Clear, natural English-language signage helps visitors move around with confidence and reflects the international standards Hainan is working to achieve.
To support the development of Hainan as a Free Trade Port, the province has launched a public participation campaign inviting residents and visitors to help improve English-language signage in public places. By reporting incorrect or awkward translations and suggesting clearer alternatives, participants can contribute directly to better everyday communication across the island, and be rewarded for their efforts.
Click Here to Submit your photo of English-language signage
Participants will receive Hainan-themed souvenirs, and the most active contributors will be eligible for additional awards, including a one-night stay for two in a Deluxe Sea-View Room at Hilton Haikou.
What the Campaign Is Looking For
The campaign focuses on English-language signage in public spaces throughout Hainan. This includes signs that are:
Incorrect or misleading
Non-standard or difficult to understand
Technically correct but unnatural or unclear to native English speakers
The goal is simple: make public information clearer, more consistent, and easier to understand.
Who Can Participate
The campaign is open to anyone who encounters English-language signage issues while in Hainan. It is particularly suited to foreign residents and visitors, but participation is not restricted by nationality.
How to Take Part
Participation follows a straightforward process:
- Identify an issue
Notice English-language signage in a public place that contains errors or awkward wording. - Submit your suggestion
Upload the following to the designated platform:- The location of the sign
- Clear photographs showing the full signage
- Your suggested correction or improvement
- Expert review
Relevant departments will organize expert assessments to determine whether the suggestion will be adopted. - Public notification
Decisions will be published on TropicalHainan once reviews are completed.
Submission Guidelines
To ensure smooth review and fair comparison, submissions should follow these guidelines:
Language scope
This campaign applies to English-language signage only.
Photo requirements
Photos must be clear and legible
JPG or PNG formats are accepted (Max size 5MB)
The text on the sign must be easy to read
Number of submissions
Participants may submit multiple entries during the campaign period. Each sign should be submitted as a separate entry.
Original observations
Submissions must be based on signage personally observed in public places in Hainan.
Duplicate submissions
If multiple participants submit the same signage issue, only the earliest valid submission will be counted for participation ranking.
Evaluation criteria
Suggestions will be reviewed by relevant departments and language professionals. Decisions will be based on:
Accuracy of the proposed correction
Clarity and natural use of English
Suitability for public signage
Participants should follow any additional instructions provided on the submission page when uploading entries.
Participation Rewards
Click Here to Submit your photo of English-language signage
All participants will receive one Hainan-themed souvenir. Souvenirs can be delivered to the participant’s hotel in Hainan or another local place of residence.
Campaign Period
- Submission deadline: 28 April 2026
- Submissions are accepted throughout the campaign period.
At the end of the campaign, participants will be compared based on the number of valid submissions made.
Awards for Top Contributors
The three participants with the highest level of participation will receive additional awards:
First Prize
- Award certificate
- One-night stay for two in a Deluxe Sea-View Room at Hilton Haikou
Second Prize
- Award certificate
- Two single-person buffet vouchers at Hilton Haikou
Third Prize
- Award certificate
- One single-person buffet voucher at Hilton Haikou
All awards will be issued in the form of electronic vouchers.
Related article: Submit an incorrect English-Language Signage Photo (Hainan)
