> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.masscomglobal.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Artwork Approval Guidelines for Chinese Airports - URL: https://www.masscomglobal.com/artwork-approval-guidelines-for-chinese-airports/ - Published: 2025-10-14T16:33:46.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-30T03:45:08.000Z - Description: Understanding Airport Advertising Regulations in China - Author: Prathish Cherian - Tags: China, Asia, Airports **Airport advertising in China** provides global brands with a premium gateway to reach influential business travelers and affluent consumers. However, the **artwork approval process** involves detailed compliance checks rooted in Chinese cultural, linguistic, and legal standards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/88/dd/88ddefb2-6684-4167-a64a-d211c461ea3e/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-14-at-8.38.18---PM-1.png) Advertising in Chinese airports requires precision — from artwork approval to content compliance, every detail matters Many international advertisers find these regulations complex. To simplify, our China-based team and resident experts have summarized the essential **artwork approval guidelines** applicable to all major airports across China. --- ## **1\. General Restrictions** Advertisements depicting or implying **vulgarity, gambling, violence, money worship, pornography, negativity, or criminal behavior** will be rejected. Chinese airports maintain a **family-friendly and internationally neutral**environment; all creatives must align with this ethos. --- ## **2\. Prohibited Advertising Categories** Advertising is **strictly prohibited** for the following products and services: - Tobacco and e-cigarettes - Firearms, ammunition, imitation weapons, and controlled knives - Drugs and gambling - Virtual currencies and trading platforms - Pornographic or adult services ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/88/dd/88ddefb2-6684-4167-a64a-d211c461ea3e/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-14-at-8.37.19---PM.png) --- ## **3\. National Dignity and Political Sensitivity** Artworks must not **undermine the dignity or interests of the People’s Republic of China**. Any image, text, or symbol considered politically sensitive or disrespectful toward the Chinese state or its leadership will be refused approval. --- ## **4\. Language Requirements** All advertisements must use **Simplified Chinese** or be **bilingual (Simplified Chinese and English)**. Traditional Chinese text or non-standard abbreviations are **not accepted**. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/88/dd/88ddefb2-6684-4167-a64a-d211c461ea3e/content/images/2025/10/image.png) Visual excellence with cultural precision — advertising in Chinese airports demands both creativity and compliance ## **5\. Logo and Trademark Compliance (WIPO Certificate)** If an advertisement includes a **logo or brand mark**, a **WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) international registration certificate** under the **Madrid Agreement or Protocol** must be provided. This proves the brand’s **legal international registration** and its protection in China, if designated. If the certificate is unavailable, advertisers must display a **Simplified Chinese translation** of the brand name. **Purpose:** - Ensures trademark authenticity - Enhances clarity for local audiences - Aligns with China’s IP and consumer protection laws *Example:* - Brands like Apple, Mercedes-Benz, or HSBC can provide their WIPO certificate. - New entrants without WIPO registration must display the Chinese translation of their brand name or logo. --- ## **6\. Geographic and Political References** Ads must not: - List **Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan** alongside China or other sovereign countries. - Use terms like “China-Hong Kong” or “One China, One Taiwan.” - Display flags or emblems of unrecognized territories. --- ## **7\. Cultural and Religious Sensitivity** Artworks promoting **feudal superstitions**, fortune-telling, or religious activities for commercial gain are prohibited. Product messaging must avoid spiritual or superstition-based claims. --- ## **8\. Truthful and Lawful Representation** Avoid **absolute or exaggerated phrases** like “No.1,” “World’s Best,” or “Top Brand.” All statements must be **factually verifiable**. Complaints about misleading claims can result in **immediate ad removal**, with all related costs borne by the advertiser. --- ## **9\. Regulated Product Categories** The following product categories require **official content review** by Chinese authorities before approval: - Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products - Medical devices and supplements - Veterinary drugs and pesticides - Functional and special medical-purpose foods --- ## **10\. Celebrity Endorsements and Data Citations** Celebrities with **criminal records** or histories of **anti-China remarks** are banned from use in advertisements. Any data or citations used must be **accurate, sourced, and time-stamped**. --- ## **11\. Visual Design and Text Presentation** Airport advertisements should focus on **strong visuals** rather than excessive text. Use **complete, readable language**, avoiding acronyms and unnecessary abbreviations. --- ## **12\. Address and Location Consistency** Any mention of **store or outlet addresses** must exactly match listings on the **official airport authority website**. This maintains uniformity and prevents misleading representations. --- ## **13\. Submission and Approval Timeline** All advertising artworks must be submitted **at least seven (7) working days** prior to campaign start for Airport Authority approval. Delays in submission may result in **loss of display time**, for which advertisers are fully responsible. --- ## **14\. Continuous Updates** Airport advertising regulations are updated regularly by Chinese authorities. Advertisers must verify the **latest guidelines** prior to artwork submission to ensure compliance. --- ## **15\. Social Media, QR Codes, and External Links Restrictions** Use of **social media icons or references** such as **Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), or WhatsApp** is **strictly prohibited** in Chinese airport advertisements. This restriction includes: - Displaying international social media icons or logos - Including QR codes that lead to blocked or foreign websites - Promoting content hosted on non-Chinese platforms Even if a **QR code** leads to an official **brand website**, the **linked webpage content must undergo content review (censorship)** to ensure compliance with Chinese internet regulations. Only QR codes linking to **approved domestic platforms** — such as **WeChat, Weibo**, or a **China-hosted corporate website** — may be used, and they too require pre-approval by the airport authority. This rule aligns with China’s **Cybersecurity and Advertising Law**, ensuring all linked content adheres to the same regulatory standards as physical advertisements. --- ## **Navigating Airport Advertising in China Made Simple** For international advertisers, compliance with these guidelines can seem overwhelming. With our **resident representative office in China** and a team of **local media experts**, we help brands streamline the entire process — from artwork preparation and translation to legal checks and final approval. We ensure your campaigns are **approved faster, executed flawlessly, and displayed confidently** across China’s busiest airports. When it comes to **airport advertising in China**, no one makes the process smoother. --- ## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)** ### **1\. Why is artwork approval mandatory in Chinese airports?** All airport advertising must pass approval to ensure it aligns with **Chinese legal, cultural, and political standards**, maintaining the airport’s international reputation and compliance. --- ### **2\. Can I include Facebook or YouTube icons in my ad?** No. Icons or mentions of **international social media platforms** like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or X (Twitter) are **not allowed**. Only approved **Chinese platforms** such as WeChat or Weibo may be referenced, and even then, pre-approval is required. --- ### **3\. What if I use a QR code linking to my brand website?** If a **QR code** is included, the **website content** it leads to must also undergo **content censorship and approval**. The airport authority and relevant agencies will check that the landing page complies with Chinese content regulations. --- ### **4\. Do I still need a WIPO certificate for a global brand?** Yes — if your artwork displays a logo or brand name. The **WIPO certificate** confirms trademark legitimacy and ensures China recognizes your brand’s intellectual property. If unavailable, a **Simplified Chinese translation** must appear on the creative. --- ### **5\. How long does the artwork approval process take?** Approval typically takes **seven working days**, but additional time may be required for ads involving medical or financial products, QR codes, or new foreign brands entering the market. --- ##