Tips to visit Tiananmen safely

16/05/2019   854  4.4/5 trong 5 rates 
Tips to visit Tiananmen safely
Tiananmen Square in Beijing is unarguably the stone heart of China. However, to visit Tiananmen without getting into troubles, you may need to follow some of these guidelines below.

 
  • Strict security

    Strict securityStrict security

    Tiananmen Square is heavily patrolled by armed and undercover policemen. An abundance of cameras keep watch. Those numerous fire extinguisher stations are not scattered throughout the square just for safety; they are there should someone set themselves on fire in protest. Early June, especially June 4, will bring extra security and volatility around Tiananmen Square as people remember the massacre there. Even in 2014, Amnesty International reported dozens of people under house arrest, detained, or missing in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. You may wish to time your visit for another day. Avoid wearing clothing that portrays any type of political message or theme (e.g., "Free Tibet" shirts). You may as well avoid shirts that depict death or religious themes, too.

  • Remember to bring your passport

    Remember to bring your passportRemember to bring your passport

    You will need to pass through a security checkpoint while visiting Tiananmen Square. This may include being searched or asked for identification. Have your passport or some form of ID on you at all times. The contents of your bags may be scrutinized.

  • Tourists attract lots of attention

    Tourists attract lots of attentionTourists attract lots of attention

    Any landmark that draws large numbers of visitors also tends to draw large numbers of unscrupulous con artists who prey on them. Remain vigilant but friendly. Students and Chinese visitors may approach you for photos or to shyly ask for an on-the-spot English lesson. Although these encounters are usually harmless, and often fun, don’t commit to going for food, tea or to see an art studio — you’ll likely end up stuck with the bill or be pressured to buy something.

    Plenty of street hawkers surround the Tiananmen area and will pester you to make small purchases. If you buy from one, you may be mobbed by others. Reply with a firm "bu yao" (don’t want/need it). Some may not take "no" for an answer, so you’ll need to remain firm and walk away from them. Even with many foreign tourists coming before you, Western travelers inevitably wind up receiving lots of attention while walking around Tiananmen Square. You may even get called a laowai or receive some points — these are harmless.

  • Tiananmen at night

    Tiananmen at nightTiananmen at night

    Tiananmen Square is lit at night and safe but closes at midnight. Walking around the expanse when it is less busy almost gives the feeling of walking across a concrete desert. Bikes must be walked through Tiananmen Square.

Source: tripsavvy

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NgocVan

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