Photography

Photography, with or without flash, is not permitted inside museums or temples, as signs frequently make clear. Which means that the Chinese take photos all the time, or at least until someone comes up and tells them to stop.

Avoid the temptation to photograph anything remotely military or politically sensitive. Brandishing a camera outside a law court, in hútòng under demolition, or at any sort of protest or arrest, may find you approached by some sort of policeman or other, or by hired security people. There’s no discussion to be had about legality or jurisdiction, and no question of ‘rights’. Act with discretion, and beat a retreat if trouble approaches.

In the unlikely event that you are still using print or slide film, you’ll still find this available at a few specialist shops in Běijīng, including in professional formats. Try Xiángshēng Túpiànshé near the top of Wángfǔ Jǐng, or the large photography market at Běijīng Shèyǐng Qìcái Chéng (see Shopping, for details). Here you’ll also find every kind of camera battery, memory cards in every size and shape, and every other sort of accessory you ever thought of, as well as parts for older cameras and the expertise for fixing them.

If you are still using film, note that X-ray machines are found not only at airports, but at all metro stations, the entrances to many museums, and elsewhere, and take suitable precautions with lead-lined pouches or carry the film in your pockets.

On clear days the glare from mid-morning to mid-afternoon renders all subjects washed-out and flat, so make an early start. On most days pollution makes the light dull and diffuse.

Ask permission before taking photographs of people, but do not pay them to do so.

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