BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- More than 45 million people from both home and abroad have visited Tian'anmen Rostrum, a landmark structure in the heart of Chinese capital, in the past 21 years after it was opened to the public.

    "In 2009 alone, the rostrum received more than 2.16 million visitors," said Lin Bingkui, of the rostrum administration department.

    The rostrum, or the Gate of Heavenly Peace built in 1417, stands to the north of Tian'anmen Square and south of the renowned Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

    It was on the Tian'anmen Rostrum where Chairman Mao Zedong formally proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1, 1949.

    The rostrum was opened to the public for the first time on Jan.1, 1988.

    Thousands of tourists use the rostrum as a background while taking photos every day.