Translated signs in Beijing must meet standards

Beijing foreign affairs authorities will launch an online service platform with standard translations for signs in foreign languages, and entities that don't meet the standards will be subject to fines of 2,000 yuan to 5,000 yuan ($280 to $700).

The new regulation was released on Wednesday and will take effect on July 1. It is directed at six kinds of public places.

Signs in foreign languages must appear with Chinese signs to indicate cautions, warnings, prohibitions and instructions at emergency shelters, traffic stations, places that host international activities, international communities and public cultural and sports venues.

Signs in public places must not be in a foreign language only, the regulation says.