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{{short description|Monumental gate in the city center of Beijing, China}}
{{About|the Beijing gate|the square|Tiananmen Square|the protests in 1989|Tiananmen Square protests of 1989|other uses}}
{{About|the Beijing gate|the square|Tiananmen Square|the protests and massacre in 1989|1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre|other uses}}
⚫
[[File:Tiananmen beijing Panorama.jpg|thumb|right|355px|Tian'anmen, in a panorama photograph (2009).]]
{{Redirect|The Gate of Heavenly Peace|the film|The Gate of Heavenly Peace (film)}}
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[[File:20200110 Tiananmen-3.jpg|thumb|right|355px|Tian'anmen in 2020]]
{{Infobox Chinese
{{Infobox Chinese
|title = Tian'anmen
|title = Tian'anmen
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|gr = Tian'anmen
|gr = Tian'anmen
|bpmf = ㄊㄧㄢ   ㄢ   ㄇㄣˊ
|bpmf = ㄊㄧㄢ   ㄢ   ㄇㄣˊ
|w = Tʻian<sup>1</sup>-an<sup>1</sup>-mên<sup>2</sup>
|w = Tʻien<sup>1</sup>-an<sup>1</sup>-mên<sup>2</sup>,<br>Tʻien<sup>1</sup>-an<sup>1</sup> Mên<sup>2</sup>
|mi = {{IPAc-cmn|t|ian|1|.|an|1|.|m|en|2}}
|mi = {{IPAc-cmn|t|ian|1|.|an|1|.|m|en|2}}
|j = Tin1on1mun4
|j = Tin1on1mun4
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|order = st
|order = st
|showflag = p
|showflag = p
|mnc = ᠠᠪᡴᠠᡳ <br>ᡝᠯᡥᡝ <br>ᠣᠪᡠᡵᡝ <br>ᡩᡠᡴᠠ
|mnc_v = abkai elhe obure duka
}}
}}
[[File:Tiananmen-gate-and-square-threeshots-2017-03-29-7pm.ogv|thumb|(video) Two shots of the gate followed by a shot of inside Tiananmen Square next to the gate, 2017.]]


The '''Tiananmen''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|j|ɛ|n|ə|n|m|ə|n}}<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Tiananmen_Square |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518063701/https://www.lexico.com/definition/tiananmen_square |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |title=Tiananmen Square |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> (also '''Tian'anmen''',<ref>{{cite web
The '''Tian'anmen''' (''also Tiananmen’’) ({{IPAc-cmn|t|ian|1|.|an|1|.|m|en|2}}), or the '''Gate of Heavenly Peace''', is a monumental gate in the centre of [[Beijing]], widely used as a national symbol of China. First built during the [[Ming dynasty]] in 1420, Tiananmen was the entrance to the [[Imperial City, Beijing|Imperial City]], within which the [[Forbidden City]] was located. Tiananmen is located to the north of [[Tiananmen Square]], separated from the plaza by [[Chang'an Avenue]].
|date=June 2, 2009
|title=Tian’anmen, not Tiananmen
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605061549/https://pinyin.info/news/2009/tiananmen-not-tiananmen/
|archivedate=June 5, 2009
|url=https://pinyin.info/news/2009/tiananmen-not-tiananmen/
|work=Pinyin.info}}</ref> or the '''Gate of Heaven-Sent Peace''', is the [[Gatehouse|entrance gate]] to the [[Forbidden City]] [[Chinese palace|imperial palace complex]] and [[Imperial City, Beijing|Imperial City]] in the center of [[Beijing]], China. It is widely used as a [[National symbols of China|national symbol]].

First built during the [[Ming dynasty]] in 1420, Tiananmen was the entrance to the [[Emperor of China|Emperor's]] residence, through which all visitors to the palace walked. In 1949, [[Mao Zedong]] proclaimed the [[People's Republic of China]] from the balcony, which now features a large portrait of him. Tiananmen is located to the north of [[Tiananmen Square]], and is separated from the plaza by [[Chang'an Avenue]].


== Name ==
== Name ==
⚫
The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] name of the gate ({{lang|zh-Hans|天安门}}/{{lang|zh-Hant|天安門}}), is made up of the Chinese characters for "heaven", "peace" and "gate" respectively, which is why the name is conventionally translated as "Gate of Heavenly Peace". However, this translation is somewhat misleading, since the Chinese name is derived from the much longer phrase "receiving the [[Mandate of Heaven|mandate from heaven]], and pacifying the dynasty". ({{lang|zh-hant|受命于天，安邦治國}}).<ref>Lu Bingjie, ''Tian'anmen'' (Jinan: Shandong huabao chubanshe, 2004) p. 40.</ref> The [[Manchu language|Manchu]] translation, ''Abkai elhe obure duka'', lies closer to the original meaning of the gate and can be literally translated as the "Gate of Heavenly Peacemaking".<ref>Cf. Erich Hauer. "Why the Sinologue Should Study Manchu." ''Journal of the North-China Branch of the [[Royal Asiatic Society]]'' 61 (1930): 156–64.</ref> The gate had a counterpart in the northern end of the imperial city called the [[Di'anmen]] ({{lang|zh-hant|地安門}}, Dì'ānmén; Manchu: ''Na i elhe obure duka''), which may be roughly translated as the "Gate of Earthly Peace".

