New area, new sign system in Hebei province

"We originally relied entirely on paper filings. Merchants had to submit stacks of documents including approval forms, business licenses, sign design drawings and rental contracts," Gao said.

"If any paperwork was incomplete or non-compliant, they had to return and re-prepare materials, leading to lengthy back-and-forth trips. Even a one-week turnaround was considered fast."

Given the high rental costs for businesses, the streamlined digital procedures and improved efficiency brought by the system have been widely welcomed by merchants, she said.

Qin Lihong, an official with the urban management bureau, said that a standardized patrol mechanism for storefront signs has been established via the system. Quantitative scoring covering 35 criteria across three dimensions is employed to assist in the supervision of commercial premises.

Qin said the framework is designed to minimize disruption to businesses, assist law enforcement and ensure targeted, non-intrusive supervision.

"By streamlining the entire sign approval process into one efficient digital service, we embed smart technology deep into urban governance, turning every storefront sign into a distinctive showcase of neighborhood aesthetics," she said.