Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang)

The Basics

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is hard to miss on any visit to Tiananmen Square, the vast plaza that fronts the Forbidden City, and a large number of Beijing city tours pass by it, although few go inside. Entrance to the hall is free, with small charges for the compulsory storage of bags and cameras. There is always a line to view the corpse of Mao Zedong in its crystal cabinet, but as visitors are forbidden from even pausing at the body, let alone taking photos, the line generally moves pretty quickly.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is primarily of interest to history buffs and collectors of Communist memorabilia.

• Bring your passport to gain admission to the hall.

• Deposit bags and cameras at the storage lockers by the National Museum of China before you join the admission line.

• Visitors may bring cell phones into the hall but must keep them in their pockets.

• Travelers wearing singlets or flip-flop sandals may be denied admission.

• A wealth of souvenirs are available inside the hall.

How to Get There

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall stands at the heart of Tiananmen Square, the epicenter of downtown Beijing and China’s political center, just a short walk from the gates of the Forbidden City. Qianmen (line 2) is the closest subway station, but Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West (both on line 1) may be more convenient.

When to Get There

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is generally open in the mornings from Tuesday to Sunday only, although it opens on Mondays during July and August. Avoid visiting on the major Chinese public holidays, particularly Golden Week (early October) and Lunar New Year (in late winter). December 26 (Mao’s birthday), September 9 (the anniversary of his death), October 1 (National Day), and the Qingming (tomb-sweeping) festival in early April are insanely busy.

Who Was Chairman Mao?

Mao Zedong (occasionally still written “Mao Tse-Tung”) rose from relatively humble, rural beginnings to become the leader of the Chinese Communist Party and ultimately of all China. He’s still pictured on Chinese bank notes and hugely respected within China. While many credit him with setting China on the path to prosperity, others focus on the millions of deaths during the Great Chinese Famine and the massacres of the Cultural Revolution.

What is the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang) known for?

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang) is where the former Chinese leader Chairman Mao’s body lies. It’s the focal point of Tiananmen Square, so visitors to the area can’t miss it. It was built in 1977 after Mao’s death and is open to the public for viewing.

When can I visit Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang)?

You can visit Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in the mornings and afternoons, usually from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm. The hall typically is closed Mondays and Fridays and on some national holidays. Arrive early in the day to procure one of the limited, free tickets allowed each day.

Is there a fee to enter Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang)?

No, there isn’t a fee to enter Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang), but visitors still must get a ticket before they enter. There are a set amount of tickets issued each day, so there’s a chance you might not get to visit on the day you plan.

What kinds of tours visit Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang)?

Both private and group tours include the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in Beijing day tours, which often go to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. Some tours add the Great Wall or a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s famous alleys (hutongs).

How do I get to Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang)?

It’s not difficult to get to Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang). It’s located in the heart of the famous Tiananmen Square, easily accessible by subway. Line 1 takes you to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations. Or, you can head to Qianmen station on Line 2.

Is Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang) worth it?

It depends. If you are a history buff or keen on seeing embalmed bodies, then you may find a visit to Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang) is worth it. Often Beijing’s top attractions are crowded, and visiting the memorial hall can be hectic.