Market Analysis and Policy Disclosure

Sanya: Multilingual Government Services Make Foreigners Feel at Home

2025-04-17

Recently, Melissa, a freelancer from Zimbabwe, faced challenges while applying for a Chinese work visa due to language barriers.

Chen Yunmiao, an English specialist at the Foreign Language Service Zone of Sanya Municipal Government Service Center, stepped in to guide her through the application process. Chen explained the required documents and procedures in detail, offering translation and assistance throughout. With her help, Melissa successfully submitted her work visa application.

 

 Sanya Municipal Government Center’s "Foreigners Service Zone"

 

"The staff were highly professional, and the service was excellent. The entire process went smoothly," Melissa praised the efficiency and expertise of the Foreign Language Service Zone staff.

Melissa’s experience reflects Sanya’s broader efforts to build a language-accessible international environment.

In recent years, Sanya has intensified its commitment to creating a language-friendly international city. Through targeted measures, it aims to enhance convenience and satisfaction for global tourists, investors, and professionals visiting or working in Sanya, accelerating its transformation into a world-class tourist destination.

 

 Foreign tourists enjoy the scenery at Dadonghai Beach

 

Foreign Affairs Assistance Services

As part of its internationalized services, the Foreign Language Service Zone offers "one-stop" assistance, including consultation, guidance, and代办 (proxy services) for foreigners. It currently has one specialist each for English, Russian, and Korean, supported by real-time translation devices. The zone handles 25 types of foreign-related services across 16 government departments and provides interpretation for all government hall operations. Since its establishment in 2021, the zone has served over 2,000 foreigners from 66 countries and regions.

 

Service signs at Dadonghai Tourist Center are displayed in Chinese, English, and Russian

 

To improve accessibility, the Foreign Language Service Zone has updated its guidelines with Russian and Korean translations. Additionally, Sanya’s 12345 Government Service Hotline now offers 24/7 support in English, Russian, Japanese, and Korean to cater to international visitors.

Meanwhile, Sanya is integrating new technologies and innovative approaches to build a comprehensive international language service system covering tourism, cultural events, transportation, and public services.

 

Enhanced Multilingual Signage and Translation Services

Sanya has upgraded information at 76 bus stops frequently used by Russian tourists, adding Russian-language annotations.

 

 

At Dadonghai Tourist Area, signs are labeled in Chinese, English, and Russian. Product labels in stores include foreign-language descriptions, and shop counters display "Accepts International Payments" notices. Many other public areas, including scenic spots, restaurants, and commercial districts, have also added multilingual signs and translation services to assist foreigners.

 

Airport Launches One-Stop Service Center

Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the first stop for many foreign visitors, has established a one-stop service center in its international terminal. The center integrates payment, cultural tourism, communication, and inquiry services to streamline entry procedures for international travelers.

 

 

Signage in the international terminal is displayed in Chinese, English, Korean, and Russian. Smart translation devices supporting real-time interpretation in 45 languages are available at international inquiry desks, check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and security checkpoints.

 

 

From government services to public transportation, airport hubs to multilingual scenic spots, Sanya is systematically innovating its language accessibility initiatives to offer foreign tourists and investors a more convenient and comfortable experience.

Recently, Melissa, a freelancer from Zimbabwe, faced challenges while applying for a Chinese work visa due to language barriers.

Chen Yunmiao, an English specialist at the Foreign Language Service Zone of Sanya Municipal Government Service Center, stepped in to guide her through the application process. Chen explained the required documents and procedures in detail, offering translation and assistance throughout. With her help, Melissa successfully submitted her work visa application.

 

 Sanya Municipal Government Center’s "Foreigners Service Zone"

 

"The staff were highly professional, and the service was excellent. The entire process went smoothly," Melissa praised the efficiency and expertise of the Foreign Language Service Zone staff.

Melissa’s experience reflects Sanya’s broader efforts to build a language-accessible international environment.

In recent years, Sanya has intensified its commitment to creating a language-friendly international city. Through targeted measures, it aims to enhance convenience and satisfaction for global tourists, investors, and professionals visiting or working in Sanya, accelerating its transformation into a world-class tourist destination.

 

 Foreign tourists enjoy the scenery at Dadonghai Beach

 

Foreign Affairs Assistance Services

As part of its internationalized services, the Foreign Language Service Zone offers "one-stop" assistance, including consultation, guidance, and代办 (proxy services) for foreigners. It currently has one specialist each for English, Russian, and Korean, supported by real-time translation devices. The zone handles 25 types of foreign-related services across 16 government departments and provides interpretation for all government hall operations. Since its establishment in 2021, the zone has served over 2,000 foreigners from 66 countries and regions.

 

Service signs at Dadonghai Tourist Center are displayed in Chinese, English, and Russian

 

To improve accessibility, the Foreign Language Service Zone has updated its guidelines with Russian and Korean translations. Additionally, Sanya’s 12345 Government Service Hotline now offers 24/7 support in English, Russian, Japanese, and Korean to cater to international visitors.

Meanwhile, Sanya is integrating new technologies and innovative approaches to build a comprehensive international language service system covering tourism, cultural events, transportation, and public services.

 

Enhanced Multilingual Signage and Translation Services

Sanya has upgraded information at 76 bus stops frequently used by Russian tourists, adding Russian-language annotations.

 

 

At Dadonghai Tourist Area, signs are labeled in Chinese, English, and Russian. Product labels in stores include foreign-language descriptions, and shop counters display "Accepts International Payments" notices. Many other public areas, including scenic spots, restaurants, and commercial districts, have also added multilingual signs and translation services to assist foreigners.

 

Airport Launches One-Stop Service Center

Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the first stop for many foreign visitors, has established a one-stop service center in its international terminal. The center integrates payment, cultural tourism, communication, and inquiry services to streamline entry procedures for international travelers.

 

 

Signage in the international terminal is displayed in Chinese, English, Korean, and Russian. Smart translation devices supporting real-time interpretation in 45 languages are available at international inquiry desks, check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and security checkpoints.

 

 

From government services to public transportation, airport hubs to multilingual scenic spots, Sanya is systematically innovating its language accessibility initiatives to offer foreign tourists and investors a more convenient and comfortable experience.