In Guangzhou, it's not uncommon to see various translations of the same street name on different signs which, of course, confuses and disorients foreign visitors to the city.

The Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau admits that some street signs have inconsistent translations and the problem has been brought to the attention of the Municipal Government.

In August last year, the Municipal Government issued a directive aimed at standardizing the English translations on street signs in public places. At present the bad translations are being fixed.

In September last year, the city's Foreign Affairs Office and the General Office of the city's Joint Conference for Improving Foreign Related Service Environments jointly formed an expert panel to ensure proper English translations of street signs. The expert panel has prepared the Rules on English-Language Directional Signage in Public Places and the Guide to the English Translation of Directional Signage in Public Places. The two documents define the standards for English-language directional signage.

The Public Security Bureau has proposed that the Municipal Government to enact legislation designed to regulate both Chinese and English language directional signage.