⚫
The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] name of the gate ({{lang|zh-Hans|天安门}}/{{lang|zh-Hant|天安門}}), is made up of the Chinese characters for "heaven," "peace" and "gate" respectively, which is why the name is conventionally translated as "Gate of Heavenly Peace". However, this translation is somewhat misleading, since the Chinese name is derived from the much longer phrase "receiving the [[Mandate of Heaven|mandate from heaven]], and pacifying the dynasty." ({{lang|zh-hant|受命于天，安邦治國}}).<ref>Lu Bingjie, ''Tian'anmen'' (Jinan: Shandong huabao chubanshe, 2004) p. 40.</ref> The [[Manchu language|Manchu]] translation, ''Abkai elhe obure duka'', lies closer to the original meaning of the gate and can be literally translated as the "Gate of Heavenly Peacemaking."<ref>Cf. Erich Hauer. "Why the Sinologue Should Study Manchu." ''Journal of the North-China Branch of the [[Royal Asiatic Society]]'' 61 (1930): 156-64.</ref> The gate had a counterpart in the northern end of the imperial city called [[Di'anmen]] ({{lang|zh-hans|地安门}}, Dì'ānmén; Manchu: ''Na i elhe obure duka''), which may be roughly translated as the "Gate of Earthly Peace."


== Gate ==
== Gate ==


=== History ===
=== History ===
The gate was originally named Chengtianmen ({{zh|t=承天門|s=承天门|p=Chéngtiānmén|first=t}}), or "Gate of Accepting [[Mandate of Heaven|Heavenly Mandate]]", and it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The original building was first constructed in 1420 and was based on a gate of an imperial building in [[Nanjing]] with the same name and hence inherited the name "Chengtianmen". The gate was damaged by [[lightning]] in July, 1457, and was completely burnt down. In 1465, the [[Chenghua Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]] ordered Zi Gui ({{lang|zh|自圭}}), the Minister of Works, to rebuild the gate, and the design was changed from the original [[paifang]] form to the gatehouse that is seen today. It suffered another blow in the war at the end of the Ming dynasty, when in 1644 the gate was burnt down by rebels led by [[Li Zicheng]]. Following the establishment of the [[Qing dynasty]] and the [[Qing conquest of the Ming|Manchu conquest]] of [[China proper]], the gate was once again rebuilt, beginning in 1645, and was given its present name upon completion in 1651. The gate was reconstructed again between 1969 and 1970. The gate as it stood was by then 300 years old, and had badly deteriorated, partly due to heavy usage in the 1950s and 1960s. As the gate was a national symbol, [[Zhou Enlai]] ordered that the rebuilding was to be kept secret. The whole gate was covered in scaffolding, and the project was officially called a "renovation". The rebuilding aimed to leave the gate's external appearance unchanged while making it more resistant to earthquakes and featuring modern facilities such as an elevator, water supply and heating system.<ref>Xinhua News Agency, [http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2005-04/21/content_2857146.htm Secret reconstruction of Tiananmen 35 years ago], 04/21/05</ref>
The gate was originally named "Chengtianmen" ({{zh|t=承天門|s=承天门|p=Chéngtiānmén|first=t}}), or "Gate of Accepting [[Mandate of Heaven|Heavenly Mandate]]" in the [[Ming dynasty]]. It has subsequently been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The original building was first constructed in 1420, and was based on an eponymous gate of an imperial building in [[Nanjing]]. The gate was completely burned down by [[lightning]] in July 1457. In 1465, the [[Chenghua Emperor]] ordered Zigui ({{lang|zh|自圭}}), the Minister of Works, to rebuild the gate. Thus, the design was changed from the original [[paifang]] form to the gatehouse that is seen today. It suffered another blow in the war at the end of the Ming dynasty, when in 1644 the gate was burnt down by rebels led by [[Li Zicheng]]. Following the establishment of the [[Qing dynasty]] and the [[Qing conquest of the Ming|Manchu conquest]] of [[China proper]], the gate was once again rebuilt, beginning in 1645, and was given its present name upon completion in 1651. The gate was reconstructed again between 1969 and 1970. The gate as it stood was by then 300 years old, and had badly deteriorated, partly due to heavy usage in the 1950s and 1960s. As the gate was a national symbol, [[Zhou Enlai]] ordered that the rebuilding was to be kept secret. The whole gate was covered in scaffolding, and the project was officially called a "renovation". The rebuilding aimed to leave the gate's external appearance unchanged while both making it more resistant to earthquakes and installing modern facilities such as an elevator, water supply, and heating system.<ref>Xinhua News Agency, [https://web.archive.org/web/20050423225212/http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2005-04/21/content_2857146.htm Secret reconstruction of Tiananmen 35 years ago], 04/21/05</ref>

