'Exotic names' will soon vanish

The Chinese government is moving to ban "exotic" names given to places, buildings and complexes to protect and preserve traditional culture. In recent years, real estate developers and some local governments have chosen names based on locations and buildings overseas, such as "Manhattan" and "Venice". The use has proliferated, causing as much anger as amusement and prompting heated debate on public and online forums.

Critics say the foreign names undermine long-standing cultural traditions and don't reflect Chinese core values. The authorities are now cracking down and have ordered that all foreign names must be eradicated by June next year.

zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn