During the APEC China Year, the Error Correction Team for foreign language public signs is on the move.

It’s time to step up as a reviewer of foreign-language public signage across Shenzhen! What we need are your keen eyes for details

and your readiness to take action. We warmly invite you to be part of this citywide campaign, helping make Shenzhen truly more international.

To mark the 2026 APEC "China Year" and further enhance Shenzhen’s international profile and public language environment, Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, together with EyeShenzhen, has launched the 2026 Public Foreign-Language Signage Improvement Campaign.

Open to all citizens, the campaign is centered on the Inquiry System of Chinese-English Public Signs in Shenzhen. Participants can earn points by submitting entries online through the system, with incentives awarded based on rankings on the leader board.

Who we need

● Anyone who loves Shenzhen and has an eye for details;

● Language enthusiasts with cross-cultural awareness;

● Street explorers who can spot hidden surprises;

● Students, expats, language buffs...everyone’s welcome!

What you can gain

● Honorary certificates and cultural & creative prizes;

● Attend round-table talks on building an international language environment, exchanging face-to-face with experts and representatives from relevant government agencies.

How to sign up -

Step 1: Register an account via Inquiry System of Chinese-English Public Signs in Shenzhen WeChat Mini Program. If you already have an account, no re-registration is required. This process requires authorization of personal information. By completing registration, you are deemed to have read and agreed to the event rules and allow the organizers to contact you through the system back end.

Step 2: Scan the QR code or click “Read more” to sign up for the campaign. Please note that the “ID Name” you fill in must be identical to the username registered in the system.

How to participate -

City Proofreading Specialist Online Competition: During the competition period, participants are invited to identify and correct errors in foreign language public signage across Shenzhen. Identified errors should be uploaded via the Inquiry System of Chinese-English Public Signs in Shenzhen mini-program or website (https://www.publicsigns.cn/). Each verified submission earns 5 points.

The competition consists of 10 independent rounds.

Round 1: From now until the end of February

Rounds 2–10: One round per month from March to November

The same ID may join all rounds, but points are not carried over.

In each round, the participant with the highest score will receive an honorary certificate (which may be awarded multiple times) and a physical prize (issued only upon the first win).

Website：

Mini-program：

Beyond the online campaign, take a more active role and turn your discoveries into real contributions to Shenzhen’s international image. Check the second post in this update to join the City Language Watch Monthly Offline Challenge.

Important Notes – Violations may lead to point deductions or disqualification:

1. Use only your own identity to register and participate. Do not impersonate others.

2. Submit only real errors found on signage within Shenzhen. Do not submit content altered with AI, Photoshop, or unrelated materials.

3. Do not submit anything illegal, offensive, or infringing on others’ rights.

4. During offline activities, follow staff instructions and safety guidelines, respect private spaces, and avoid disrupting the event.

If you have any questions, please contact the event organizer: Ms. Wang at HL-Cardinal (WeChat id) or 83519458.

Source: Shenzhen Daily