Xi'an Travel Forum

I see many photos taken inside the building area with the Terra Cotta Warriors. I have also heard that taking photos may be prohibited (although one photo said this restriction has been eliminated).

What risk do I run in taking photos of the Warriors? Will guards just chew me out, or might they take my camera? What measures should I take to ensure I leave with both my camera and pictures?

No problems taking photos, so shoot to your heart's content.

You will be able to take as many photos as you want. We have just returned and have lots of great photos to remind us of a wonderful time in Xi'an. We also bought the book and the postcard pack which was signed by the gentleman whose is the last surviving member of the people who unearthed the warriors in 1972. Have a wonderful holiday, we loved it.

I took pictures in May 2007 and had not problems. Everyone was taking pictures and I did not see any signs where you could not.

Side note for other places:
Many chinese take pictures when they say no photos. So, when in Rome ....

PS

I was also DISCREETLY taking pictures of someone being arrested in Tiananmen Square, also in May 2007. I believe he was trying to do what is in this you-tube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdMJjVoE1pU

However, I was not discreet enough. A policeman wanted to look at my camera. He could not speak English so I walked away and got lost in the crowd before he came close to me. I also did not see any signs not to take pictures of protests and arrests. :)

PPS
I have my picture of a soldier in Tiananmen Square I took shortly after the 1989 protest on my external page.

There is no risk as others have said. However, I recommend you make sure you have a good zoom on your camera as you are taking photos from a distance.You might also consider using a panorama facility to capture the sheer size of the area.