Filming in Guangzhou | Guide to Permits, Crews & Locations

Filming in Guangzhou opens up a world of opportunity with its futuristic skyline, traditional Cantonese architecture, and thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re producing a commercial, documentary, or branded film, Guangzhou offers a range of resources and cinematic backdrops to bring your story to life. This guide covers everything you need—from permits and crew hiring to equipment rental and drone regulations.

Filming in Guangzhou | Guide to Permits, Crews & Locations

🎥 Film Production Resources in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is well-equipped for film and video production. The city boasts a strong network of:

  • 🎬 Directors, producers, and cinematographers
  • 📹 Videographers and camera operators, camera crews (10-hour standard days)
  • 💄 Makeup and hair stylists
  • 🎧 Sound engineers and boom operators
  • 🔧 Gaffers, grips, prop masters, and production assistants
  • 🌐 Bilingual fixers and assistant directors

Production insurance is available upon request.

📄 Visas for Filming in Guangzhou

If you’re filming in Guangzhou, we recommend applying for a business (M) visa or work (Z) visa, as you’re engaging in commercial activities. A tourist visa may work for small shoots or scouting, but is not ideal for professional production.

📦 Bringing Equipment: ATA Carnet for China

Yes, you can bring your own gear into China using an ATA Carnet, but note:

  • 🛃 Chinese customs may still stop you for inspection
  • 📞 Always confirm import regulations in advance
  • 🧰 Consider renting locally to avoid delays

🎞 Equipment Rental in Guangzhou

Local rental houses in Guangzhou offer high-end camera gear and accessories including:

  • Cameras: ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon
  • Lenses: Angenieux, Zeiss, Cooke, ARRI
  • Grip & Lighting: Full G&E packages available
  • Drones, stabilizers, live streaming kits, and more

🖥 Post-Production in Guangzhou

Post-production support is widely available, including:

  • ✅ Online/offline editing
  • ✅ Sound mixing
  • ✅ Color correction
  • ✅ Motion graphics and animation

Tip: Always pre-visit or review sample work before committing to local post houses.

🏛 Permits & Location Access

Before filming, you’ll need to secure permission for most locations:

  • Private locations: Easier to access, often pay-per-use
  • Government/public spaces: Require official permits and time to process
  • Public filming without permits: Technically illegal, even for small crews
  • Phone/small camera vlogging: Commonly tolerated, but not guaranteed

📸 Iconic Filming Locations in Guangzhou

  • Canton Tower – skyline symbol and night shots
  • Chen Clan Ancestral Hall – traditional Lingnan-style architecture
  • Temple of the Six Banyan Trees – historic religious site
  • Huacheng Square – urban cityscape with water features
  • Shamian Island – colonial-era buildings and leafy streets

☀️ Climate & Air Quality Tips

  • Weather: Humid subtropical climate, very hot & wet in summer
  • Rainfall: Heavy from May to August
  • Air quality: Varies from moderate to poor—check AQI before outdoor filming
  • Lighting: Use early morning and late afternoon for optimal natural light

🚁 Drone Rules in Guangzhou

  • ❌ Flying in central city zones is prohibited
  • ✅ Some zones allow drones with pilot registration
  • 📏 Height and location restrictions enforced by local aviation authorities
  • 📋 Always register in advance and check NFZ maps

💵 Currency & Payments

  • Currency: RMB (CNY) only
  • Digital payments are king – Alipay and WeChat Pay are used everywhere
  • Have a local team or fixer assist if your payment apps are not set up

🏨 Accommodation & Meals

  • Hotels: ~$100–$200 USD/night (international chains available)
  • Meals: Budget $10–$50 USD/day depending on preferences
  • Catering options for crew can be arranged upon request

🚐 Transport & Logistics

  • Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
  • Rail: Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou South Station
  • Transport for crew:
    • 5-seat van + driver: ~$150–$200 USD/day
    • 9-seat and cargo vans also available
    • Ride apps: Didi and Meituan (Chinese equivalents of Uber/Lyft)

🎯 Ready to Film in Guangzhou?

At Shoot In China, we support international filmmakers with:

  • 🎯 Fixer services
  • 🎯 Crew hiring (bilingual teams)
  • 🎯 Equipment rental
  • 🎯 Permits and logistics
  • 🎯 Location scouting

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Filming in Guangzhou