Flag Raising Ceremony & Temple of Heaven Morning Tour

Seeing the flag raising ceremony is an interesting experience to see when in Beijing. The exact time of flag raising ceremony is different every day as it depends on when the sunrise. The guide will check the exact time in advance and let you know before your tour. The guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. You have to get up very early to arrive at Tiananmen Square before sunrise to find a good place to see the ceremony clearly because there are crowds of patriotic Chinese people waiting every day to see the ceremony. A Chinese military honor guard marches in perfect rhythm and synchronicity to raise the national flag. Chinese people sing the national anthem. The ceremony lasts around 3 minutes.

After the ceremony, you will be able to look around Tiananmen Square. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. It is the world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride. The square is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Then head for the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven grounds are a popular place for local Beijingers and retirees who go there in the early morning to hang out with friends and do morning exercises. They people practice Taiji or Qigong. Some practice kungfu or sword fighting. Some may dance. You could join one of these groups. Alternatively you can just observe to see how people start their mornings in Beijing. The attractions at the Temple of Heaven open at 08:00am.

Start your tour to the Temple of Heaven after morning exercise. The Temple of Heaven is a place where the Emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties came every winter solstice to pray for the harvest and for good times for the people. Return to your hotel at 10:00am after the tour.

Note: Considering of the coldness in winter, Morning tour operates from April to Mid November.