Tian An Men

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In 1911，the revolution led by Dr.Sun Yat-sen ousted the Manchurian imperial reign，thus ending more than two thousand years of feudalism and it was not until then that the imperial court in front of Tian An Men was open to all.It was in 1919 in Tian An Men Square that the famous May 4th Movement first started and began the overture of the neoDemocratic Revolution.This is one of the most important incidents which took place in the Square in the heart of Beijing.It was the spark that started the prairie fire of a national revolution of the people.Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and after thirty years of struggle，the People’s Republic of China was born.The inauguration of the People’s Republic of China took place in Beijing in the year 1949，on the first of October in Tian An Men Square.This incident gave a new significance to the Square.This grand and gorgeous old building obtained a new significance which symbolized the rebirth of an ancient civilization.When creating the emblem of the People’s Republic of China，Tian An Men was designed in the middle of the emblem.In spite of this，the old red walls were still there hindering the common people from going into the Square for their various social，recreational or political activities.Therefore，it was of practical necessity to transform the Square.In order to celebrate the tenth anniversary of New China，Tian An Men Square underwent massive transformation.The old red walls were completely demolished and the Square itself was thereby expanded.Two grand structures were built.They were，on the east the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution，and on the west the Great Hall of the People，which stands for the power of the Chinese people.

In the middle of the Square，a monument in memory of the heroes of the people waserected.Thus on the same old location，Tian An Men Square showed its new face and new significance.Here the old concept of”the Almighty Sovereign”was totally eradicated，and in its place the new concept of”the Almighty People”was expressed.

The basic layout of the Square was set，although there was much to be improved.All those who have visited Tian An Men Square could grasp the concept of a new era embodied in the Square that is situated on the original axis of the city.Hence，the transformation should be considered successful.