{{Gallery
{{Gallery
|width=200
|width=200
|height=140
|height=140
|lines=3
|align=center
|align=center
|File:Tiananmen 1901.jpg|Tiananmen in 1901
|File:Tiananmen 1901.jpg|Tiananmen in 1901
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|File:FORBIDDEN CITY BEIJING CHINA OCT 2012 (8162336738).jpg|Tiananmen at night
|File:FORBIDDEN CITY BEIJING CHINA OCT 2012 (8162336738).jpg|Tiananmen at night
|File:Tiananmenmay2011.jpg|Tiananmen from the side, in June 2011
|File:Tiananmenmay2011.jpg|Tiananmen from the side, in June 2011
|File:Txu-oclc-10552568-nj50-2-back.jpg|Map including Tian'anmen (labeled as T’ien-an Men {{lang|zh-hant|天安門}}) (1950s)
|File:Tiananmen VIP Room. 天安門 天安門楼閣の貴賓室 - panoramio.jpg|Room inside the gate
}}
}}


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[[File:Tiananmenpic2.jpg|thumb|Stone column (''[[huabiao]]'') with depiction of dragons and phoenixes decorates the surroundings of the Tiananmen gate.]]
[[File:Tiananmenpic2.jpg|thumb|Stone column (''[[huabiao]]'') with depiction of dragons and phoenixes decorates the surroundings of the Tiananmen gate.]]


The building is {{convert|66|m|ft}} long, {{convert|37|m|ft}} wide and {{convert|32|m|ft}} high. Like other official buildings of the empire, the gate has unique [[imperial roof decoration]]s.
The building is {{convert|66|m|ft|sp=us}} long, {{convert|37|m|ft|sp=us}} wide and {{convert|32|m|ft|sp=us}} high. Like other official buildings of the empire, the gate itself has unique [[imperial roof decoration]]s.


In front of the gate are two lions standing in front of the gate and two more guarding the bridges. In Chinese culture, lions are believed to protect humans from evil spirits.
Two lions stand in front of the gate, and two more guard the bridges. In Chinese culture, lions are believed to protect humans from evil spirits.


Two stone columns, called [[huabiao]], each with an animal (''hou'') on top of it, also stand in front of the gate. Originally, these installations were designed for commoners to address their grievances by writing or sticking up petitions on the columns. However, the examples in front of the Imperial City were purely decorative and instead connoted the majesty of the imperial government.
Two stone columns, called [[huabiao]], each with an animal (''hou'') on top of it, also stand in front of the gate. Originally, these installations were designed for commoners to address their grievances by either writing or sticking petitions on the columns. However, the examples in front of the Imperial City were purely decorative, and instead connoted the majesty of the imperial government.


The western and eastern walls have giant placards; the left one reads "Long Live the People's Republic of China" ({{zh|c={{linktext|中华|人民|共和国|万岁}}|p=Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó wànsuì}}), while the right one reads "Long Live the Great Unity of the World's Peoples". The right placard used to read "Long Live the Central People's Government"<ref>Meng Zhaorui, ''[https://books.google.nl/books?id=pcesAAAAQBAJ 親歷震撼時刻——老記者鏡頭下的紅色中國]'', p. 133</ref> ({{zh|c={{linktext|中央|人民|政府|万岁}}|p=Zhōngyāng Rénmín Zhèngfǔ wànsuì}}) for the founding ceremony of the PRC, but after the ceremony it was changed to "Long Live the Great Unity of the World's Peoples" ({{zh |s = {{linktext|世界|人民|大|团结|万岁}} |p = Shìjiè rénmín dà tuánjié wànsuì}}). Both placards were changed to use [[simplified Chinese]] instead of [[traditional Chinese]] characters in 1964. The phrasing has significant symbolic meaning, as the [[Ten thousand years|phrase used for ''long live'']], like the Imperial City itself, was traditionally reserved for [[Emperors of China]], but is now available to the common people.
The western and eastern walls have giant placards; the left one reads '''"Long Live the People's Republic of China"''' ({{zh|labels=no|c={{linktext|中华|人民|共和国|万岁}}|p=Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó wànsuì}}), while the right one reads '''"Long Live the Great Solidarity of the World's Peoples"''' ({{zh|labels=no |s = {{linktext|世界|人民|大|团结|万岁}} |p = Shìjiè rénmín dà tuánjié wànsuì}}). The right placard used to read "Long Live the Central People's Government"<ref>Meng Zhaorui, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=pcesAAAAQBAJ {{lang|zh|親歷震撼時刻——老記者鏡頭下的紅色中國}}]'', p. 133</ref> ({{zh|labels=no|c={{linktext|中央|人民|政府|万岁}}|p=Zhōngyāng Rénmín Zhèngfǔ wànsuì}}) for the founding ceremony of the PRC, but later it was changed to "Long Live the Great Solidarity of the World's Peoples". Both placards were changed to use [[simplified Chinese]] instead of [[traditional Chinese characters]] in 1964. The phrasing has significant symbolic meaning, as the [[Ten thousand years|phrase used for ''long live'']], like the Imperial City itself, was traditionally reserved for [[Emperors of China]], but is now available to the common people.


