Tiananmen Square - worth the effort?

If you are like us and on a budget, backpacking round Beijing, not connected to a tour, and wanting to visit Tiananmen Square, you need to read this post! On day 1 we exited the metro at Tiananmen East, ready to be astounded except we were stopped and asked whether we had booked our visit. We didn’t know and were told to book at least 1 day in advance through WeChat. “Wait, what?! I thought this was a free attraction?” Ok, take 2. On day 3 I had managed to book - 2 yuan per person - the previous day and we returned during awful rainy weather. Rock up, show the QR code, go through security (they take my lighter and nearly hand sanitizer) and asked what I do for a living, “Teacher!” And then we are through! And honestly, wow!! It really is rather majestic when considering its place in history. I’m so happy I took my 12 year old there, we have had awesome conversations because of our visit and he will definitely never forget this sight. Definitely, make the effort, visit Tiananmen Square.#tiananmen