Standing proudly on the western side of Tian'anmen Square, the Great Hall of the People (Renmin Dahuitang) is China's parliament building, the place where representatives of the National People's Congress meet to legislate.

Built in 1959, as one of the "Ten Great Buildings" to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Republic, the building impresses through sheer size more than atmosphere, with dozens of guest halls, banquet halls and conference rooms; the Great Auditorium alone can seat up to 10,000 people, while the State Banquet Hall can accomodate 5,000 people at a single sitting.

The building is open to the public throughout the year, except for certain weeks in March, when the NPC and PCC are in session.