Marc and I saw and went through the Tianamen Gate many times when we were in Tianamen Sqaure.  We decided to see how it look above and visit its balcony on our very last afternoon in Beijing.  The line for tickets was not long but we had to check our backpack which took a while.  Pictures were allowed at the gate but not indoors.

The Tianamen Gate one wintry January afternoon.  Folks, it was so cold the whole time we were in Beijing.  Despite it though, I loved every minute of our stay.  I can't wait to return and yes, another winter visit will be fine too.  In fact, it would be best for me since luxury hotel rooms will be dirt cheap.

The second floor and balcony of Tianamen Gate.  This is where Chairman Mao and other high ranking Chinese officials of the Communist Party used to congregate to watch parades and the like in Beijing in the olden days.

A view of Tianamen Square from the balcony of Tianamen Gate

Tianamen Square one hazy winter afternoon

Marc atop Tianamen Gate with a view of Tianamen Square in the background

A view of the National Museum of China from atop Tianamen Gate

A view of the Great Hall of the People

Here I am folks.  Right on the very same balcony of Tianamen Gate where Chairman Mao used to review parades

One of the sitting halls inside the Tianamen Gate

Tianamen Square in the front, the Forbidden City in the back

The back part of the Tianamen Gate

A side view of the Tianamen Gate.  Taken as we were going down and leaving the site.