Shanghai Airport: English Signage Accessibility

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with two commercial airports, several military and government airports, and rooftop helipads. As a major international hub, the city has made efforts to standardise English signs and instructions in public spaces, including the airport, to accommodate tourists and showcase its global status. While some signs may provide a good laugh with their quirky translations, you can rest assured that English signage is prevalent in Shanghai's airports and other large Chinese cities.

Shanghai airport signs are translated by volunteers

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with two commercial airports, several military and government airports, and rooftop helipads. As one of the world's most populous cities, Shanghai attracts many tourists, and the city is keen to accommodate them.

Shanghai has many English signs, especially in the subway, on the roads, and at tourist sites. The city takes the correctness of its English translations seriously, and has established an online platform for the public to report inaccurate translations. The local government has also set up a foreign language translation expert committee to provide professional translations for those in need.

Many college students in Shanghai have volunteered to check English translations in the city's public places. These volunteers take pictures of signs and report any mistakes via a hotline. Liu Danyan, a Shanghai native, commented, "Proper English signs and instructions show how international a city is."

While Shanghai's subway announcements and signs are in both Mandarin and English, the translations are not always direct. For example, instead of translating 上海西站 (Shanghai Xizhan) as "Shanghai West Train Station," the English version may simply be "Shanghai West." This can make it challenging for visitors to ask for directions or communicate with taxi drivers. To overcome this, it is recommended to write both the Mandarin and English versions next to each other.

English speakers find the signs easy to understand

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with two commercial airports, several military and government airports, and rooftop helipads. As one of the most populous cities in the world, Shanghai attracts millions of tourists each year, many of whom are English speakers.

The city takes its duty to cater to international travellers seriously, and this is reflected in the abundance of English signs across the city, including at the airport. English speakers will find that the signs at Shanghai Airport are easy to understand, with clear translations provided for important information. From wayfinding signage to announcements, the airport ensures that language is not a barrier for visitors.

While there may be some quirky translations here and there, these are often a source of amusement rather than confusion. For example, a sign asking passengers to "stand outside one bowl of rice noodle" actually means to maintain a one-metre distance from others. The city has also taken steps to improve the accuracy of translations, with college students volunteering to check English signage and a dedicated hotline for reporting errors.

The presence of English signage in Shanghai Airport is part of a wider effort by the city to showcase its international appeal. Liu Danyan, a Shanghai native working in public relations, emphasises the importance of proper English signs and instructions for tourists. This sentiment is shared by Dan Cheng, manager of the planning department of Shanghai Book Co., who recognises the significance of accurate English instructions in a globalised city like Shanghai.

In conclusion, English speakers can rest assured that the signs at Shanghai Airport are designed with their understanding in mind. The city's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility ensures that travellers from all over the world can navigate the airport with ease, making their journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Some signs have literal translations, like stand outside one bowl of rice noodle

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with two commercial airports, several military and government airports, and rooftop helipads. As with most big cities, Shanghai has numerous English signs to assist tourists and non-Chinese speakers. However, some of these translations can be quite literal and may lead to confusion or a good laugh.

One such example is the now-famous "stand outside one bowl of rice noodle" sign. This peculiar instruction actually means "keep a distance of one meter from the person standing in front of you." It is a creative, albeit confusing, way of conveying the message to maintain a one-meter distance. This sign has become emblematic of the unique "Chinglish" translations found in Shanghai and other parts of China.

"Chinglish" refers to the interesting blend of Chinese and English that sometimes results in humorous or nonsensical phrases. It often occurs when translation software is used without further consultation from English speakers. While it can lead to amusing situations, it also underscores the importance of accurate translations, especially in public spaces like airports.

To address this, Shanghai has taken proactive steps by establishing an online platform where the public can report inaccurate translations and obtain correct ones. This initiative aims to improve the overall accuracy of English signage, ensuring that messages are conveyed effectively to non-Chinese speakers. It also prevents potential misunderstandings or confusion, especially in critical areas like airports, where clear communication is essential for safe and efficient operations.

While the "stand outside one bowl of rice noodle" sign may be memorable for its quirkiness, it also highlights the challenges of translating between two very different languages. It serves as a reminder that while English signage is prevalent in Shanghai, the translations may not always be perfect, and travelers may encounter some "Chinglish" along the way. Nonetheless, the city's efforts to correct and standardize translations demonstrate a commitment to improving the experience of visitors and promoting clear communication for all.

Signs in Shanghai are considered important for tourism

Signs are an essential aspect of the travel experience, and their presence or absence can significantly impact a tourist's journey. In the case of Shanghai, signs play a crucial role in facilitating tourism and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of history and modernity, attracts tourists from all over the world. As English is a widely spoken language internationally, the presence of English signs in Shanghai is of utmost importance for catering to a diverse range of visitors. Bilingual signs, featuring both English and Mandarin, are prevalent in Shanghai's subway system and main tourist sites. This consideration for non-Mandarin speakers is a welcome convenience for international travellers, aiding in navigation and wayfinding.

The Shanghai metro, known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and frequency, boasts bilingual signs that assist travellers in seamlessly navigating the city. Similarly, Pudong Airport, one of Shanghai's commercial airports, offers a smooth arrival and departure experience with the help of English signs and announcements. The Maglev train, which operates from Pudong Airport, further showcases the city's commitment to accessible transportation with its bilingual signage.

Beyond the transportation hubs, Shanghai's tourist attractions also recognize the significance of English signs. Popular destinations such as the Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre, and the Shanghai Tower understand the need for clear and understandable signage. This is particularly important when catering to a global audience, as it ensures that all visitors can navigate and enjoy these architectural marvels and their stunning city views.

However, it is worth noting that some locals in Shanghai have expressed concerns about the dominance of English. There have been discussions about removing English road names from local traffic signboards, reflecting a desire to preserve the local language and culture. This controversial proposal is rare in a world that is increasingly embracing multilingual signage. Nonetheless, Shanghai's consideration of local sentiments underscores the complex dynamics surrounding signage in a diverse and ever-changing city.

Other Chinese cities also have English signs

Shanghai is a modern international city with two commercial airports, three military airports, and several helipads. It is also a popular tourist destination, so it has English signs everywhere to cater to travellers from all over the world.

Shanghai and other Chinese cities should provide travellers with the convenience of English signs, especially in public transportation and main tourist sites. This is not only a part of being competitive and doing good business but also brings in more tourists, retail money, and international investment.

Beijing, for example, has bilingual signage in the subway and at the airport. However, some people have criticised the use of English in greetings in hotels and big companies, arguing that most customers are Chinese and time is wasted by repeating things in English. There is also a belief that it is not the Chinese government's responsibility to make life easier for foreigners by requiring bilingual signage.

In addition, China's relationship with the English language has been tumultuous. After a period of flourishing under the Sino-American love-fest, English has more recently come under attack by hardline communist leaders. Despite this, English signs can be helpful to anyone who can read the Latin alphabet, which is most of the world.

Frequently asked questions