Chengdu Hidden Camera Found in Restroom; Police Probe

Police in Chengdu have confirmed the discovery of a hidden pinhole camera concealed in a women’s restroom at a popular tourist attraction, sparking public outrage and reigniting concerns over privacy violations at public venues across China. The Chengdu Public Security Bureau’s Jinniu District Branch issued a police notice on May 26, 2026, announcing an investigation into the incident, which was first reported by state broadcaster CCTV News.

The Incident

The hidden camera was discovered at “Lily Island” (莉莉岛), a well-known social media check-in spot (网红打卡点) in Chengdu that attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly young women and influencers seeking content for platforms like Douyin (TikTok China) and Xiaohongshu. According to the police notice published via the “成都金牛公安” (Chengdu Jinniu Police) WeChat official account on the morning of May 26, a pinhole camera (针孔摄像头) had been secretly installed in the women’s restroom.

Multiple female social media influencers have been identified as victims, including:

• “木木” (Mu Mu), a Douyin influencer with approximately 3.72 million followers
• “申雪倩” (Shen Xueqian), with approximately 2.47 million followers
• “思思思然” (Si Si Si Ran), another prominent influencer

The secretly recorded footage was reportedly distributed and sold on illicit websites and encrypted social media platforms.

A Pattern of Violations

This incident is not an isolated case. In February 2026, a similar hidden camera was discovered in an Airbnb rental in the same Jinniu District of Chengdu, leading to the arrest of two suspects. The recurrence of such incidents in the same district raises serious questions about enforcement and prevention.

China has been grappling with a widespread hidden camera (偷拍) epidemic for years. A BBC News Chinese investigation published in February 2026 documented how criminals install pinhole cameras in hotel rooms across the country to secretly record and livestream guests’ intimate moments, with footage sold on a thriving black market.

The Black Market Infrastructure

Investigative reports have revealed a sophisticated black market for hidden camera footage. Illicit websites and encrypted social media groups on platforms like Telegram and QQ sell “camera IDs” and passwords, allowing buyers to access live feeds from compromised cameras. As NetEase News reported, miniature cameras as small as 2 centimeters in diameter can be purchased online with minimal oversight, often marketed with coded language to evade e-commerce platform restrictions.

Legal Framework and Challenges

Under Chinese law, installing hidden cameras to record private activities can constitute violations of the Public Security Administration Punishments Law, punishable by detention and fines. More serious offenses include infringement of citizens’ personal information and illegal use of eavesdropping or spy equipment under China’s Criminal Law.

Despite these legal provisions, enforcement remains challenging. The ease with which pinhole cameras can be concealed — disguised as everyday objects like power sockets, routers, tissue boxes, and chargers — and the difficulty of detecting them in public restrooms highlight significant regulatory gaps.

Implications and Concerns

The targeting of well-known female influencers suggests a deliberate strategy by criminals, as their recognizable faces and large followings increase the resale value of recorded content on illicit platforms. For the victims, the psychological and reputational damage is substantial.

This incident also threatens to deter visitors from frequenting popular tourist spots, potentially affecting local tourism revenue. Public confidence in the safety of public venues — particularly restrooms at social media-famous locations — has been shaken.

What’s Next

The police investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have been publicly identified as of the time of reporting. Key questions remain unanswered: How many individuals were recorded? What charges will be filed if suspects are apprehended? And what preventive measures will authorities implement to protect visitors at other tourist attractions?

As China’s hidden camera crisis continues to unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement, better detection technology, and more robust privacy protections in public spaces.