Tian'anmen Square-Spelendors of Beijing

Tian'an men Square is the spritual heart of the world's most populous country. It earned this distinction by serving as the stage for momentous historical events, like the demonstrations on May 4th 1919 that inspired young Chinese to fight imperialists and warlords, and build a strong independent country. Among those swept up in the ferment of the "May Fourth Movement" was Mao Zedong who would help found the Communist Party of China two years ago.

On Cctober 1st, 1949, Mao climbed atop the "Gate of Heavenly Peace", which gives the square its name, to proclaim the foundation of the People's Republic of China.

In 1949, Tian'anmen Square was a narrow walled plaza, but it was expanded in the 1950's to its present size of 400,000m². The site of major parades, the square has also played host to impromptu celebrations as when Beijing was awarded the 2008 Olympic Games in July 2001.

MOst of days Tian'anmen Square is filled with sightseers and kite-flyers. During national holidays, it's usually festooned with banners and floral decorations. Many Chinese visit at dawn or dusk to see elite People's Liberation Army troops conduct flag raising or lowering ceremonies.

The Great Hall of the People, built in a speedy 10months from 1958 to 1959, it's home to China's parliament, the National People's Congress. People with a sense of grandeur will enjoy visiting the Great Hall's 5,000-seat banquet room and 10,000-seat auditorium,which has a large red star on the ceijong outlined by 500 light bulbs. The National Theater, a futuristic "bubble" of titanium and glass resting on an artificial lake, is being built on a site directly west of the Great Hall of the People.