Drone regulations in China
Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 26.08.2025 | 35 Kommentare
China is very liberal in its handling of drones, being the home country of DJI. Nevertheless, there are some things you need to consider if you want to fly a multicopter in China. This article will introduce you to the most important regulations.
Flying a drone is allowed in China. However, in large metropolitan areas or near government buildings and politically sensitive regions, we recommend exercising particular caution and possibly skipping some aerial shots.
Please note that the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau have different regulations for drone operations:
Drone Classification in China
Drones in China are classified based on their weight, which directly impacts the registration and permit requirements. The CAAC has defined the following weight classes (including battery and payload):
- Micro: less than 1.5 kg
- Light: Between 1.5 kg and 7 kg
- Ultra-light: 7 kg to 25 kg
- Medium: Between 25 kg and 150 kg
- Heavy: Over 150 kg
Each category has specific requirements for registering and operating your drone in China.
Additionally, when determining the classification, drone operators must consider factors such as the drone’s speed and operational capabilities.
Drone Registration in China
Registration is required for drones with a take-off weight of more than 250 grams. Foreign pilots do not yet seem to need to register (except for DJI drones), but we recommend checking the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) website for updates before traveling to China.
DJI drones are a special case. Once they are in China, a prompt asking for registration appears, regardless of the country of origin. DJI pilots will likely need to register their drone.
You can complete the registration online here. Just follow the instructions, which are in Chinese. If you’re unable to translate the pages, you can find some very helpful guidance in this blog post (in English).
Important: You’ll need a Chinese phone number for registration. This shouldn’t be a problem. Either ask Chinese acquaintances for help or buy a Chinese SIM card. Reportedly, only larger stores in China sell these to tourists. To save time, you can purchase the SIM card in advance before leaving your home country.
Another note: You may be required to provide an email address on the drone portal. Be aware that Google Mail is blocked in China. Use another email service if possible.
Using Drones for Commercial Purposes in China
To fly drones commercially, you must obtain a commercial drone license. This involves registering your drone with the CAAC and obtaining a flight permit from the relevant authorities.
To receive the permit, certain conditions must be met, including having a legitimate business entity in China, owning a registered drone, obtaining liability insurance, and being certified by an approved training provider.
Overview: Drone rules in China
Drone labels can be ordered here
Additional Information for Drone Pilots in China
In China, drones weighing up to 7 kilograms may be operated. For unmanned aerial vehicles above this weight and for commercial use, an additional permit from the CAAC is required. Your drone must always remain within visual line of sight and within a 500-meter radius.
Taking photos or videos of military, defense-related, or secret facilities is strictly prohibited.
Good to know: No-Fly Zones in China
Beijing is within a no-fly zone. Multicopters are not allowed to take off inside the 6th Ring Road.
Check for temporary drone bans as well, such as during celebrations or important events.
Readers of our blog have also reported issues with a no-fly zone along the Great Wall, where they were unable to take off. Don’t be disappointed if flying at well-known landmarks doesn’t go as planned.
The drone regulations for China listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the Chinese aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also reach out to the Chinese embassy in your home country for further information on the regulations. Please leave us a comment if you learn any news or have personal experiences flying your drone in China!
Hi Chinese one is not very accurate. Beijing is in a no-fly zone. You can fly a drone within the 6th ring road which is about 50 km from the city center.
I mean you can NOT.
Cool Victor, thanks for your comment. I will update/extend the article as soon as possible.
Hi there, sorry I don’t really understand. So I bought my spark from Beijing, but I can’t fly it in beijing? I have to leave Beijing to make my first flight?? Or is there something I missed? Thanks
hi, exactly. You can’t fly within the 6th ring. DJI will update the firmware of your drone when you will first turn it on. This update will add the list of nofly zones in China. On your phone screen, you will see the map and the following message: “No GPS signal”. Therefore your drone won’t be able to take off. You can still pay a trip to the wall and do great shots there, after CAAC registration. I do own a Mavic Air, and I do have the same issue. Bought it here, can’t fly it here.
yes, your understanding is correct. Beijing city is in a strict no-fly zone. Have you ever seen a single aircraft including a helicopter in the sky during your stay? ;-P
I was not able to fly my Mavic Pro in Beijing. I had to go to Badaling Great Wall of China. https://youtu.be/P_M1Tj055jE
Hi can I use my mavic pro in chiina
Yes I think so 🙂
Hi, i actually have seen chinese people piloting one above the Xi Lake in Hangzhou. so my guess is that it is possible.
@Folkert, you can! Just check out the no fly zones here: http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc?w&www=v1
What about Tibet? Any idea?
You can’t fly it in Lhasa and anywhere near military facilities.
i am in FengHuang, China now (Nov 1, 2017). DiSTANCE LIMIT of 50 meters. 50 meters!
I am getting ready to purchase a drone for an upcoming trip to China. Any recommendations on beginner models? Are visitors required to register their drones with China?
Hi Deborah,
I think the DJI Mavic Air is a good drone for the beginning. And yes, you also need to register your drone in China.
Mavic Air without any hesitation. The best drone so far to travel with. If you want an advice, purchase the bundle. You’ll get 3 batteries. It’s very frustrating to find the perfect spot, and run out of juice after few minutes.
My son had a stopover in Shanghai. This was very difikult because he had to take his Suitcase from one to next plane , althow same china airline with all checkings. Most have only with chinese advices. 1 Battery from 2 he had to put in his handbag . You need at least 3 hours.
Good to know, thank you Majew!
For CAAC registration requires you to have a celllphone number in china before moving on.
Do you need it or no?
I will be heading there in a few days.
With my dji spark.
You need it to fly legally.
Hi ime going to base camp, can i fly there?
Hello there,
I’m planning to take my drone to Tibet and Xinjiang in August. Initially, I will be arriving at Beijing International Airport then will be taking 3 internal flights within China.
Do anyone know about rules in Tibet for drones?
Thank you
#BK
Given the recent political situation in Xinjiang – where as many as a million Uyghur people are in concentration camps, the whole place is a police state, and it is increasingly difficult for foreigners to visit – I’d be really surprised if they let you in there with a drone. Maybe only for really touristy places.
Interesting ! Where are these camps? Can you give GPS coordinates? Thank you!
The camps are not advertised by the Chinese state, so you can’t just go and get GPS coordinates. That said, Shawn Zhang in Canada has researched the question and has coordinates of some of them:
https://medium.com/@shawnwzhang/latest-re-education-campaign-in-karshgar-xinjiang-167668ad5729
don’t fly in the city. You should be OK.
Hey BK,
How did your Tibet and Xinjiang plan pan out? I’ll be taking my spark in to Tibet this October. Did you register your drone with the CAAC?
Thanks!
#CAO
You need to register you drone in CAAC(http://uas.caac.gov.cn) before you fly it in china (if fly under 120metre height and in eye-view(500meter),you do not need a drone license, but you need to register the drone and paste the genertated QR Code on you drone.
Unfortuanltely ,seems that site have not an english version…
hi.. I am in shanghai on a visit and bought a drone for my kid. will I be permitted to carry this from shanghai to HK and from there to India? if so, cabin or check-in luggage?
you must put the batteries in your cabin luggage if you board the flight in China.
Thank you. This helps.
Does anyone know how long it takes for the whole registration process to complete and be approved. Going to China last min and bringing a drone
Do we have any news taking drones to Xinjiang? I will not be using it there, but as I’m backpacking through China, it’ll be in my pack.