Intl. visitors, volunteers praise Shenzhen airport's clear signage

Video and photos by Lin Jianping

“The signs are very clear. It was easy to navigate through the whole airport.”

Mislav, a Croatian tourist who had just landed at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, gave a thumbs-up to the camera in the arrival hall.

Participants of the “City Language Watch” March Challenge listen as a staffer of the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs  Office introduces details of the event. 

On March 19, the “City Language Watch” March Challenge, part of the 2026 Shenzhen Public Foreign-Language Signage Improvement Campaign, brought a team of international volunteers, local volunteers, and language enthusiasts to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. 

Their mission? To give the city’s public signage a check-up.

Foreign visitors become instant fans

During the visit, team members interviewed several international travelers who had just arrived in Shenzhen. Mislav from Croatia was the first respondent: “The signs are very clear. It was easy to navigate through the whole airport.”

The International Service Center at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. 

What impressed him even more was the service at the International Service Center located east of the international arrivals exit at Terminal 3. “They gave us a Metro card and showed us how to take the subway. The staff are very friendly. So far, everything has been great,” he said.

Michael from Australia described the airport’s way-finding system as “super convenient.” He said, “For new arrivals at the Shenzhen airport, finding your way around is incredibly easy—really convenient.” He also noted the multilingual signage: “Here at the airport, signs are not only in Chinese and English; some also thoughtfully include Korean and Japanese.”

‘Setting an international standard’

Jennifer, a foreign volunteer participating in the City Language Watch for the second time, has witnessed Shenzhen’s progress in public signage over the years.

Jennifer from Australia submits an error she spots at the airport under the guidance of a Shenzhen Daily staffer.

“The use of clear, intuitive signage combined with universally recognized symbols helps visitors feel at ease and confident from the moment they arrive,” Jennifer said. “I believe this marks a solid step forward for Shenzhen as it continues its internationalization and prepares to host the APEC summit.”

Michael from Australia takes a photo of a bilingual signage at the airport.

Another foreign volunteer, Michael, gave even higher praise: “Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is setting an international standard. All signs are in both Chinese and English, and they are very clear.”

From ‘spotting errors’ to ‘giving thumbs up’

During the event, local volunteer Mr. Diao and his teammates carefully inspected every public sign at the airport and the convention center.

A participant submits photos and suggestions about signage at the airport. 

“The signage we observed at the airport and the convention center is very clear and easy to understand, and some are even quite vivid and engaging,” Mr. Diao said. “I believe that when Shenzhen hosts the APEC summit, our thoughtful and warm services will leave a wonderful impression on all guests from around the world.”

Participants pose for a group photo in front of the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. 

This marks the third consecutive month of offline challenges by the City Language Watch team. From shopping districts to subway stations, from parks to the airport, this unique team is helping make Shenzhen’s public signage increasingly international through their global perspective and local insight.

Participants pose for a group photo at the airport.

Every public sign around us serves not only as a window for the world to see Shenzhen, but also as a learning opportunity for locals to improve their English.

As the APEC summit approaches, Shenzhen is welcoming the world through attention to every detail. Why not join the City Language Watch and help make Shenzhen even more international?