Tiananmen Square rules in short
For the open square the rules are simple. Keep to your booked date, time slot and checkpoint. Bring the original of the passport you used for the booking, together with your reservation confirmation. If the date, time or passport details do not match, regular entry is not possible.
A small bag is recommended. There is no general ban on rucksacks for the square, but the mausoleum and the museum have their own, stricter rules. They are set out below, one place at a time. If you have not booked yet, start with the reservation guide. For guided city options, see our page on Tiananmen Square tours.
Rules by place
Each place has its own rules, and the strictest one does not apply everywhere.
| Place | Bags and cameras | Checks and conduct |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Few belongings recommended, no general rucksack ban | Passport, reservation and a security check at the booked checkpoint |
| Mao Mausoleum | No bags, photo or video cameras, drinks or other liquids | ID and reservation check, security check, quiet, phones off or silent, appropriate clothing |
| National Museum | Luggage deposit costs money, depending on size | Security check, collection photos without flash, selfie stick or tripod |
| Tiananmen Gate Tower | Separate reserved visit | No same-day tickets and no tickets sold on site |
For most visitors the simplest approach is to carry a passport, a phone with the reservation and as little else as possible.
Our pick: a group tour with a guide
Our take: a guide takes you through the square and into the palace.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Beijing tours and city sights
Guided tours around the center and the old city. Check what each tour includes before you book.
Security checks and prohibited items
What the checks look for.
The police may check people and vehicles at the square. The rules on the area ban explosive, toxic and radioactive substances, weapons, ammunition, controlled knives and other dangerous items.
The mausoleum excludes weapons, ammunition, controlled knives and flammable or explosive goods as well. None of these items come along. Follow the instructions of the staff at each checkpoint.
There is no guaranteed waiting time for the checks, so allow a buffer for your slot. Public holidays are busy.
Mausoleum, museum and gate tower in detail
Three places with their own entrances.
Mao Mausoleum
Leave bags, cameras and drinks at the luggage deposit east of the square. Reservation proof lets you leave items there free of charge for a limited time. Keep moving through the hall, do not smoke and do not climb over barriers.
Mausoleum guide →National Museum
Enter through the North Gate visitor entrance with the original document you booked with, within your booked time window. Without a reservation, with a different ID number or after a missed slot, you are not admitted.
Museum guide →Tiananmen Gate Tower
This is a separate, paid visit and not part of the free square. Luggage should be collected before you walk on through the Duanmen gate, because the way back is closed.
Gate guide →
Drones, flags and banners
Three things that tourists often ask about.
Drones
Since 1 May 2026 all of Beijing is controlled airspace. Every outdoor flight needs permission, and bringing a drone into the city is in principle banned. A new version of the rules takes effect on 15 November 2026. As a visitor, leave the drone at home.
Small flags
Ask at the checkpoint whether a flag may come with you. Ordinary tourist entry does not cover large banners, rallies or film productions.
Flag ceremony
The flag ceremony needs its own slot. A booking for a neighbouring building does not cover it.
Flag ceremony guide →
Before you leave the hotel
A short checklist.
Documents
Original passport, the one used for the booking, and the reservation confirmation on your phone.
Bags
A small bag only. Cameras, bags and drinks do not go into the mausoleum. Use the deposit east of the square.
Time
Be at your checkpoint in good time, with a buffer for the security check. The slot is the one you booked.
Tiananmen Square rules: frequently asked questions
What do I need to enter Tiananmen Square?
The original of the passport you used for the booking and your reservation confirmation, on your booked date and time slot. Entry without a matching reservation, passport or time is not normally possible.
Can I take a bag onto the square?
Yes, there is no general ban on bags or rucksacks for the square, but a small bag is recommended. The mausoleum and the museum have stricter rules, so use the luggage deposit where it is offered.
Can I take a camera into the mausoleum?
No. Photo and video cameras, bags, drinks and other liquids are not allowed in the hall. In the National Museum you may photograph the collection without flash, selfie stick or tripod.
Are drones allowed?
No. Every outdoor flight in Beijing needs permission, and bringing a drone into the city is in principle banned. A new version of the rules applies from 15 November 2026.
How long does the security check take?
There is no guaranteed time. Allow a buffer for your slot, especially on public holidays.
Is this an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the square's administration, a museum or any operator, and it cannot issue permits or tickets.