Inside the Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall of the people is a vast building that sits on the western edge of Tiananmen Square. It is the main venue for major Chinese government events like the 19th Party Congress and the annual two sessions of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and National People’s Congress. Built in 1959 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the building has hosted many important historical events including the state banquet for former US President Richard Nixon and memorials for deceased party leaders.