China Scene: South

Crystal studded mascots selling like hotcakes

Three-dimensional Fuwas adorned in crystals have attracted many buyers among Olympic mascot fans in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, currently.

The special Fuwas are selling like hot stocks in the southern metropolis despite their expensive price.

The most expensive set of Fuwas, which are decorated with a total of 5,400 crystal stones, retail for 16,800 yuan ($2,400) a piece.

The set includes Bei Bei, Jing Jing, Huan Huan, Ying Ying and Ni Ni setting on a model of Tiantan's Qiniandian, or the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven.

The price tag roughly equals the annual income of local workers.

(Information Times)

WC on way out as English signs are rendered PC

The abbreviation of "WC" will no longer appear on signs to represent public toilets in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province. "Toilet" will be used instead.

A citywide campaign to inspect English translations on the city's public signs has been launched to correct any mistakes.

The campaign was launched after local relevant departments received a host of complaints about incorrect usage of English on signs in the southern metropolis.

Many of them have puzzled foreign visitors and been circulated widely via email.

The Bilingual Marks and English Translations for Public Venues in Guangzhou will be published in July to help standardize English usages in the city's public places.

(New Express Daily)

(China Daily 05/13/2008 page6)