With the gentle spring breeze and the revival of nature, a blue-vested team, holding manuals of Beijing local standard of Guidelines for the Use of English for Public Signs (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines), moved through the Three Hills and Five Gardens Cultural and Art Center and Zhongguancun International Innovation Center. They paused from time to time to discuss the English translations of different signs, cross-checking them against a cloud-based terminology database on their phones. This is how the special inspection of foreign-language signs unfolds in Haidian district.

Recently, guided by the Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing Municipal Government, the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District has worked in close collaboration with the district’s Bureau of Coordinated Administrative Law Enforcement for Urban Management to launch the Initiative for Improving International Language Environment for ZGC Forum, aiming at providing international friends with seamless urban navigation services.

Haidian District launches the Initiative for Improving International Language Environment for ZGC Forum

This initiative is an important measure taken by Haidian District to actively implement the Regulations of Beijing Municipality on Improving the Language Environment for International Exchanges (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations). It involves foreign language expertise from universities including Minzu University of China and University of International Relations to conduct on-site inspections at venues such as the Three Hills and Five Gardens Cultural and Art Center and Zhongguancun International Innovation Center. In accordance with the Guidelines, they photographed and documented fake or inappropriate foreign language signs, covering floor guidance, venue indicators, safety warnings, fire-fighting equipment, and accessibility facilities, while also providing suggestions on revision. In response to issues identified during inspections, such as the absence of required foreign-language signs and incorrect translations, law enforcement officers recorded the details and established a tracking log. The responsible personnel must make corrections in accordance with the Guidelines and unscheduled follow-up checks will be in place to ensure effective rectifications. The Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District also briefed the inspected institutions on the Regulations, with a focus on the provisions concerning foreign-language signs.

Moving forward, the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District will maintain close partnership with the district’s Bureau of Coordinated Administrative Law Enforcement for Urban Management and foreign language volunteers to optimize services for international visitors with meticulous attention. It will strengthen the inspection of foreign-language signs in key venues, ensuring the high-quality and high-level organization of various international exchange events. The district remains committed to creating a world-class, nationally leading language environment for international exchanges, thereby contributing to the enhancement of Haidian District’s international services.