Does 'S' indicate provincial highways?
3 Answers
Provincial highway numbering adopts two to three digits (most provinces and cities use three digits), uniformly numbered at the provincial (municipal) level, represented by the letter 'S', where 'S' is the initial letter of the Chinese pinyin for 'province'. Since numbering is done by province or city, every province has an S101. In China, the numbering of roads at various levels is as follows: 1. Expressway numbering: Expressway numbering uses one to two digits, uniformly numbered nationwide, represented by the letter 'G', where 'G' is the initial letter of the Chinese pinyin for 'national-level roads' (expressways fall under the category of national highways). 2. National highway numbering: National highway numbering uses three digits, uniformly numbered nationwide, represented by the letter 'G', where 'G' is the initial letter of the Chinese pinyin for 'national-level roads'. 3. Provincial highway numbering: Provincial highway numbering adopts two to three digits (most provinces and cities use three digits), uniformly numbered at the provincial (municipal) level, represented by the letter 'S', where 'S' is the initial letter of the Chinese pinyin for 'province'. Since numbering is done by province or city, every province has an S101. 4. County road numbering: County road numbering adopts two to three digits (most counties and districts use three digits), uniformly numbered at the county (district) level, represented by the letter 'X', where 'X' is the initial letter of the Chinese pinyin for 'county'.
When driving long distances, you often see letters on road signs. I've driven on many provincial roads, and the letter S indeed stands for provincial roads. Just like national roads are represented by G, provincial road S is the abbreviation for provincial highways, connecting different cities, counties, and towns within the province. The paving quality is usually better than that of county roads. When actually driving, recognizing S can help you avoid taking the wrong road, especially at night or in unfamiliar places. I'm used to checking the route in advance on navigation apps. Provincial roads have beautiful scenery but many curves, so it's best to maintain a safe speed. I remember driving on S308 last week, with shady trees all the way, which was quite relaxing. If the signs are unclear, check the map or use your phone to confirm the direction.
In the auto repair industry, car owners often ask about the meaning of road signs. The 'S' marking correctly indicates provincial roads, corresponding to national roads marked 'G'. Provincial roads are relatively well-maintained, with hard pavement materials, providing a stable driving experience. However, during rainy days or on older sections, there may be small potholes that can damage tires and the chassis. I recommend checking tire pressure and suspension before driving on provincial roads to avoid mid-journey blowouts. Regular maintenance of vehicle lights is also crucial for clear visibility of signs. Remember the road sign classifications: S for provincial roads, X for county roads, and Y for rural roads, to ensure smooth travel.
