Here at the west side of Tian'anmen Square lies the Great Hall of the People, one of the truly grand modern structures of Beijing. The green and yellow glazed-tile roof, magnificent portico and colonnades, and rows of pines and cypresses provide the Hall a solemn look. The construction was completed over a 10-month period in 1959.

Through the great bronze doors is a spacious lobby leading to the Central Hall.

The Auditorium, with simultaneous interpretation equipment for each of its 9,700 seats, is located in the west; the Banquet Hall is in the north; and the offices of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress are placed in the south.

The Great Hall of the People

Travel tips:

Address: West Chang'an Street.

Entry ticket: 30 yuan.

Opening hours: The visiting hours greatly depend on the meetings scheduled in the hall.

Transportation: Bus: No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 20, 22, 37, 52, 44, 48, 53, 59, 54, 110, 120, 337, 特1, 特2, 特4, 特7, 703, 728, 726, 729, 803, 808, and 821.

Subway: Line 1 – arrive at Tian'anmen West; and Line 2, arrive at Qianmen.

Note: No bags are allowed inside the building, but a bag depository is located outside the east gate of the Great Hall; The East Gate is the only place for visitors' entrance. Guides are available in the hall, but the tour is only in Chinese.

Tel: 86-10-63096935 (Chinese only).