Photography in China

Take Photos of Forbbiden CityRemember to bring a camera with enough film (usually more than you think) or a digital camera with sufficient memory for your trip. Definitely, China’s vast territory will impress you with beautiful views.

You can purchase film or digital memory cards in China, but preparing these things before your departure is suggested. After all, not all the films or memory cards will match your camera well. Additionally, don’t worry if you come to China, without taking along a camera. Many stores, retailing quality cameras, can be easily found in the major cities.

Best Sites for Shutterbugs

1. You can record the Chinese historic culture relics at the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing, as well as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum in Xian.

2. The natural beauty of western China can be recorded with your camera. The highly recommended sites include the Populus Euphratica in Ejina National Nature Reserve of Inner Mongolia, Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan and Zhangjiajie Scenic Areas in Hunan, etc.

3. Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Xitang and Zhujiajiao Water Towns can give you the typical water views of southern China.

4. As for the natural scenery and the ethic minority people’s life, you can take very good pictures in Yunnan and Guizhou, where there are many ethnic minorities.

Restricted Photo Taking Sites

In Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in Beijing and the Hall of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum in Nanjing, visitors are not allowed to take pictures. Besides, in most of the museums or some national-preserved attractions, you can find the marks saying “No Photos” or “No Flashing” marks. Therefore, when visiting those places, please take pictures according to the marks. The most typical ones are the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xian.

Tips

Take Pictures of the Li River Scenery1. Do not buy roll film or memory cards in local tourist areas; bring what you need from home.

2. Bring extra batteries and adaptor units for recharging batteries.

3. Keep weather conditions in mind to gain the best photographic effects.

4. Do not take photos in politically sensitive areas such as military bases, customs or airports. Otherwise, you might be regarded as a terrorist or a person who has certain threat. 

5. Certain places or backgrounds may incur fees. Be sure to clarify the amount before taking photos.

6. For religious reasons and for relic protection, many scenic spots such as museums, grottoes, temples, monasteries, palaces and cultural relics do not allow the taking of photos. ‘No Photos’ signs mark restricted areas.

7. Before taking photos of Chinese people which show their way of life or a street scene, you should first ask permission.

8. In some special wildlife reserves, taking photos close to the animals is not allowed for the sake of tourists’ safety. Please pay attention to the signs in these places.

9. In special areas such as Tibet, photography is strictly limited. Typical local customs and religious places such as palaces or monasteries can not be photographed unless you pay for your photo taking or get the permission.

10. It is illegal to take photos regarding other people’s private actions or some embarrassing scenes by using the telephoto lens.

11. Film processing is convenient and fast in China, with good print quality. Photography studios can be easily found in most Chinese cities.

12. As you take photos in museums or some exhibition halls, for the protection of cultural relic, photoflash lamp and A-frame camera should be avoided.

13. Besides photography, videography is also a good way to remember your trip.