The reviewing stands in the foreground are used on International Workers Day ([[May Day]]) and on the [[National Day of the People's Republic of China|National Day]] (October 1) of the People's Republic of China.
The reviewing stands in the foreground are used on International Workers Day ([[May Day]]) and on the [[National Day of the People's Republic of China|National Day]] (October 1) of the People's Republic of China.
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In front of the stands is the Imperial City's [[moat]], still filled with water but now containing decorative illuminated fountains.
In front of the stands is the Imperial City's [[moat]], still filled with water but now containing decorative illuminated fountains.


In ancient times, the Tiananmen was among the most important gates encountered when entering Beijing's Imperial City along with the [[Qianmen]], the [[Gate of China, Beijing|Gate of China]]. Proceeding further inward, the next gate is the '[[Duanmen|Upright Gate]]', identical in design to the Tian'anmen; behind it is the southern entrance of the [[Forbidden City]] itself, known as the [[Meridian Gate]].
In ancient times, the Tiananmen was among the most important gates encountered when entering Beijing's Imperial City along with the [[Yongdingmen]], [[Qianmen]], the [[Gate of China, Beijing|Gate of China]]. Proceeding further inward, the next gate is the '[[Duanmen|Upright Gate]]', identical in design to the Tian'anmen; behind it is the southern entrance of the [[Forbidden City]] itself, known as the [[Meridian Gate]].


== Portrait ==
== Portrait ==
{{See also|Portraits overlooking Tiananmen}}


=== History ===
=== History ===
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[[File:Chiang KaiShek Portrait Tiananmen Beijing.jpg|thumb|Portrait of [[Chiang Kai-shek]] on the Tiananmen in [[Beiping]], [[Republic of China (1912–49)|Republic of China]]]]
⚫
[[File:Tiananmen Mao.jpg|thumb|right|Portrait of Mao Zedong at the Tiananmen gate made by [[Ge Xiaoguang]]]]


Because of the gate's position at the front of the Imperial City, and historical events that have taken place on [[Tiananmen Square]], the gate has great political significance. In 1925, when China was ruled by the [[Nationalist government]], a large portrait of [[Sun Yat-sen]] was hung at the gate after his death. In 1945, to celebrate the victory over Japan, [[Chiang Kai-shek]]'s portrait was hung.<ref>NYtimes. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/28/world/asia/28iht-web.0528mao.html?_r=1 NYtimes.com]." ''Chameleon Mao, the face of Tiananmen square.'' Retrieved on 2011-04-11.</ref>
Because of the gate's position at the front of the Imperial City, and the historical events that have taken place on [[Tiananmen Square]], the gate has great political significance. In 1925, when China was ruled by the [[Nationalist government]], a large portrait of [[Sun Yat-sen]] was hung at the gate after his death. In 1945, to celebrate the victory over Japan, [[Chiang Kai-shek]]'s portrait was hung.<ref>NYtimes. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/28/world/asia/28iht-web.0528mao.html?_r=1 NYtimes.com]." ''Chameleon Mao, the face of Tiananmen square.'' Retrieved on 2011-04-11.</ref>


On July 7, 1949, pictures of [[Zhu De]] and [[Mao Zedong]] were hung to commemorate the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]].<ref name="chinareview1">{{cite web |url = http://www.chinareviewnews.com/doc/1016/5/6/5/101656569.html?coluid=7&kindid=0&docid=101656569&mdate=0411142504 |title = 中國評論新聞：20世紀以來 天安門掛過哪些人的畫像？ |publisher = Chinareviewnews.com |date = |accessdate = 2011-04-12}}</ref> Since then, from the founding date of the People's Republic of China, a portrait of Mao has been hung at the square on October 1. Each year the old portrait is replaced before October 1, the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. However, on certain occasions the picture has been different. For example, on March 9, 1953, a picture of [[Joseph Stalin]] was put up due to his death.<ref name="chinareview1" />
On July 7, 1949, portraits of [[Zhu De]] and [[Mao Zedong]] were hung to commemorate the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]].<ref name="chinareview1">{{cite web |url=http://www.chinareviewnews.com/doc/1016/5/6/5/101656569.html?coluid=7&kindid=0&docid=101656569&mdate=0411142504 |script-title=zh:中國評論新聞：20世紀以來 天安門掛過哪些人的畫像？ |publisher=Chinareviewnews.com |access-date=2011-04-12}}</ref> Since the founding date of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, a singular portrait of Mao has been hung on the gate. The portrait is replaced annually before [[National Day of the People's Republic of China|National Day]]. On only one occasion, on March 9, 1953, it was temporarily replaced by a portrait of [[Joseph Stalin]] to commemorate [[Death and state funeral of Joseph Stalin|his death]].<ref name="chinareview1" />


