Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, offers a mix of modern cityscapes, historical landmarks, and natural parks. However, for visiting production teams, the city presents unique challenges—particularly due to limited local production resources and less developed logistics compared to major Chinese hubs like Shanghai or Beijing.
🎥 Production Resources in Hefei
Overall, film production resources in Hefei are scarce. While you can find key positions such as directors, cameramen, producers, makeup/hair artists, and location managers, the talent pool is small. Work hours typically follow the Chinese standard of 10-hour shooting days (excluding meal breaks).
For larger or more complex productions, it’s highly advisable to bring in crew from nearby cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, or Hangzhou—all within a few hours by high-speed train.
- Insurance: Film crew and production insurance coverage can be arranged in advance.
- Fixers: A bilingual fixer is essential for smooth communication and permit handling.
📄 Visas & Entry Requirements
- Recommended visa: Business (M) or Work (Z) visa for filming purposes.
- Tourist visas are not recommended for professional filming.
- Prepare your invitation letters and production documents in advance for smoother customs clearance.
📦 Bringing Equipment into Hefei
- ATA Carnet: Accepted for temporarily importing professional equipment.
- Customs can be unpredictable—plan extra time for clearance.
- Alternatively, rent equipment in Shanghai or Hangzhou and transport it to Hefei.
🎬 Equipment Rental in Hefei
Hefei has very limited equipment rental houses. Availability for high-end gear is low.
- Options in the city may include ARRI, RED, Angenieux, Cooke, and Zeiss lenses—but at a higher price due to low stock.
- For full gear packages, it’s more efficient to rent from Shanghai, Nanjing, or Hangzhou and truck/van it in.
🖥 Post-Production Facilities
- Local post-production capacity (editing, color grading, sound design) is very limited.
- Consider doing post-production in Shanghai or Beijing for better quality and faster turnaround.
🏛 Location Permits & Filming Conditions
- Government vs. Private Property: Costs and approval times differ significantly.
- Public Areas: Technically require permits—filming without one is illegal and can lead to fines or confiscation of footage.
- Lead time: At least 1–2 weeks for official permit processing.
📍 Notable Filming Locations in Hefei
- Anhui Provincial Museum – Cultural and historical backdrops.
- Xiaoyaojin Park – Green spaces in the heart of the city.
- Hefei Swan Lake – Modern skyline and lake views.
- Baohe Park – Historical pavilions and scenic riverbanks.
☀ Weather & Air Quality
- Climate: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and damp; summers are hot and humid.
- Rain: Spring and early summer see moderate rainfall.
- Air Quality: Generally moderate, with occasional mild pollution.
🚁 Drone Filming in Hefei
- Restrictions apply in city centers.
- Some areas require a licensed pilot and adherence to altitude limits.
- Check with local aviation authorities in advance.
💰 Costs in Hefei
- Hotel: $50–$100 USD per night for 3–4 star options.
- Meals: $10–$50 USD per person per day, depending on the quality.
- Transport: Van/lorry rental for production: $150–$200 USD/day. Ride-hailing apps like Didi and Meituan are available but not as fast as in larger cities.
🚗 Transportation & Logistics Challenges
- Airport: Hefei Xinqiao International Airport has domestic and limited international connections.
- Rail: High-speed trains connect Hefei to Shanghai (~3 hours), Nanjing (~1.5 hours), and Hangzhou (~3 hours).
- Local Transport: Metro coverage is improving but limited; taxis and ride-hailing are available but not always immediate.
- Production Vehicles: Essential for gear transport—roads can be congested during rush hours.
🌐 Internet & Communication
- Internet speeds can be inconsistent, especially for large file uploads.
- International websites like Google, YouTube, and Dropbox are blocked—you’ll need a VPN for access.
- Live streaming and cloud-based workflows can be challenging without pre-tested local connectivity.
🏛 Political & Cultural Considerations
- Hefei tends to have a more conservative political and social environment compared to first-tier cities.
- Content touching on sensitive topics should be carefully reviewed for compliance with local regulations.
🤝 How Shoot In China Can Help
If you’re planning to film in Hefei, we can provide:
- Bilingual fixers and production managers
- Crew from Shanghai or nearby cities
- Camera, lighting, and grip rental
- Permit applications and location scouting