Shooting Video in Beijing China

Can I videotape in Beijing China? I’m traveling to Beijing and want to make a documentary of my visit. I have 2 HDV video cameras. One is a larger more professional camera and the other is a smaller consumer looking camera. Are there any laws about video taping in China? Can I shoot there with out permission? Should I leave the professional camera at home? Does any one have experience video taping there? Or are there other resources about what I can or can’t get away with while shooting video there.

Thanks

No problem, have fun shooting your home travel videos.
Cheers!

Don't point a camera at policemen or soldiers - they don't like it. Things like they guard-changing at Tiananmen might be an exception, but you'd be wise to find out first. Other than that, you should have no problems.

What if I try to make a TV show or documentary out of the footage and try to sell to an Amercian TV network?

In that case I think you should be asking someone working in the legal profession, not normal travellers like us.
Cheers!

Besides the good point raised by ellyse, you are going to need to have a very original idea, as well as great production quality. American networks are not in the habit of airing vacation videos.

#3, It's been done.

I and two colleagues were video interviewed by the PBS? network in Beijing in Wangfujing

Hey Harry,
I am a novice here. Please enlighten me. What's Wangfujing?

It's a major shopping district, centered around the street of that name.

There is a special visa for journalists. If the camera is very big it might raise questions. When you enter china itself can you hide the camera in a bag that does not look like a video camera? All the major news networks have people on contract to film stuff in Beijing. Unless you capture a demonstation or a dam break or plane crash, I would not expect to see it on American TV.

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