HANDBOOK  /  PART 8  /  CULTURE

Photography and religious sites in China

Most ordinary travel photography is straightforward

Pay special attention at temples, monasteries, museums, exhibitions, performances and security-sensitive facilities.

Follow signs

Common instructions include:

No Photography — 禁止拍照

and:

No Flash — 禁止使用闪光灯

Religious sites

Rules can vary inside different halls.

Observe local signs.

Photographing people

For a close portrait of a stranger:

ask permission when practical.

Drones

Drone use is regulated and can be restricted near airports, military areas, government facilities, protected sites and dense urban areas.

Want the whole handbook offline?

All 80 chapters in one printable PDF, for no-signal days in China. Every chapter stays free here.

See all chapters

Last verified 2026-10-05. Procedures and limits change — check official sources before you travel.