Chinese tourists are finding a unique way to capture their travel memories – by posing in front of CCTV cameras at iconic locations in the country. This trend has gained popularity as tourists use publicly accessible surveillance feeds to take group photos without the need for selfie sticks or expensive camera equipment.

One such tourist, Wei Xi, had a creative idea while visiting the Wawu Mountain range in Sichuan. Upon noticing official CCTV cameras in the area, Wei realized they could pose in front of these cameras to take snapshots from the live video feeds. This unconventional approach allowed them to document their visit and capture panoramic views of the snowy mountain range.

China boasts an extensive surveillance network with over 600 million cameras monitoring its vast population. This high level of surveillance has prompted tourists to utilize CCTV cameras at popular tourist spots to take what they call “surveillance souvenir photos.” These photos, taken from live video feeds, offer a unique perspective and have become a trend among travelers.

Users on platforms like Xiaohongshu have been sharing their experiences of posing in front of CCTV cameras at various scenic locations. From Wawu Mountain to Mount Emei, tourists have been creatively using surveillance cameras to capture memorable moments and scenic views in real-time.
One user, Jiang Baibai, recounted how he lost his camera at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum but managed to use the surveillance cameras to document his visit. By accessing live feeds available on official sites and messaging apps like WeChat, tourists can take snapshots without the need for traditional photography equipment.

While these surveillance cameras offer a convenient way to capture moments, users have noted minor challenges such as slight lags in the live feeds. To overcome this, tourists often hold their poses longer to ensure clear images are captured, adding a humorous element to the experience.
Mount Emei, another popular destination in Sichuan, provides visitors with live camera feeds accessible through their official WeChat account. These feeds allow travelers to preview the crowds and weather conditions before embarking on their journey, enhancing the overall tourist experience.
The prevalence of high-tech CCTV surveillance in China serves as a tool for maintaining public safety and deterring criminal activities. However, the widespread use of surveillance cameras has raised concerns about privacy and illicit recordings, leading to crackdowns on unauthorized surveillance and voyeurism cases.
Despite the double-edged nature of surveillance technology, tourists continue to embrace the concept of “surveillance souvenir photos” as a novel way to document their travels and create lasting memories. This trend highlights the intersection of technology, tourism, and creativity in the digital age.
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