The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is one of Beijing’s most visited attractions, welcoming thousands of people from around the world every day. It is not merely a museum or a monument; it is an active mausoleum housing the body of the founder of the People`s Republic of China within a glass sarcophagus. For some, it is a place of remembrance and reverence; for others, it offers a chance to witness firsthand a significant part of 20th-century history.
About the Mausoleum
Built between 1976 and 1977, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong covers an area of 57,200 square meters. It is a monumental structure featuring a colonnade, with its entrance located on the north side. Inside, visitors pass through a spacious hall containing a white marble statue of Mao Zedong before entering the mourning hall, where the glass sarcophagus holding his body is displayed.
In addition to the main hall, the second floor houses memorial rooms dedicated to Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Liu Shaoqi, Zhu De, Deng Xiaoping, and Chen Yun. These rooms display documents, photographs, and personal belongings that chronicle their lives and work. There is also a cinema hall showing a documentary film.
Opening Hours and Access
The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Operating hours may change during public holidays and commemorative dates; for instance, on September 9—the anniversary of Mao Zedong`s death—the mausoleum extended its hours into the afternoon, remaining open until 5:00 PM.
Admission is free, but entry requires an advance reservation. Reservations open six days in advance and can be made via the mausoleum`s official WeChat page or mini-program. Slots fill up very quickly; on significant dates, everything is often booked days in advance.
A "green channel" (priority access) is available for certain categories: people over 70, military personnel, people with disabilities, and pregnant women may skip the line if they have a confirmed appointment for that day.
Items not permitted
Bringing bags, backpacks, cameras, or large personal items into the Mausoleum grounds and the main hall is prohibited. These must be left at the luggage storage facility before passing through security. Dangerous objects, lighters, and drones are also banned. It is recommended to bring as few items as possible to speed up the security check.
What the visit is like
Visitors enter through the north entrance, pass through metal detectors, and proceed to the main hall. Inside, a solemn silence prevails; talking, taking photographs, and lingering by the sarcophagus are prohibited. The flow of people moves continuously, and the entire visit to the mourning hall takes only a few minutes.
After leaving the hall, you can go up to the second floor, which houses memorial rooms and a cinema hall. Here, you are permitted to stay longer and view the exhibits.
Practical tips
• Arrive early. The line can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, even with an appointment.
• Do not bring bags. This saves time at the entrance, as security checks take longer with belongings.
• Dress modestly. The Mausoleum is a solemn place; while there is no strict dress code, respectful attire is appropriate.
• Check the schedule. Opening hours may change, especially on holidays and days of commemoration.
For many visitors, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is not merely another item on a list of tourist attractions, but a place where one can feel the breath of history and see how modern China preserves the memory of the man who shaped its path in the 20th century.
