Citizens team up to improve public signs at scenic spots

Video by Wang Haolan, Chen Siqi

A team of local and expatriate residents inspected bilingual public signs in Shenzhen’s Yantian District and Dapeng New Area on Sept. 18, as the ninth offline challenge of the 2026 Shenzhen Public Foreign-language Signage Improvement Campaign got underway.

The participants, joined by members of the city’s civil servant team, visited Dapeng Fortress and Dameisha Beach Park, checked public signs in the surrounding areas for mistranslations and room for language improvement.

Participants take a group photo at Dapeng Fortress on Wednesday. Wang Haolan

During the event, Mr. Tu from Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration, said he joined to review foreign-language signage at the city’s scenic spots and help check whether the wording was clear, appropriate and standardized. He found the language used at the sites generally clear, friendly and standardized.

Participants take a group photo at Dameisha Beach Park on Wednesday. Photos by Wang Haolan except otherwise stated

“I believe this kind of activity can help present a better image of the city and prepare us for future events, including the APEC Leaders’ Meeting to be held in Shenzhen in November,” he said.

Civil servants from Dapeng News District check a road sign at Dapeng Fortress on Wednesday. Wang Haolan

On the importance of bilingual signage, Mr. Tu said: “Bilingual signs make it easier for foreign visitors to quickly understand and connect with this young city. They also showcase Shenzhen’s overall image of openness, innovation and youth.”

Participants check a road sign at Dameisha Beach Park on Wednesday. Chen Siqi

Amine, an expat from Morocco, said 90% of the signs he checked during the event were well done, though could still benefit from richer contextual adaptation to avoid potential ambiguity for international visitors. 

“For example, we just saw one that said only ‘smoking.’ It could be better as ‘designated smoking area’,” he said. “Most signs just need a little more context or a little direction, and they would be better.”

Amine (1st L) from Morocco checks a sign with civil servants from Dapeng New District at the entrance to an ancestral residence at Dapeng Fortress on Wednesday. Wang Haolan

Amine said the day had been productive. “We checked a lot of signs. It helps correct and improve signage so foreign tourists and people who do not understand Chinese can navigate the area better. I found it very rewarding.”

Participants exchange ideas during Wednesday's event. Chen Siqi

He added that bilingual signage could help build connections between local residents and foreign visitors. “Sometimes, rules differ from country to country. If foreign tourists arrive and the signage is clear, they can understand the local rules, respect them and be mindful of their behavior. That way, we can understand each other better,” he said.

The citywide public sign improvement campaign is jointly launched by the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, Shenzhen Daily and Shenzhen Media Group’s “1st to the Scene.” The online competition remains open to the public until November, while the offline events will conclude next month with the final round.