MONUMENT TO THE PEOPLE'S HEROES

In the center of Tian'anmen Square is a 121 foot high obelisk, the Monument To The People's Heroes which was formally dedicated in 1958 to those who died for their country. The foundation was actually laid the evening prior to the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949.

The bas relief on the pedestal portrays the struggle of the people from the First Opium War in 1840 to 1949. To see it chronologically begin on the east side and move clockwise.

The monument has been the original site of many anti-government riots and demonstrations. It is now closed off to the public and guarded, but one may still get close enough to study the bas relief.