Can you fly a drone to film or photograph in China?

Since 2024, every civil drone, whatever its weight, needs real-name registration on the CAAC's UOM platform before its first flight; the old 250 g threshold was repealed. Registration needs a Chinese phone number, which makes flying hard for visiting crews without a local partner.

Sources: SinoWander: bringing a drone to China · CAE Expedition: drone rules for foreign tourists in China

More for China: Getting paid · Filming & photo permits · AI labeling rules

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Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.