Sükhbaatar Square (Genghis Khan Square)

Overview

Overview

Once known as Genghis Khan Square (Chinggis Khaan Square), Sükhbaatar Square is Ulaanbaatar’s epicenter. Named for Damdin Sükhbaatar, who declared Mongolian independence from China in 1921, it houses statues of Genghis Khan, Sükhbaatar, and Sanjaasürengiin Zorig, who helped lead the democratic revolution of 1990.

The Basics
It’s hard to visit Ulaanbaatar without stopping by this vast square, which comes alive when it’s used for festivals, concerts, rallies, and celebrations. Many Ulaanbaatar city tours pay their respects to the Mongolian heroes whose statues feature here.

Sükhbaatar Square houses landmark buildings such as the Mongolian Stock Exchange and the grand Government Palace. However, travelers will most likely visit for the Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery (inside the Cultural Palace), the Mongolian State Academic Theater of Opera & Ballet, or the Central Tower skyscraper, with its rooftop bar.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Ulaanbaatar’s main square, Sukhbaatar Square is an essential stop on any visit to the city.
  • Watch out for pickpockets when the square is crowded, and keep an eye on your mobile phone.
  • Avoid visiting the square if political protests are in progress.
  • Sükhbaatar Square is flat, paved, and wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Sükhbaatar Square is the focal point of Ulaanbaatar, and many central hotels are within walking distance. Catch trolleybus 4 or bus 29 from Ulaanbaatar Railway Station, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the southwest, or bus 7 from Chinggis Khaan International Airport, about 9 miles (15 kilometers) to the southwest.

When to Get There
Sükhbaatar Square is most attractive when illuminated by night, but the atmosphere is best during weekend days, when it’s a friendly spot for people watching. Expect grand events at New Year and during the Naadam Festival (July 11–15). If drinking is on your Sükhbaatar Square agenda, be aware that Ulaanbaatar goes dry on the first day of the month.

From Genghis Khan Square to Sükhbaatar Square

Sükhbaatar Square takes its name from Damdin Sükhbaatar, a hero of Mongolian independence. In 2013, Ulaanbaatar’s powers that be renamed it for a more famous Mongolian hero, Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan)—but Sükhbaatar’s descendants sued. They won the case in 2016, and the square reverted to its original name, but you may still hear it called Chinggis Square or Chinggis Khaan Square.
Info

Address

Ulaanbaatar City, Ulaanbaatar

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Sights & Landmarks

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City Square

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