To the south of the Forbidden City lies Tiananmen Square, the world's largest, and least hospitable, open space. It is separated from the Forbidden City by a series of bridges and an imposing gate, the highest in the Forbidden City complex. This is the perch from which Mao now looks down at the monotony of Tiananmen. It's also lined with reviewing stands where party officials can view the various military parades commemorating some revolutionary accomplishment.