Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall of the People is a state building situated to the west of Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It is used for legislative and ceremonial activities by the government of China. The People's Great Hall functions as the meeting place for the full sessions of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, which occurs every year during March along with the national session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a political advisory body. The Great Hall is also the meeting place of the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which, since the 12th conference in 1982, has occurred once every five years, and the party's Central Committee which meets approximately once a year. The Hall is also used for many special events, including national level meetings of various social and political organizations, large anniversary celebrations, as well as the memorial services for former leaders. The Great Hall of the People is also a popular attraction in the city frequented by tourists visiting the capital.