Sükhbaatar Square
Сүхбаатарын талбай
The city heart of Ulaanbaatar: a seated Genghis Khan statue in front of the State Palace and an equestrian statue of Sükhbaatar. Museums, theatres and cafés are within walking distance.
Sükhbaatar Square is named after Sükhbaatar, leader of the 1921 revolution, whose bronze equestrian statue stands in the centre. In 2013 it was briefly renamed Chinggis Khaan Square, and in 2016 its original name was restored. Locals still use both names.
On the north side is the State Palace, which houses the government and parliament. Under its front colonnade sits a giant bronze Genghis Khan, flanked by statues of Ögedei and Kublai and equestrian statues of two of Genghis Khan's generals. It is the most important photo spot in the city.
The square is surrounded by the main attractions: the National Museum of Mongolia in the northwest corner; the National Academic Theatre and the Cultural Palace (which houses the Mongolian National Art Gallery) in the northeast corner; the State Opera and Ballet Theatre (the pink building) and the Central Post Office to the south. The Chinggis Khaan National Museum, which opened in 2022, is about 300 metres north of the square. Its nine floors of exhibits cover the period from the Xiongnu to the Qing dynasty. Entry costs about 30,000 tugriks, and a visit is worth two hours.
Every July, on the day before Naadam opens, the nine-yak-tail white standard of Genghis Khan is escorted from here to the stadium. National Day and New Year events also take place here, and the square is often closed temporarily. The area southeast of the square, along Peace Avenue and Seoul Street, is packed with restaurants, cafés and bars. The State Department Store is a good place to buy cashmere products and souvenirs.
Transport: the city centre is walkable, and most hotels are within 1–2 km.
Notes: the square is windy and wide open in winter. The lights at night are lovely, but be careful in the small alleys nearby. The State Palace is not open to the public.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet
- National Museum of Mongolia
- Choijin Lama Temple Museum
- Chinggis Khaan National Museum
- Tumen Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble
- Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts
- State Department Store (Ikh Delguur)
- Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs