This study investigates the impact of the linguistic landscape (LL) on the social functions of public transport hubs and the generation of affective experiences in Chongqing, a megacity in Southwestern China. While prior research in this field has predominantly focused on quantitative aspects, such as the various 'languages' displayed in public spaces, there is a dearth of research examining the nuanced interactions between emotions and signage, as well as the connotations of LL in shaping public spaces.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Its primary objective is to delve into how the linguistic landscape has transformed public transport spaces in Chongqing into human places imbued with meaning. These places not only serve social functions but also evoke emotional responses closely tied to the social and cultural identity of Chongqing.

The quantitative analysis, drawing from Spolsky and Cooper's taxonomy (1991), provides an overarching view of the relationship between LL and public transport spaces. Meanwhile, the qualitative analysis applies Geosemiotics by Scollon & Scollon (2003) and Chronotope by Mikhail Bakhtin (1981) to interpret how passengers' emotions and experiences are shaped and how social functions are constructed at public transport hubs.

The findings of this study suggest that LL plays a pivotal role in transforming public transport hubs into places that possess not only physical but also symbolic functions. Moreover, the presence of differently purposed signs invokes a variety of emotional responses in the selected areas, reinforcing Chongqing's image as an international and sophisticated city. Ultimately, this study sheds light on the significance of LL as a critical factor in expanding the social functions of public places and in constructing the image of a city.