In 2011 Alexander Pann Han-tang, chairman of the Asia Pacific Taiwan Federation of Industry and Commerce, and a close friend of Taiwanese president [[Ma Ying-jeou]], proposed that the picture of [[Sun Yat-sen]] be displayed at Tiananmen Square instead for the [[100th Anniversary of the Republic of China|100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China]].<ref name="scmp1">[Replacing Chairman Mao with Sun Yat-sen. Call for reassessment of Sun Yat-sen from 'pioneer' to 'father of the nation' . South China morning post. 29 March 2011.]</ref> However this proposal was rejected.<ref name="scmp1" />
In 2011, Alexander Pann Han-tang, chairman of the Asia Pacific Taiwan Federation of Industry and Commerce, and a close friend of Taiwanese president [[Ma Ying-jeou]], proposed that the picture of [[Sun Yat-sen]] be displayed at Tiananmen Square instead for the [[100th Anniversary of the Republic of China|100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China]].<ref name="scmp1">{{cite web |title=Call for reassessment of Sun Yat-sen from 'pioneer' to 'father of the nation' |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/742387/call-reassessment-sun-yat-sen-pioneer-father-nation |date=2011-03-29 |website=[[South China Morning Post]] |access-date=2020-05-28}}</ref> However, this proposal was rejected.<ref name="scmp1" />

<gallery mode=nolines widths=200 heights=150>
⚫
File:Chiang KaiShek Portrait Tiananmen Beijing.jpg|Portrait of [[Chiang Kai-shek]] during the [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] era (before 1949)
File:天安門史達林肖像.jpg|Portrait of [[Joseph Stalin]] put up after his [[Death and state funeral of Joseph Stalin|death]], 1953
⚫
File:Picture of Mao Zedong at Tiananmen.JPG|Portrait of Mao Zedong by [[Ge Xiaoguang]]
⚫
</gallery>


=== Incidents ===
=== Incidents ===
The portrait weighs 1.5 tonnes and is generally replaced by a spare when it is vandalised.<ref>Foster, Peter. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7565768/Chinese-protestor-throws-ink-at-portrait-of-Chairman-Mao.html Chinese protestor throws ink at portrait of Chairman Mao.] ''[[The Daily Telegraph]].'' 8 April 2010.</ref> In 1989, three dissidents, including [[Yu Dongyue]], attacked the portrait with eggs during the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989]]. Yu was sent to prison and was not released until 17 years later in 2006. On May 12, 2007 the portrait of Mao caught fire. A 35-year-old unemployed man from [[Urumqi]] was arrested for the incident. About 15% of the portrait was damaged, and had to be repaired later.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/36100 |title = 2007年05月13日 - 中國‧天安門廣場城樓遭縱火 毛澤東畫像部份燒焦 - 國際 - 星洲日報 |publisher = Sinchew.com.my |date = 2007-05-13 |accessdate = 2011-04-12}}</ref> On April 5, 2010, a protester threw ink in a plastic bottle and hit a wall near the portrait. He was then arrested.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}
The portrait weighs {{convert|1.5|t|ST|0||sp=us}}, and is replaced by a spare whenever it is vandalized.<ref>Foster, Peter. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7565768/Chinese-protestor-throws-ink-at-portrait-of-Chairman-Mao.html Chinese protester throws ink at portrait of Chairman Mao.] ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. 8 April 2010.</ref> In 1989, three dissidents, including [[Yu Dongyue]], attacked the portrait with eggs during the [[1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre]]. Yu was sentenced to life imprisonment but was released on bail 17 years later in 2006. On May 12, 2007, the portrait of Mao caught fire. A 35-year-old unemployed man from [[Urumqi]] was arrested for the incident. About 15% of the portrait was damaged, and had to be repaired later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/36100 |script-title=zh:2007年05月13日 – 中國‧天安門廣場城樓遭縱火 毛澤東畫像部份燒焦 – 國際 – 星洲日報 |publisher=Sinchew.com.my |date=2007-05-13 |access-date=2011-04-12 |archive-date=2012-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318151207/http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/36100 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On April 5, 2010, a protester threw ink in a plastic bottle and hit a wall near the portrait. He was then arrested.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}


