Trip Advisor Award

Drone Registration in China

Home Drone Registration in China

Last Updated on March 28, 2025

In this article, you will discover the most up-to-date regulations governing drone photography in China. You will also become informed about where it is permissible to fly drones in China, as well as how to register your drone in a step-by-step process.

Register drone in China

2025 Drone Regulations in China

China has implemented revised drone flying policies as of January 1, 2024. The key changes focus on two main aspects: registration and altitude restrictions.

  1. All drones, including the latest DJI FLIP and NEO models, are required to be registered under real names, regardless of their weight. Learn how to register your drone in China.
  2. The altitude for light drones must not exceed 120 meters. Flying beyond this limit requires airspace approval, and only after the approval is granted can the UAV operate. Only individuals with a drone pilot license are eligible to apply for airspace clearance.
  3. The category of light drones encompasses the Mavic, Air, Mini, Spark, and Inspire series.
1-1 Guilin Photo Tours
Learn More

How to register my drone in China?

Do I have to register my drone in China?

Literally, yes.

You can register on the website of CAAC here: https://uas.caac.gov.cn/.

Please note that the website is only available in Chinese, and registration requires a Chinese cell phone number and a WeChat account.

Without a Chinese cell phone number and a WeChat account, it is impossible to complete the process. Therefore, you will need to seek assistance from a Chinese friend.

If you don’t have a Chinese number or are unable to complete the registration, we’re here to help. China Drone Registration

I will guide you through the step-by-step process of registering your drone. Please ensure you have a Chinese cell phone number, are familiar with using WeChat, and have already signed in.

* Click on the image to zoom in and view it clearly.

Step 1
Click me
How to register a drone in China
  • 1 Click 'Registration Management'
  • 2 Click "Registe a branded drone"
Step 2
Click me
How to register a drone in China
  • 3 Just click 'Next'

The details shown here are the ones you submitted during sign-up and include 'Name, ID type, ID number, cellphone number, and email'. Please note that they cannot be altered here.

Step 3
Click me
How to register a drone in China
  • 4 Use WeChat to scan the QR code for 'Face Recognition Authentication'

You can proceed with the instructions to complete the authentication process. Once it is done, you will be redirected to the next.

Step 4
Click me
How to register a drone in China
Click me
How to register a drone in China
    • 5 Click on the magnifying glass icon to select the 'manufacturer name'. Then, choose the first option, which is DJI.
    • 6 Click the magnifier sign to choose the 'drone model'
    • 7 Choose the first option
    • 8 Enter your drone's serial number (SN), which can be found inside your battery box.
Step 5
Click me
How to register a drone in China
  • 9 Check the options that describes how you intend to use your drone.

We recommend selecting the first and second options, 'entertainment' and 'drone photography', as the other choices might draw special attention.

Step 6
Click me
How to register a drone in China
  • 10 Drag and drop or click to upload an exterior photo of your drone.
  • 11 Drag and drop or click to upload a photo containing the drone's serial number (SN)
  • 12 Click on the 'Complete Registration' button to finalize the process.

Upon completing the registration, the system will send you a QR code via email.

Step 7
Click me
How to register a drone in China

Once you finish all the steps mentioned above, you will be redirected to this page, where you can proceed to check out or have your QR code sent to your email.

查看=View; 发送二维码=Send the QR code to the email address you used for signing up.

Where can and cannot fly your drone?

Can Fly No Fly Zone
Beijing
  • The entire city
  • The Great Wall
Shanghai
  • Watertowns
  • The entire city
Guilin
  • Yangshuo
  • Li River
  • Yulong River
  • Longji Rice Terraces
Huangshan
  • Hongcun & Xidi ancient villages
  • Yellow Mountains
Zhangjiajie
  • Wulingyuan National Park
  • Fenghuang Ancient Town
  • Furong Ancient Town
  • Tianmen Mount
  • Glass Bridge
Fujian
  • Xiapu
  • Wuyi Mountains
  • Xiamen
Yunnan
  • Yuanyang Rice Terraces
  • Meili Snow Mountain
  • Dali (Shaxi & Xizhou ancient town)
  • Lijiang: Shuhe ancient town
  • Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain *
  • Lijiang Ancient City
  • Shangri-la
Guizhou
  • Zhaoxing
  • Xijiang
  • Fanjingshan
Sichuan
  • Chengdu
  • Jiuzhaigou
Chongqing
  • Urban area
Gansu
  • Zhangye Binggou Danxia
  • Pingshanhu Grand Canyon
  • Zhangye Danxia Geopark
  • Mogao Grottoes
  • Echoing Sand Mountains
  • Crescent Spring
  • Jiayuguan Pass
  • Jiuquan
Xinjiang
  • Kanas Lake *
  • Hemu *
  • Sayram Lake *
  • Tekes *
  • Narat *
  • Kalajun Grassland *
  • Turpan
  • Karakul Lake
  • Pamir Scenic Area
  • Tianshan Lake & Grand Canyon
Tibet
  • Lhasa
  • EBC
Qinghai
  • Qinghai Lake
  • Chaka Lake
  • Xining (the entire city)
Northeast
  • Harbin Ice and Snow World
  • Snow Town
  • Changbai Mountains
* Before flying, you are required to report to the local police station and get the permission.
Gan'nan Mysterious Land 2025 Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I fly my drone if there are no clear regulations?

To avoid potential trouble, it's best not to fly in areas where you're unsure about the drone restrictions. However, if you notice others flying their drones, it's likely safe to follow their lead and fly yours as well.

2. What's the maximum altitude I can fly?

In regular areas, you're allowed to fly below 120 meters once your drone is registered. If you need to fly higher than 120 meters, you'll have to apply for permission from the CAAC.

3. Are there other Apps to check the NFZ?

DJI’s map remains the most commonly used resource within China, but even it can be incomplete. Always check local regulations or consult with locals for more specific information.

Even if a place appears to be flyable on the map, it may still be restricted, as some cities or tourist spots have their own drone regulations. If you're unsure, feel free to contact us for guidance.

4. Why am I not allowed to fly my drone even though it is registered?

In some areas (such as Shanghai), you need to obtain permission to fly your drone even if it is registered with the CAAC. You can only fly in specific areas with this permission, which is typically valid for only 2-3 days, and the process can be complicated.

5. Can the airport or customs stop me if my drone is not registered?

Typically, customs at the airport won’t stop you or confiscate your drone if it’s not registered. If you're just stopping over and don’t plan to fly the drone, registration may not be necessary.

Photos Taken by DJI Drones

Start designing your photo tour today...

Tailor-make your tour