Chinese and expat volunteers pose for a group photo during the Jan. 27 activity in Pingshan Subdistrict. Photos courtesy of the subdistrict office

Pingshan Subdistrict’s inaugural International Volunteer Service Station was unveiled on Jan. 27 at the Xinhe Community CPC and Public Service Center. Meanwhile, a campaign to improve bilingual public signage was launched as part of preparations for the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held in Shenzhen in November.

A team of eight Chinese and international volunteers inspected the service center, Pingshan Library, Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, Pingshan Art Museum, nearby streets, and local shops to identify English errors on public signs. They documented each issue with photos and notes detailing the error, its location, and suggested corrections, and they also explained to shop staff the importance of accurate multilingual services and standard signage.

International volunteer Nazir Nayab said, “Some signs contain spelling mistakes or unidiomatic expressions. We have recorded them and offered suggestions for improvement, hoping to help Pingshan present a more standardized and welcoming image to international visitors.”

Chinese volunteer Ms. Mo added, “The collaboration between Chinese and international volunteers is highly efficient. Expat volunteers ensure linguistic authenticity, while we bring local knowledge. This teamwork makes the inspections more comprehensive and accurate.”

With the launch of the International Volunteer Service Station, Pingshan Subdistrict plans to expand inspections to more shopping areas, industrial parks, and cultural and tourism sites to optimize bilingual signage and foster an international language environment — contributing to Shenzhen’s goal of becoming a modern international metropolis.