Navigating Film Permit Management in Beijing: A Complete Guide
Beijing, China’s bustling capital, offers filmmakers a wealth of iconic locations—from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City. However, navigating film permit management in Beijing can be complex without local expertise. At Shoot in China, we simplify the process with our decade-long experience handling permits for international productions across mainland China.
Why Proper Permit Management Matters
Unlike Shanghai’s more centralized system, Beijing’s permit requirements vary by district and shoot type. Our bilingual team manages:
- Applications with the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau
- Location-specific approvals (e.g., historical sites require additional clearances)
- Drone filming permits through CAAC and PLA coordination
- Traffic control permits for street filming
Our End-to-End Beijing Production Services
Beyond permits, we provide turnkey solutions:
Pre-Production
Our fixers scout locations while securing permits—like our 2022 documentary shoot at the 798 Art District, approved within 72 hours despite strict COVID protocols.
Equipment & Crew
Access our ARRI Alexa packages or Sony Venice kits stored locally in Beijing, paired with vetted crews fluent in Mandarin and English.
Post-Production
Edit raw footage in our Shanghai studio with DaVinci Resolve color grading, or leverage our Beijing-based editors for faster turnaround.
Key Beijing Filming Locations We Cover
We’ve secured permits for:
- Tiananmen Square (requires 30-day advance notice)
- Hutongs (neighborhood-specific approvals)
- Olympic Park (drone restrictions apply)
Why Choose Shoot in China?
With 1,600+ projects completed, we offer:
- Local Partnerships: Direct relationships with Beijing authorities to expedite approvals
- Risk Mitigation: Avoid fines (up to ¥100,000 for unpermitted drone use)
- Nationwide Support: Seamlessly extend shoots to Shanghai or Chengdu
Contact us today to discuss your Beijing production needs—from permit logistics to full-service filming with our bilingual team.