I've made many, many trips to China (and within China), lugging lots of camera equipment, including, at one point, a prosumer camcorder and associated support equipment. I've never had the slightest problem.

One anecdote: My first trip to China was for business -- I had to take a deposition of a Party official. China does not permit depositions and, per my boss at the time, I only needed a tourist visa. I brought with me an entourage consisting of a court reporter (with all of her court reporting equipment), a videographer (with all of his professional video gear) and a translator. When we entered China, I was asked, "Purpose of visit?" I said, "Tourism," and we were immediately admitted.

I always thought that, if asked why I had a staff of three equipped with professional video and audio equipment, as well as a steno machine, I'd simply say, "I like well-documented vacations."