People’s Republic of China on 1st October 1949.

Tiananmen Square occupies 44.5 hectares. In the centre of the picture are the Monument to People's Heroes, and the building behind it is the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zendong.

orme, pingu23, Nikki-chan, ija ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

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orme (7219) 2004-08-04 10:46

Great shot, Paul. It's the first time I have see Tiananmen Square from such an angle. I like how the bridges lead us into the square. I think the photo needs a slight tilt to the right to correct the horizon. Well seen. Thank you for sharing it.

pingu23 (590) 2004-08-04 13:04