Before hitting the road in China, it’s worth taking a few minutes to get familiar with the country’s road signs. The good news is that most Chinese road signs follow international standards — many are similar to those in Europe or North America.

(Road sign on a highway in Yunnan Province)

1. The Basics

Chinese road signs generally fall into four main categories:

  • Regulatory signs (red or blue circles): Indicate rules you must follow — such as speed limits, no entry, or turn restrictions.

  • Warning signs (yellow triangles): Alert you to upcoming conditions — like sharp turns, steep slopes, or animal crossings.

  • Guide signs (green or blue rectangles): Provide direction and distance information, such as highway exits, city names, or service areas.

    • Highway guide signs are mostly green, while those in cities and local roads are often blue.

  • Tourist and service signs (brown or blue): Point to attractions, rest areas, fuel stations, or charging points.

2. Language and Units

Some highway and urban signs include English translations, especially around cities and major routes. In remote areas and rural regions, signs are usually only in Chinese. Speed limits are shown in kilometers per hour (km/h). You’ll also see distances in kilometers (km), not miles.

(Road sign in a remote region of Xinjiang Province, written in Chinese and a minority language)

3. Common Examples

  • 限速 120 (Speed Limit 120) → Maximum 120 km/h

  • 减速慢行 (Slow Down) → Approach cautiously

  • 出口 (Exit) → Highway exit

  • 服务区 (Service Area) → Rest stop with fuel, food, and toilets

4. Learn More

For travelers who want to dive deeper, the full system of Chinese road signs is defined by the national standard GB 5768.2–2022, which specifies the design, color, and meaning of every sign in use.

We find that the Wikipedia page “Road signs in China” offers a comprehensive and accurate overview, summarizing the official classifications and visuals from the government standard.

Tip for Drivers

Even if you can’t read Chinese characters, the symbols and shapes are highly standardized and intuitive. After a short time on the road, you’ll find them easy to recognize and follow — just like anywhere else in the world.