Shooting Video in Beijing China

You're not allowed to film religious sites, military or government sites, and in some privately owned areas (restaurants, shopping centres, etc.).

I do this often - If you are running around with sound equipment and reflectors and professional looking equipment the police may ask to see your permission documents. If you are solo with a video camera you should be fine.

Normally when we shoot in China with a crew we need J visas and the government usually provides an escort.

#7, it is a very westernised shopping street up the road from The Forbidden city. Beijing Hotel is on the south corner. There are ocean malls, McDonalds, a bookshop at both ends and plenty of over priced western shops in between. It has it's own metro stop.

Here
and here