2. Cultural heritage sites — photography is prohibited inside the caves of Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maiji Mountain (flash can damage murals and sculptures); photography is prohibited inside the Potala Palace; special exhibitions in most museums also have rules. 3. Religious sites — photographing Buddha statues inside the halls is generally prohibited, and photographing monks and"> 2. Cultural heritage sites — photography is prohibited inside the caves of Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maiji Mountain (flash can damage murals and sculptures); photography is prohibited inside the Potala Palace; special exhibitions in most museums also have rules. 3. Religious sites — photographing Buddha statues inside the halls is generally prohibited, and photographing monks and"> 2. Cultural heritage sites — photography is prohibited inside the caves of Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maiji Mountain (flash can damage murals and sculptures); photography is prohibited inside the Potala Palace; special exhibitions in most museums also have rules. 3. Religious sites — photographing Buddha statues inside the halls is generally prohibited, and photographing monks and">
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FAQ

Which places are not allowed to take photos?

China's photography restrictions focus on three types of locations: 1. Military and border facilities — checkpoints, sentry posts, border facilities, and naval bases are completely prohibited from photography. If you see a "No Photography" sign, put away your equipment immediately; this is not a suggestion, it is a rule. 2. Cultural heritage sites — photography is prohibited inside the caves of Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maiji Mountain (flash can damage murals and sculptures); photography is prohibited inside the Potala Palace; special exhibitions in most museums also have rules. 3. Religious sites — photographing Buddha statues inside the halls is generally prohibited, and photographing monks and

Updated on 2026-10-28

Photography restrictions in China are concentrated in three types of locations: 1. Military and border facilities—checkpoint, guard posts, border facilities, and military ports are completely prohibited from photography. If you see a "No Photography" sign, put away your equipment immediately; this is not a suggestion, it is a rule. 2. Cultural heritage sites—inside the caves of Mogao, Yungang, Longmen, and Maijishan, photography is prohibited (flash photography can damage murals and sculptures); photography is prohibited inside the Potala Palace; many special exhibitions in museums also have regulations. 3. Religious sites—photography of Buddha statues inside halls is usually prohibited, and you must obtain consent before photographing monks and worshippers. In addition, sky burials are strictly forbidden to watch or photograph, as this is the most sensitive topic in Tibet. When photographing ordinary people (market vendors, ethnic minorities, neighbors), it is also recommended to ask first; the vast majority of people will readily agree.