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China has launched a drive to clamp down on bad English and mistranslated phrases in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Shirley Tung sent this example of one such sign.

Anthony Stamp saw this sign in a park in Guangzhou in southern China. He says: “Unfortunately it was a lot more innocuous than I was led to believe.”

James Chan sent in this picture from his trip to the Great Wall of China. Mistranslations arise because many Chinese words express concepts that can be interpreted in many ways.

Adrian Clark sent this picture of advice to visitors to the Great Wall: “Of course, what they meant was ‘in order to keep the Great Wall in good condition, please don’t spit on it.””

Jonathan Wilson was struck by this stark warning of the consequences of climbing over the wall of a pavilion in Changsha.

Halima Brewer found this cream promising to “subdue clean pieces… of smallpox glossily.”

An unusual method of law enforcement grabbed Fiona Mackie’s attention. The Beijing Tourism Bureau has a hotline for people to tip off examples of bad English.

WestJet today announced a one-day $11 fare for guests travelling from Toronto to Ottawa or Montreal. This fare is only available for purchase on April 17, 2007 for travel before September 3, 2007.

“We are confident that our outstanding guest experience brings guests back,” says Duncan Bureau, WestJet Vice-President, Sales. “Our research shows that ninety per cent of WestJet guests fly with us again. Low fares have successfully stimulated other markets for WestJet throughout its history. We have identified an opportunity in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal and hope these low fares encourage current and new guests to fly with us.”

The small print: Seats at these fares are limited and may not be available on all flights. New bookings only. 100 per cent non-refundable. Offer combinable with other fares. Flights may not operate on certain days. All fares shown are one-way. No advance purchase required. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra where applicable. Visit WestJet.com for more information.

People take part in a traditional Lion Dance in front of Hong Kong’s largest lion head.

Dogs dressed in the traditional New Year suit, pose during the performance from the dog circus of Japan in Hong Kong.

A “God of Wealth” stands next to a dog during a celebration for the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dog, at a Hong Kong mall.

Ethnic Chinese shop decorations for the Chinese New Year at Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

An ethnic Chinese woman shops for decorations for Chinese New Year at Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

A pair of Chinese New Year-themed underwear with the phrase “Wishing you prosperity” emblazoned in Chinese is displayed at a mall in Kuala Lumpur.

Tai Chi practitioners perform their moves at dusk at a lantern-adorned temple in Kuala Lumpur.

A worker decorates Chinese traditional lanterns at the Kek Lok Si temple in preparation for the upcoming Chinese New Year in Penang, Malaysia.

Chinese lanterns at night over London’s Oxford Street.

Chinese laterns were switched on by London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Chinese pop star Li Yuchun on Oxford St. to kick off over 100 events across London to celebrate Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog.

The giant Chinese “Chun” character, meaning “spring,” is displayed on the sides of the Taipei 101 building, the tallest building in the world to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in Taipei.

Elderly women perform a Tibetan dance at a temple fair to mark the Chinese New Year in Beijing, China.

Chinese dancers perform at a shopping mall in Singapore. The performances are designed to help promote Chinese products and create a festive mood for the upcoming lunar new year.

An Indonesian man prepares for the Chinese New Year at Chinese temple in Jakarta. Indonesia’s ethnic Chinese are preparing feasts and decking out temples to mark the New Year, but amid the festivities, some still complain of discrimination.