New English city map now in bookstores

Authorities in Shanghai have released an English map that makes it easier for expatriates to navigate the city and find food and entertainment venues.

Designed by the Shanghai Municipal Institute of Surveying and Mapping, the map costs 68 yuan ($10) and can be bought from various bookstores in the city.

The map includes a metro guide, travel tips, locations of notable food and beverage places, illustrations of iconic architecture and articles on festivals and nightlife.

It also outlines historical and cultural zones, such as the area near Renmin Road and Zhonghua Road in Huangpu district where many shikumen architecture and old alleys can be found, and the area around Hengshan Road and Fuxing Road where old houses and former residences of celebrities are located.

This is the first time the Shanghai Municipal Institute of Surveying and Mapping has developed an English map on its own. It used to collaborate with other organizations such as the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and advertising agencies.

Li Chenhong, chief designer of the map, said that planning and research for the map started as early as 2015.

“Language was one of the biggest challenges in the creation of a more idiomatic and attractive map for foreign tourists. We referred to many maps from other countries during the project, as well as hired native English speakers to proofread the contents,” said Li.

“For this project, I purchased 300 maps of other cities around the world and studied their application of color, graphic symbols, layout and how they are folded,” she added.

She pointed out that the map folds like an accordion because that was deemed to be the most convenient option for tourists. Cao Chen in Shanghai contributed to this story.

GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY The clock at the Shanghai Custom House has been around since 1927.