Han Xue's Filming at Yongxian Wooden Pagoda Sparks Concerns Over Lighting Usage

Recently, in Shuo Zhou, Shanxi province, Han Xue and her team were spotted filming a program at the Yongxian Wooden Pagoda, a historic structure built in 1056 AD. During the filming, photos emerged showing crew members using lighting equipment, prompting online criticism from netizens who noted that signs prohibiting strong lighting and flash photography were present near the cultural relic. Critics alleged that the production team's use of bright lights could potentially violate regulations and adversely affect the ancient structure. In response to the criticism, officials from the Yongxian Wooden Pagoda Management Center clarified that the filming was part of a registered, organized program, not an individual act by Han Xue, and that monitoring personnel were present on site during the event. They emphasized that the lighting used was warm light coupled with fabric coverings, explicitly stating that it was not strong lighting and would not harm the historical site. The Yongxian Wooden Pagoda is notable for being the tallest and oldest wooden structure of its kind in existence, measuring 67.31 meters tall, with a base diameter of 30.27 meters and weighing over 7,400 tons. As the debate continues, officials hope future filming activities will ensure the protection of such valuable cultural heritage.

On June 18, 2025, actress Han Xue was involved in a controversial filming incident at the ancient wooden pagoda in Yingxian County, Shanxi, China. During the recording of a program, a crew member was seen using artificial lighting, violating clearly marked restrictions against the use of strong lights and flash photography near the culturally significant site. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, built in 1056, is notable for being the oldest and tallest wooden structure in the world, standing at 67.31 meters with a diameter of 30.27 meters and weighing over 7,400 tons. This incident sparked public outrage as it raised concerns over the potential damage to the delicate wood structure and the pigments used on historical artifacts due to excessive light exposure, especially UV rays, which can accelerate degradation. While the management of the pagoda stated that the crew had reported their presence and were monitored by heritage professionals, critics pointed out that there are strict guidelines in place that tourists are obliged to follow, which prohibit such lighting. As such, many felt that the special treatment given to the film crew represented a significant double standard and privilege, calling into question the integrity of cultural heritage protection practices. Social media reactions included sarcastic remarks about the unequal enforcement of rules, leading to demands for fair treatment of all visitors and filmmakers alike. Previous incidents of similar nature, such as unauthorized filming at historical sites like the Mogao Caves, highlight ongoing tensions between cultural promotion and preservation. Experts emphasize that any artificial light, especially those containing UV rays, pose risks to fragile artifacts, encouraging the establishment of clearer regulations for filming in historical contexts.