Filming in China Tips – 5 Must-Know Video Production Tips
Planning a video production project in China? From bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing to scenic backdrops in Guilin or Hainan, China offers rich opportunities—but it also comes with unique challenges. At Shoot In China, we’ve supported hundreds of international shoots since 2012. Here are 5 must-know filming in China tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth production.
1. Find Reliable Local Video Production Crews
Before your arrival, make sure you’re shooting in a location with accessible and professional production support. Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hong Kong have well-developed video production infrastructure.
Need a fixer or bilingual producer? Reach out to us—our local team can help coordinate logistics, talent, and crew nationwide.
2. Be Cautious with Bringing Camera Equipment
For professional equipment brought from overseas, confirm the temporary-import procedure before departure. An ATA Carnet may be used for eligible professional equipment, but the equipment list, intended use, entry port and re-export arrangements still need checking with your carnet issuer and customs broker. Compare this with renting locally. See the temporary-entry overview.
Tip: To save time and avoid delays, consider renting equipment locally. We offer a wide range of cinema cameras, lenses, lighting kits, drones, and grip gear across major Chinese cities.
3. Coordinate with Local Offices in Advance
If you’re shooting in a corporate office or with a local brand, confirm all on-site logistics ahead of time. That includes shoot timing, space availability, power requirements, and parking access.
Clear pre-production communication with your client and their local team is key to preventing last-minute issues.
4. Confirm Location Access and Permissions
Confirm permission with the location owner or managing authority before booking. Requirements depend on the exact site, filming activity, crew size, equipment and impact on public access. Check loading, parking, filming hours, sound and safety conditions; do not assume a small crew removes the need for permission.
5. Get the Right Visa for Filming in China
Confirm the correct visa and work authorisation for each visiting crew member before travel. Commercial or documentary filming may require the short-term work route; do not assume a tourist or business visa permits filming work. Foreign journalists covering news have a separate route. Check your project and documents with the relevant Chinese embassy or visa centre. See our China work visa guide and the official short-term work guidance.
About Shoot In China
At Shoot In China, we’ve helped production teams from over 30 countries navigate the ins and outs of filming in China. From equipment rental and crew sourcing to logistics and permitting, our bilingual production team is here to support your shoot—every step of the way.
Contact: [email protected].
