Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix Chinese Characters in Excel Chart Dates

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to correct date labels in an Excel chart that are displaying as Chinese characters instead of the standard date format.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting and viewing data labels on a spreadsheet chart.
Observed behavior: Chart axis labels or data points formatted as dates are unexpectedly rendering in Chinese characters instead of normal numbers and text.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure that your computer's system locale and regional language settings are correctly configured for your location, as Excel relies on the operating system for date and time formatting.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Adjust System Regional Settings

Changing your operating system's region and language settings often resolves widespread date encoding and character display issues in Excel.

Excel pulls its default date formatting from the Windows regional settings. If these settings are accidentally changed or corrupted, dates can display in foreign character sets.

Open Control Panel

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Control Panel', and open the application.

Navigate to Region Settings

Click on 'Clock and Region', then select 'Region'.

Change the Format

Under the 'Formats' tab, ensure the 'Format' dropdown is set to your preferred language (e.g., English (United States)).

Apply and Restart

Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'. Restart Excel to see if the chart dates have reverted to normal.

System Reboot: You may need to restart your computer entirely for the regional setting changes to fully take effect across all applications.

Solution 2

Correct Date Formatting in Source Cells

Apply a specific locale and date format directly to the cells that supply data to your chart.

Solution 3

Clean Hidden Formatting and Re-enter Data

Remove any invisible characters or encoding artifacts that might be forcing the text to render incorrectly.

Format Charts Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

Easily Manage Date Formats and Charts in WPS Office

Avoid regional formatting errors by using WPS Spreadsheet. It offers intuitive cell formatting and chart tools, ensuring your dates display exactly as intended without unexpected character glitches.

1. Open Your File: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the document containing your chart.
2. Select the Data: Highlight the cells containing your dates.
3. Access Format Options: Right-click and choose 'Format Cells', then navigate to the 'Number' tab.
4. Set the Date Format: Select 'Date', choose your preferred Locale, pick a format, and click OK.
5. Refresh Chart: Your chart will instantly reflect the updated, correct date labels.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) filesIntuitive formatting tools for dates, numbers, and currenciesSeamless chart creation and axis customizationFree to use with a lightweight, familiar interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Excel dates suddenly turn into Chinese characters?

This typically happens when your operating system's regional settings are altered, or if a specific language pack overrides the default date encoding in your spreadsheet file.

How do I change the locale for a specific date format in Excel?

Right-click the target cell, select 'Format Cells', go to the 'Date' category under the 'Number' tab, and change the 'Locale (Location)' drop-down menu to your preferred language.

Can copying and pasting data cause date encoding issues?

Yes, pasting data from external sources like websites or databases with different character encoding can introduce hidden formatting, causing dates to render incorrectly in charts. Using 'Paste Special' > 'Values' can help prevent this.

Excel & Data Problems