== National symbol ==
== National symbol ==
Due to its historical significance, Tiananmen is featured on the [[National Emblem of the People's Republic of China]]. It has also been featured in the designs of stamps and coins issued by the People's Republic of China.
Due to its historical significance, Tiananmen is featured on the [[National Emblem of the People's Republic of China]]. It has also been featured in the designs of stamps and coins issued by the People's Republic of China.
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="500px" heights="500px">
⚫
<gallery>
File:People's Republic of China National Emblem.svg|[[emblem of the People's Republic of China|National Emblem]]
File:National Emblem of the People's Republic of China (2).svg|[[emblem of the People's Republic of China|National Emblem]]
File:Chinese stamp in 1950.jpg|1950 postage stamp
File:RMB2-1yuan-2A.gif|1-yuan note in 1961
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Public access ==
== Public access ==
[[File:4730682 at Tian'anmen (20200825112812).jpg|thumb|Route 1 bus passing Tiananmen]]
Tiananmen is open to the public each day of the week from 8:30&nbsp;a.m. to 5:00&nbsp;p.m.<ref>(Chinese) [http://www.lxjia.net/guide-lxjia-gonglue5194.html "参观天安门城楼时刻表及门票价格和乘车路线"] Accessed 2012-02-06</ref>
Tiananmen is open to the public each day of the week from 8:30&nbsp;a.m. to 5:00&nbsp;p.m.<ref>(Chinese) [http://www.lxjia.net/guide-lxjia-gonglue5194.html {{lang|zh|"参观天安门城楼时刻表及门票价格和乘车路线"}}] Accessed 2012-02-06</ref> Tickets must be booked online through the [[Weixin (app)|Weixin]] (Wechat) Mini Program at least one day before, it is not possible to buy tickets on the day or on-site.


[[Line 1, Beijing Subway|Line 1]] of the [[Beijing Subway]] has stops at [[Tiananmen West Station|Tiananmen West]] and [[Tiananmen East Station|Tiananmen East]], on either side of Tiananmen.
[[Line 1, Beijing Subway|Line 1]] of the [[Beijing Subway]] has stops at [[Tiananmen West Station|Tiananmen West]] and [[Tiananmen East Station|Tiananmen East]], on each side of Tiananmen.


City buses 1, 2, 5, 52, 59, 82, 99, 120, 126, {{lang|zh|观光}}1, {{lang|zh|观光}}2, {{lang|zh|夜}}1, {{lang|zh|夜}}2, {{lang|zh|夜}}17 stop near Tiananmen.
City buses 1, 2, 5, 52, 82, 120, {{lang|zh|观光}}1, {{lang|zh|观光}}2, {{lang|zh|夜}}1, {{lang|zh|夜}}2, and {{lang|zh|夜}}17 stop near Tiananmen.


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Gate of China, Beijing]]
* [[Gate of China, Beijing]]
* [[Di'anmen]]
* [[Tiananmen Mortar Plot]]


{{Portal bar|Architecture|Beijing|History of Imperial China}}
{{portal bar|Architecture|China|History}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|33em}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Gate of Heavenly Peace}}
{{Commons category|Tiananmen}}
{{Wiktionary|Tiananmen|Tian'anmen|Tienanmen}}
* [http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/beijing/30801.htm Tian'anmen -- the Gate of Heavenly Peace]. China.org.cn
* [http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/beijing/30801.htm Tian'anmen – the Gate of Heavenly Peace]. China.org.cn


{{Imperial City, Beijing}}
{{Imperial City, Beijing}}
{{coord|39|54|26.4|N|116|23|27.9|E|region:CN-11_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{coord|39|54|26.4|N|116|23|27.9|E|region:CN-11_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Gates of Beijing]]
[[Category:Gates of Beijing]]
[[Category:Forbidden City]]
[[Category:Forbidden City]]

Latest revision as of 05:12, 23 December 2024

This article is about the Beijing gate. For the square, see Tiananmen Square. For the protests and massacre in 1989, see 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. For other uses, see Tiananmen (disambiguation).
"The Gate of Heavenly Peace" redirects here. For the film, see The Gate of Heavenly Peace (film).
Tian'anmen in 2020
Tian'anmen
"Tiān'ānmén" in Simplified (top) and Traditional (bottom) characters
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese天安门
Traditional Chinese天安門
Hanyu PinyinTiān'ānmén
Literal meaning"Gate of Heavenly Peace"
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinTiān'ānmén
Bopomofoㄊㄧㄢ   ㄢ   ㄇㄣˊ
Gwoyeu RomatzyhTian'anmen
Wade–GilesTʻien1-an1-mên2,
Tʻien1-an1 Mên2
IPA[tʰjɛ́n.án.mə̌n]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationTīn'ōnmùhn
JyutpingTin1on1mun4
IPA[tʰin˥.ɔn˥.mun˩]
Southern Min
Hokkien POJThian-an-mn̂g
Manchu name
Manchu scriptᠠᠪᡴᠠᡳ
ᡝᠯᡥᡝ
ᠣᠪᡠᡵᡝ
ᡩᡠᡴᠠ
Möllendorffabkai elhe obure duka
(video) Two shots of the gate followed by a shot of inside Tiananmen Square next to the gate, 2017.

