Join the queue of Chinese tourists waiting patiently to enter the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Laying within his crystal casket in the grand memorial hall, the former leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President of the People’s Republic of China receives thousands of visitors a week, who come to pay their respects and to see the famous man firsthand.
Located at the southern end of Tiananmen Square, between the Monument to the People's Heroes and Zhengyangmen Gate, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall rises in red splendor. Built from Sichuan granite and encircled by trees, the monument was designed according to the principles of symmetry and was erected soon after the chairman’s death in 1976. Approach the monument by walking across the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, taking advantage of photo opportunities as you get nearer.
Though queues may appear lengthy at first, the wait to enter the mausoleum is typically not too long. Because it is forbidden to stop by the chairman’s body, guests generally move through quite quickly. Join the slow procession of people as you enter the first floor where a white marble statue of Mao resides. Behind the statue is an impressive tapestry of China’s landscape.
From there, enter the Hall of Mourning to meet Mao face to face. Laying within a crystal casket, he is dressed in a grey suit and covered by the red flag of the Communist Party. Shuffle slowly past the casket as you are ushered quietly by white-gloved guards.
Enter the last hall of the mausoleum tour to see a poem written in Mao’s handwriting. The poem, entitled Reply to Comrade Gao Moruo, adorns the white marble face of the hall. Exit the mausoleum and enter a busy area where quirky Mao memorabilia is sold. This area has been a busy commercial hub since the Ming Dynasty.
The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is open at varying times during the mornings on Tuesdays to Sundays. Don’t forget to take along your passport as it must be shown before entry. Handbags, backpacks, cameras, bottles and beverages are not permitted in the hall. Pay to store them in the locker rooms. Admission to the memorial hall is free.
