Military Review & Parade October 1st 2019

My kids and I will be staying in Beijing near Tiananmen Square October 1st about 1km away from the Military Review & Parade. I think it would be an amazing opportunity for them to see this being that we have lived in China for the past 8 years and they feel a lot of pride in being 3rd culture children.

After talking to some Chinese friends who live in Beijing they seem to think it will be impossible to get anywhere near the main parade area, which I can understand.

But if anyone has any previous experience, ideas or suggestions of how to get close enough to see part of it or the area where it starts or finishes that would be great.

I am thinking there has to be some buildings or apartments where you can see, I mean we're talking thousands of solders and vehicles!!

Any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated !!!