On the afternoon of June 7, 10 international residents who work in fields such as education and editing conducted an in-depth review of the Guiwan area in Qianhai. By identifying and correcting errors in the area’s public service facilities and English signage, they contributed to the further optimization and enhancement of Qianhai’s international service standards.
A bilingual sign in Guiwan Park.
Enhancing intl. services through error corrections
During the event, the participants thoroughly inspected key public locations, including main roads, parks, and commercial districts. They carefully assessed the accuracy, clarity, and readability of English translations on signs while meticulously recording public facilities that lacked English labels.
The group also identified inconveniences while using various public service facilities, including the Shenzhen–Zhongshan Intercity Bus. Issues such as missing English guidance on booking interfaces and incomplete services were documented, with practical improvement suggestions proposed for each.
Andrew William Gibbs from the U.K. takes notes in front of a bilingual sign at the E-hub.
Andrew William Gibbs, from the U.K., said that English signage and instructions in Qianhai are plentiful. “However, there’s not enough English guidance for someone who has just moved here on how to deal with rubbish disposal and emergencies,” he said. Gibbs expressed excitement at participating in this meaningful event and hoped these issues would soon be addressed to make Qianhai a more international-friendly area.
Three participants experience a smart interactive device at the E-hub.
Dani Marcano, from the U.S., shared, “Qianhai’s international standards are steadily improving. With more similar efforts and events, Qianhai will become even more international friendly.”
After the event, the participants compiled the errors and missing signage issues they recorded into a detailed report that was subsequently submitted to the relevant departments of the Qianhai Authority for optimization and improvement.
Participants pose for a group photo under a street nameplate in Qianhai's Guiwan area.
A representative from the Qianhai Authority stated, “The valuable suggestions from our foreign friends have provided us with crucial reference points for optimizing Qianhai’s international environment. We will swiftly correct and supplement English signage, continuously improve public service facilities, and enhance Qianhai’s international services with higher standards and quality.”
Qianhai's unremitting efforts
In May of last year, Qianhai officially launched its first international neighborhood model. Situated in Neighborhood 05, Unit 2 of the Guiwan area, the Qianhai International Neighborhood spans approximately 65,000 square meters, encompassing a public square and eight buildings. It was the first to achieve full bilingual (Chinese-English) signage coverage for major roads, buildings, and other key public spaces within the neighborhood.
Since the beginning of this year, Qianhai, with the Guiwan area as a pilot, has been systematically planning and advancing the area’s internationalization by focusing on urban development, operations and management, spatial coordination, commercial districts and supporting facilities, cultural and sports activities, as well as international exchange and cooperation. Currently, a comprehensive upgrade of bilingual signage and wayfinding has been fully launched. Building signs, traffic signs, roadside markers, parks, greenways, and other public spaces will all feature complete bilingual coverage.
Furthermore, the international neighborhood model has achieved remarkable results across multiple dimensions, including government service optimization, improvements in educational and medical facilities, the establishment of international exchange platforms, the creation of “ITH+SPACE” event spaces, and the launch of the “HiQianhai” event brand. These efforts have comprehensively enhanced the quality of living and working in Qianhai for international residents.
The “HiQianhai” series is hosted by the Qianhai International Cooperation Center and organized by EyeShenzhen. This event marked the 13th session of the “HiQianhai” series.
EyeShenzhen will continue to collect feedback from international friends regarding corrections to English signage in the Qianhai area. The Qianhai Authority will also conduct regular follow-ups in the Guiwan area to inspect the correction and supplementation of English signage.
With tangible action and determined commitment, the Qianhai Authority aims to enhance Qianhai’s international image and make it an ideal place to live and work for both local and international residents.