Shenzhen makes 'big progress in sign accuracy'

Video by Zhao Xiaochen

On May 19, the fifth offline challenge of the “City Language Watch” Monthly Challenge took place in Luohu District. A team of international volunteers and local language enthusiasts gathered at Shenzhen Railway Station and the Dongmen Business Circle, aiming to identify errors on public signs across the areas from a global perspective.

Participants of the fifth offline challenge of the “City Language Watch” Monthly Challenge take a group photo near Dongmen, Luohu District. Zhao Xiaochen

Before the hunt began, campaign staff briefed participants on common types of sign mistakes, including incorrect translations, missing English signs where they should be present, and incomplete sign content. Soon after, the participants fanned out across the designated zones to begin their inspection.

From basic signs to stickers on the floor 

Piya, who has lived in Shenzhen for 13 years, joined the hunt. Originally from India, Piya has called Luohu home for a decade. “I have been living in Shenzhen for 13 years,” she said. “Luohu is already very special for me, a lot of memories.”

She described the dramatic transformation she has witnessed. “When I came 13 years ago, there were not as many English signs, or they were just basic ones. But today, where we went, they even had stickers on the floor for directions. Every 50 meters, there are signs for taxis, nurseries, toilets, and taxi stands. I remember back then, there were not as many.”

Piya takes photos of public signs near Luohu Port. Chen Siqi

Piya praised the improvement Shenzhen has made over the years. “The city is putting up more and more signage boards to make people’s lives more convenient — especially for visitors from a foreigner’s perspective,” she said. “Now I speak Chinese, so I don’t mind reading Chinese, but for new visitors, it becomes much easier.”

She highlighted the significance of the upcoming APEC meeting. “APEC is a big platform. Many people are coming to Shenzhen for the first time. We should put our best foot forward and show them how internationalized and global Shenzhen is,” Piya said. “I feel very proud of Shenzhen.”

Accurate signs matter

A Shenzhen resident named Zhou shared why she joined the event. “This year in November, the APEC meeting will be held in Shenzhen, so I want to do my part.”

A Shenzhen Daily staffer explains event rules to participants before the event. Chen Siqi

Her view was echoed by Ivy, a Pakistani master’s student at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen. “I found just minor mistakes — capitalization errors, missing commas, a few spelling mistakes — not too much,” Ivy said. “Shenzhen is improving fast. English signs really help foreigners enjoy the city more.”

Ivy takes photos of a sign near Shenzhen Railway Station. Zhao Xiaochen

All participants agreed that paying attention to details is very important, and that accurate signage matters. 

“If a sign is not correct, foreigners may have a bad impact,” Ivy said. “It’s important to write the correct phrase and spelling.” 

Zhou added: “I think Shenzhen is doing very well. Bilingual signs give people a warm feeling — like when I go abroad and see Chinese, it feels like home.”

The “City Language Watch” monthly challenge, organized by Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office, Shenzhen Daily, and Shenzhen Media Group’s First Scene, has now completed five monthly offline challenges since the start of the year, covering transport hubs, key venues, and commercial areas. The online competition remains open to the public. Monthly offline inspections are scheduled to continue through November.