Saw this question on another forum and would like some help with this one also: <BR> <BR>Can anyone help me out on the best time to see the Mausoleum and to beat the huge line of people waiting to get in? Thanks <BR>

We were on a guided tour in China and when we went to visit Mao's tomb, our tour guide just led us to the front of the line, of Chinese People, which was about a couple of miles long. They didn't seem to be upset.You don't get within 50 feet of Mao and he looks like a wax figure.

We went before 10:00 in the morning and while the line was long it moved very quickly since there is no stopping! One important thing to know before you go is that you are not allowed to carry anything into the Mausoleum--no purse--no camera--etc. Our tour guide waited for us outside and held all of our "stuff". <BR>

If you need to check your bags there is a coat/bag check at the Chinese History (natural history?) museum - on the side of tianamen square opposite the people's congress. As you are facing the museum building the bag check is on the right side past the ticket window. We were at Tianamen square early and there was already a very long but very fast moving line for Mao's tomb.

Thanks for the responses. To the people who have gone thru the Mausoleum, is it worthy doing or time spent better elsewhere? thanks again

Unless you have a sentimental reason to see Mao, skip it. As I said in my above post, you can't get close enough to see anything.

Aw it's worth it just to see how eerie it is, how well preserved he is (hear it's actually wax he's injected with) and to see the seriousness and the reverence these guys have for Mao. <BR> <BR>The line does move REALLY fast

I agree with Irv. If you as a foreigner don't have the feeling of deep respect toward Mao like our Chinese, you'd better make an alternative arrangement, like the History Museum of China nearby. But you need an expirienced local guide to show you around. <BR> <BR>David Leung <BR>Escort Service in Beijing