Sukhbaatar Square

Sükhbaatar Square is the primary center of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. The official name was changed in 2013 to honor Genghis Khan, considered Mongolia's founding father. A massive colonnaded monument to Genghis Khan stands just in front of the Government Palace on the square's north side. The square's centerpiece is an equestrian monument of Damdin Sükhbaatar, a leader of Mongolia's 1921 revolution.

Today, the area is periodically used for rallies, ceremonies, rock concerts, and festivals, but it is mostly a peaceful spot where youngsters run toy cars and youths ride bikes. The massive marble structure at the north end was built in 2006, just in time for the 800th anniversary of Chinggis Khaan's coronation. Its centerpiece is a sitting bronze Chinggis Khaan figure. He is flanked by Gedei (on the west) and Kublai (on the east) (east). Two famous Mongol soldiers (Boruchu and Mukhlai) guard the monument's entryway.

Parliament House, also known as Government House, is located behind the Chinggis memorial. A big ceremonial ger in the building's inner courtyard is used to receive visiting dignitaries. The Mongolian National Modern Art Museum and numerous other cultural organizations are housed in the 1970s Soviet-style Culture Palace to the east of the square. The salmon-pinkish edifice in the southeast corner of the area is the State Opera & Ballet Theatre. The Central Tower, just south of the opera house, is a symbol of the country's new prosperity and housing luxury stores such as Louis Vuitton and Armani.

Location: Sukhbaatar Square 20/8, Ulaabaatar,14200, Mongolia
Opening hours: Always open
Rating: 4.5/5, 6692 Tripadvisor reviews