When I first came here to Beijing, I was extremely surprised to find just how many signs have English translations on them, not just in the city but all across China for the sake of non-native tourists. Unfortunately, considering just how vastly different English and mandarin are, sometimes the translations are….well, less than perfect. And some signs can still be quite odd-looking even if they don't have anything written on them.
If you think the following pictures of various signs are odd, then you should take a look at my homework for my language class. Trust me, it's not any easier doing the opposite and translating from English to Mandarin.
From the bathroom at the hotel we stayed at in Dunhuang.
This was in my hallway at our hotel in Jiayuguan. My theory is that this is where they keep the the monster that punishes hotel-goers who have left their rooms too messy. 
Dial the first number for help. Dial the second number for Satan.
This was hanging on the walls at the fortress in Jiayuguan. And don't even think about tapping on those walls either, bucko!
This hung over the "toilet" on the train from Jiayuguan to Xian....and by toilet, I mean hole.
According to this sign from a mall in Xian, there's apparently a lot of cattle-herders in the area.
This hung on the door of the "bathroom" on the train, but I think it's unnecessary. After all, how can you find enough space to occupy those tiny bathrooms after someone's stabled their horse in there? 
This was found in the Great Mosque in Xian, and I will reward you a hefty sum if you can tell me what the heck they're talking about here. 
This was in the gardens surrounding the Small Goose Pagoda in Xian, as was the sign seen below. 
I don't exactly know what's going on here, but it feels like this sign is telling me that there's a smuggling operation going on here. 
Seriously, what did those green leaves ever do to you, you black-hearted monster?
My favorite one of all, found in every city - NO TRUMPETING!
6 comments:
Dear JiFu,
We really appreciate all the pictures. They were amazing! Especially the one of the terra cotta warriors, the Great Wall, and the Water Cube. The pictures were pretty impressive and my favorite one was the martial arts demonstration. We also liked the pictures of the translations and the forbidden city. Hope you are having a good time. Keep taking the great pictures.
Sincerely,
7A
Dear JiFu,
What up? Interesting signs, they were wierd and amusing. Very cool pictures of the purpled-lined parking lot by the Olympic Stadium. Will you come to our class and teach us Chinese when you get back? Have you ever failed any classes in Beijing? We hope not! Be safe, the class is having a hard time coming up with a last line to the letter.
Sincerely,
7B (Miguel, Alex, Fernando, Freddy, Michael, Adrian, Daniel P., Tony, and Junior) (and your BIG brother)
I don't have a class of students following your adventures.
But I do have a bag of buttons.
It's the next best thing!
BUTTONS!
brotherlybrotherness,
chris
Hey Geoff!
I hope all is going well for you across the pacific or atlantic depending on which way you might go.lol.But any I really like those signs especiall the one about dialing the devil I found that to be very amusing.But my friend I hope that you enjoy the rest of you stay and may God continue to be with you on your new experience.
Lolz. These signs are actually telling you to slip in order to take caution. :p
Nice quirky signs. :3
Sincerely,
Anonymous [forever!]
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