Photography is my hobby, and I enjoy visiting temples. So, the two interests often intersect.

What I find interesting is that at most "Thai" Buddhist temples, there is no restriction on taking photos, and sometimes I am even encouraged to do so. Others -- Thais -- are doing so, as well.

On the other hand, at most Chinese Buddhist temples I find an active disallowing for picture taking inside the temple.

From a religious point of view, why the rather distinct difference?

I should add that on occasion, I have run across Chinese temples where photography was welcomed, but that is rare.

I've had really no problem taking photos of Buddhist temples in China, but I know the authorities tried to block us from

photographing the Tera-cota warrior vault but failed when all of us snapped up the shots.

Maybe the Red-Chinese think you are a spy? therefore forbidding you to do so. Needless to say, they (Red-China) do

strange things.

On the other hand, at most Chinese Buddhist temples I find an active disallowing for picture taking inside the temple.

From a religious point of view, why the rather distinct difference?

In Japan there is absolutely no taking photos in temples, with very few exceptions. Also, some temples with important images only show them to the public every now and again (sometimes only once every 33 years for images of Avalokitasvara). In Mahayana Buddhism there seems to be an idea that sacred images store up energy, or act as a direct channel to the relevant buddha or bodhisattva, and that energy is dissipated by it being viewed or photographed. Better to store up its "energy" and release it on special festival days, etc.