The tactile guide set into the sidewalk is supposed to lead blind people safely along busy Chang'an Avenue in Xi'an city.   But the paving stones, which feature raised bumps so blind people can recognise them, have been laid like a maze. One section has more than ten turns in less than 20 metres.

The owner of a nearby shop says he constantly sees blind people walking into billboards or losing their way.   "It's really dangerous, and sometimes it can even lead blind people onto the road," he said.

However, the deputy director of the Xi'an City Infrastructure Engineering Office, says the design of the guided path was restricted by the layout of the footpath. adding that it would not be possible to reduce the number of turns without redesigning it.