Tiananmen Square is the very heart of Beijing. It got its name from the Gates of Heavenly Peace, which are situated on its northern side. It was these gates that kept life in the Forbidden City – the closed world of Imperial power in China – safe from prying eyes. During our walk today we'll see all of the sights of interest in the area – including the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong; the Tiananmen Gates; the extravagant building of the Performing Arts Centre; and the Forbidden City itself.