Typo on China’s Sky Eye Sign Sparks Outrage, Park Promises Correction

A signage snafu near China’s massive FAST telescope, colloquially known as the “China Sky Eye,” has sparked a minor online uproar. Netizens spotted a rather glaring translation error on a highway sign in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province, where the English rendering of “China” appeared as “Ching.”

Adding to the linguistic misadventure, the Pinyin (Romanization) of “Jia Cha Scenic Area” was also misspelled, with “Jia” rendered as “Ja.”

Online commentators were quick to pounce on the errors. The consensus: such fundamental mistakes are simply unacceptable, with some calling the gaffe “outrageous.”

When contacted, representatives for the China Sky Eye scenic area stated they would undertake an immediate verification and rectification process. They emphasized a commitment to consulting with signage professionals for a comprehensive review of all signage both inside and outside the park.

Furthermore, officials from the Pingtang County Culture and Tourism Bureau have promised a sweep of all tourist signs within the county, prioritizing the accuracy of both Chinese and English translations. Any identified errors will be promptly addressed and corrected.

The China Sky Eye scenic area, also known as the China Sky Eye Science Popularization Base, is a tech-tourism destination situated in the Aerospace Future International Astronomy Town in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province. Anchored by the awe-inspiring 500-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), the park encompasses a 5-kilometer radio-silent core area centered around the telescope. This site is rated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The park is composed of two primary zones: the China Sky Eye and the Pingtang Astronomical Science and Culture Park. Key attractions include observation decks, an international astronomy experience hall, the Astronomical Time and Space Tower, the Gate of Time, and a themed commercial street.