Guangzhou authorities have replaced 125 road signs that used bad English following a complaint from legislators, it was reported yesterday.
English-speaking tourists in Guangzhou were often confronted with signs for WIPs instead of VIPs, according to the Yangcheng Evening News. A sign with Chinese characters reading 'it is everyone's responsibility protect the forest and beware of fire' was translated as 'prevention of fire is up to you' in its English version.
The signs were in place for years before party congress delegates this year signed a petition calling for change. A group of local lawmakers, led by Chen Yueying, argued that the signs harmed Guangzhou's image.
'Only when you know some Chinese can you guess the real meaning of these so-called English road signs,' the petition was quoted as saying.
After a thorough inspection by tourism authorities, 125 signs were replaced.
Legislators were invited to inspect the changes yesterday.