In the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square — officially renamed Genghis Khan Square in 2013 — concentrates the essence of Mongolia's twentieth-century political memory and reveals, within a few hundred metres, the country's passage from the 1921 revolution to contemporary Mongolia.

Why visit Sukhbaatar Square

This is where Mongolia's independence was decided and where the demonstrations unfolded that precipitated the end of communist rule. Beyond its historical weight, the square functions as an urban vantage point: it brings together Parliament, the national opera and ballet theatre, the Palace of Culture, several financial institutions and Blue Sky tower. In a single location, you read the stratification of the capital, from the revolutionary mausoleum to the skyscraper inaugurated in 2009.

The atmosphere varies depending on the time of day and season. The square occasionally hosts gatherings, official ceremonies and concerts, but remains mostly quiet. In summer, photographers offer their services and it is possible to rent tandem bicycles to tour the square.

History of the square

1921: the proclamation of independence

In July 1921, Damdin Sukhbaatar, nicknamed the "hero of the revolution", proclaims from this square Mongolia's independence from the Chinese. The central square of Ulaanbaatar then takes his name. On the base of the equestrian statue erected in his honour are engraved the words he is said to have spoken:

"If we, all of the people, unite in a common effort and in a common will, there will be nothing in the world that we cannot achieve, that we cannot learn or that we may fail to do."

1989: demonstrations for democracy

The square was the site of the first demonstrations in 1989, which led to the fall of communism in Mongolia. Sukhbaatar, who died in 1923, would not witness this second revolution unfold at the foot of his statue.

2006–2008: renovation for the 800 years

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the creation of the Mongol Empire, in 2006, the square was entirely renovated. The equestrian statue was covered in bronze through a joint effort by Mongolian and North Korean sculptors, completed on 26 November 2008, the anniversary of the declaration of the Republic.

2013: the return of Genghis Khan

On 15 July 2013, the government officially renames the place "Genghis Khan Square". In common usage, both names continue to coexist.

What to see around the square

The equestrian statue of Sukhbaatar

At the centre of the square, the statue depicts Sukhbaatar on horseback. It is the usual landmark for meetings and the main photographic subject of the site.

Parliament and the Genghis Khan statue

To the north, the Parliament building was constructed facing south, like a yurt. Renovated in 2006 — facades repainted, glass frontage added — it is preceded by a large seated statue of Genghis Khan, flanked by Mongolian horsemen. It is the most photographed monument on the square.

The mausoleum

Facing Parliament stands a mausoleum dating from the aftermath of the 1921 revolution, which contains the remains of Sukhbaatar. According to several sources, those of Marshal Choibalsan may also rest there, though the information remains disputed.

Palace of Culture and opera theatre

To the northeast, the Palace of Culture houses the national gallery of modern art and several other cultural institutions. To the southeast, the pink building is the national opera and ballet theatre, which programmes a regular season throughout the year.

Golomt Bank, stock exchange and city hall

In the northwest corner, the bright yellow building is that of Golomt Bank. Behind it stands the national history museum. South of the bank, the first tower is that of the Mongolian stock exchange, the second is city hall.

Blue Sky tower

Facing the square stands Blue Sky tower: 25 storeys, 105 metres, Ulaanbaatar's tallest building, whose curved sail silhouette is said to be inspired by a tower in Dubai. Inaugurated in 2009, it houses a luxury hotel, offices, restaurants and apartments.

Practical information

• Access: in the heart of Ulaanbaatar's central district, accessible on foot from most city centre hotels or by taxi.
• Duration of visit: allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to walk around the square and photograph the monuments, longer if you combine it with the national history museum or a performance at the opera theatre.
• Admission: free access.
• Best time: late afternoon for light on the northern facades, or in the evening when buildings are lit up.
• Photography tip: step back towards Blue Sky tower to frame the Sukhbaatar statue with Parliament in the background.

Nearby

The square is a good starting point for exploring central Ulaanbaatar on foot. If you extend your stay to the rest of the country, several sites naturally extend the visit:

• The Turkish memorials of Khöshöö Tsaidam, to trace the pre-Mongol roots of the steppes.
• Binder monastery, in the region of Genghis Khan's origin.
• Taïkhar rock, a legendary site in Arkhangaï.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Sukhbaatar Square is the most natural urban anchor point for a trip to Mongolia, before heading to the steppes, the Gobi or the monasteries in the north. To plan an itinerary combining Ulaanbaatar and the rest of the country, explore our tailor-made trips in Mongolia.