The Tiananmen /ˈtjɛnənmən/[1] (also Tian'anmen,[2] or the Gate of Heaven-Sent Peace, is the entrance gate to the Forbidden City imperial palace complex and Imperial City in the center of Beijing, China. It is widely used as a national symbol.

First built during the Ming dynasty in 1420, Tiananmen was the entrance to the Emperor's residence, through which all visitors to the palace walked. In 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China from the balcony, which now features a large portrait of him. Tiananmen is located to the north of Tiananmen Square, and is separated from the plaza by Chang'an Avenue.

Name

[edit]

The Chinese name of the gate (天安门/天安門), is made up of the Chinese characters for "heaven", "peace" and "gate" respectively, which is why the name is conventionally translated as "Gate of Heavenly Peace". However, this translation is somewhat misleading, since the Chinese name is derived from the much longer phrase "receiving the mandate from heaven, and pacifying the dynasty". (受命于天，安邦治國).[3] The Manchu translation, Abkai elhe obure duka, lies closer to the original meaning of the gate and can be literally translated as the "Gate of Heavenly Peacemaking".[4] The gate had a counterpart in the northern end of the imperial city called the Di'anmen (地安門, Dì'ānmén; Manchu: Na i elhe obure duka), which may be roughly translated as the "Gate of Earthly Peace".

Gate

[edit]

History

[edit]

The gate was originally named "Chengtianmen" (traditional Chinese: 承天門; simplified Chinese: 承天门; pinyin: Chéngtiānmén), or "Gate of Accepting Heavenly Mandate" in the Ming dynasty. It has subsequently been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The original building was first constructed in 1420, and was based on an eponymous gate of an imperial building in Nanjing. The gate was completely burned down by lightning in July 1457. In 1465, the Chenghua Emperor ordered Zigui (自圭), the Minister of Works, to rebuild the gate. Thus, the design was changed from the original paifang form to the gatehouse that is seen today. It suffered another blow in the war at the end of the Ming dynasty, when in 1644 the gate was burnt down by rebels led by Li Zicheng. Following the establishment of the Qing dynasty and the Manchu conquest of China proper, the gate was once again rebuilt, beginning in 1645, and was given its present name upon completion in 1651. The gate was reconstructed again between 1969 and 1970. The gate as it stood was by then 300 years old, and had badly deteriorated, partly due to heavy usage in the 1950s and 1960s. As the gate was a national symbol, Zhou Enlai ordered that the rebuilding was to be kept secret. The whole gate was covered in scaffolding, and the project was officially called a "renovation". The rebuilding aimed to leave the gate's external appearance unchanged while both making it more resistant to earthquakes and installing modern facilities such as an elevator, water supply, and heating system.[5]

  • Tiananmen in 1901
    Tiananmen in 1901
  • Tiananmen in 2006
    Tiananmen in 2006
  • A close-up of the rooftop
    A close-up of the rooftop
  • Tiananmen at night
    Tiananmen at night
  • Tiananmen from the side, in June 2011
    Tiananmen from the side, in June 2011
  • Map including Tian'anmen (labeled as T’ien-an Men 天安門) (1950s)
    Map including Tian'anmen (labeled as T’ien-an Men 天安門) (1950s)
  • Room inside the gate
    Room inside the gate

Description

[edit]
Stone column (huabiao) with depiction of dragons and phoenixes decorates the surroundings of the Tiananmen gate.

The building is 66 meters (217 ft) long, 37 meters (121 ft) wide and 32 meters (105 ft) high. Like other official buildings of the empire, the gate itself has unique imperial roof decorations.

Two lions stand in front of the gate, and two more guard the bridges. In Chinese culture, lions are believed to protect humans from evil spirits.

Two stone columns, called huabiao, each with an animal (hou) on top of it, also stand in front of the gate. Originally, these installations were designed for commoners to address their grievances by either writing or sticking petitions on the columns. However, the examples in front of the Imperial City were purely decorative, and instead connoted the majesty of the imperial government.

The western and eastern walls have giant placards; the left one reads "Long Live the People's Republic of China" (中华人民共和国万岁; Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó wànsuì), while the right one reads "Long Live the Great Solidarity of the World's Peoples" (世界人民大团结万岁; Shìjiè rénmín dà tuánjié wànsuì). The right placard used to read "Long Live the Central People's Government"[6] (中央人民政府万岁; Zhōngyāng Rénmín Zhèngfǔ wànsuì) for the founding ceremony of the PRC, but later it was changed to "Long Live the Great Solidarity of the World's Peoples". Both placards were changed to use simplified Chinese instead of traditional Chinese characters in 1964. The phrasing has significant symbolic meaning, as the phrase used for long live, like the Imperial City itself, was traditionally reserved for Emperors of China, but is now available to the common people.

