The latest sign of xenophobia in Zhengzhou: Last month, Henan Province officials banned the use of foreign names for new buildings and developments.
The regulation is particularly aimed at housing complexes, hotels and shopping malls, which are often given Western names to attract high-end consumers. According to 21st Century, an English-language Chinese newspaper, those names have included famous places such as Versailles and Venice as well as notable people like Beethoven, Picasso and Lincoln. In Zhengzhou, for instance, there is a fancy neighborhood known as Manhattan.
From the newspaper story: “While many welcome the introduction of a `romantic’ foreign element into the properties they buy, often for steep prices, others have complained that such naming practices are confusing, disrespectful, even vulgar. But popular as the new Henan ban may seem to some, there are also many opponents who say that the government overstepped the boundaries of its power by banning something that is distasteful at worst, but certainly not illegal or even unethical.’’
This comes on the heels of an anti-foreigner crackdown at some Zhengzhou bars. Target Pub, a popular hangout for expats, has been shut down and other bars in the neighborhood, which is near the headquarters of the Henan provincial government, have been told not to serve foreigners.
Most people think this is a temporary trend that will eventually blow over. Let’s hope so.