The reviewing stands in the foreground are used on International Workers Day (May Day) and on the National Day (October 1) of the People's Republic of China.

In front of the stands is the Imperial City's moat, still filled with water but now containing decorative illuminated fountains.

In ancient times, the Tiananmen was among the most important gates encountered when entering Beijing's Imperial City along with the Yongdingmen, Qianmen, the Gate of China. Proceeding further inward, the next gate is the 'Upright Gate', identical in design to the Tian'anmen; behind it is the southern entrance of the Forbidden City itself, known as the Meridian Gate.

Portrait

[edit]
See also: Portraits overlooking Tiananmen

History

[edit]

Because of the gate's position at the front of the Imperial City, and the historical events that have taken place on Tiananmen Square, the gate has great political significance. In 1925, when China was ruled by the Nationalist government, a large portrait of Sun Yat-sen was hung at the gate after his death. In 1945, to celebrate the victory over Japan, Chiang Kai-shek's portrait was hung.[7]

On July 7, 1949, portraits of Zhu De and Mao Zedong were hung to commemorate the Second Sino-Japanese War.[8] Since the founding date of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, a singular portrait of Mao has been hung on the gate. The portrait is replaced annually before National Day. On only one occasion, on March 9, 1953, it was temporarily replaced by a portrait of Joseph Stalin to commemorate his death.[8]

In 2011, Alexander Pann Han-tang, chairman of the Asia Pacific Taiwan Federation of Industry and Commerce, and a close friend of Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou, proposed that the picture of Sun Yat-sen be displayed at Tiananmen Square instead for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China.[9] However, this proposal was rejected.[9]

Incidents

[edit]

The portrait weighs 1.5 metric tons (2 short tons), and is replaced by a spare whenever it is vandalized.[10] In 1989, three dissidents, including Yu Dongyue, attacked the portrait with eggs during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. Yu was sentenced to life imprisonment but was released on bail 17 years later in 2006. On May 12, 2007, the portrait of Mao caught fire. A 35-year-old unemployed man from Urumqi was arrested for the incident. About 15% of the portrait was damaged, and had to be repaired later.[11] On April 5, 2010, a protester threw ink in a plastic bottle and hit a wall near the portrait. He was then arrested.[citation needed]

National symbol

[edit]

Due to its historical significance, Tiananmen is featured on the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China. It has also been featured in the designs of stamps and coins issued by the People's Republic of China.

Public access

[edit]
Route 1 bus passing Tiananmen

Tiananmen is open to the public each day of the week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.[12] Tickets must be booked online through the Weixin (Wechat) Mini Program at least one day before, it is not possible to buy tickets on the day or on-site.

Line 1 of the Beijing Subway has stops at Tiananmen West and Tiananmen East, on each side of Tiananmen.

City buses 1, 2, 5, 52, 82, 120, 观光1, 观光2, 夜1, 夜2, and 夜17 stop near Tiananmen.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Tiananmen Square". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "Tian'anmen, not Tiananmen". Pinyin.info. June 2, 2009. Archived from the original on June 5, 2009.
  3. ^ Lu Bingjie, Tian'anmen (Jinan: Shandong huabao chubanshe, 2004) p. 40.
  4. ^ Cf. Erich Hauer. "Why the Sinologue Should Study Manchu." Journal of the North-China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 61 (1930): 156–64.
  5. ^ Xinhua News Agency, Secret reconstruction of Tiananmen 35 years ago, 04/21/05
  6. ^ Meng Zhaorui, 親歷震撼時刻——老記者鏡頭下的紅色中國, p. 133
  7. ^ NYtimes. "NYtimes.com." Chameleon Mao, the face of Tiananmen square. Retrieved on 2011-04-11.
  8. ^ a b 中國評論新聞：20世紀以來 天安門掛過哪些人的畫像？. Chinareviewnews.com. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  9. ^ a b "Call for reassessment of Sun Yat-sen from 'pioneer' to 'father of the nation'". South China Morning Post. 2011-03-29. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
  10. ^ Foster, Peter. Chinese protester throws ink at portrait of Chairman Mao. The Daily Telegraph. 8 April 2010.
  11. ^ 2007年05月13日 – 中國‧天安門廣場城樓遭縱火 毛澤東畫像部份燒焦 – 國際 – 星洲日報. Sinchew.com.my. 2007-05-13. Archived from the original on 2012-03-18. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  12. ^ (Chinese) "参观天安门城楼时刻表及门票价格和乘车路线" Accessed 2012-02-06
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tiananmen.
Look up Tiananmen, Tian'anmen, or Tienanmen in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

39°54′26.4″N 116°23′27.9″E / 39.907333°N 116.391083°E / 39.907333; 116.391083

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