One thing travelers often overlook when preparing for a trip to China is saving the right emergency numbers. China has its own emergency system, there's no 911, no 112. Knowing the correct numbers before you go could mean the difference between getting help fast and not getting it at all.
China Emergency Numbers You Need to Save
China uses three main emergency numbers that apply throughout mainland China:
| Number | Service | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police | Theft, accidents, security threats |
| 120 | Ambulance | Medical emergencies, serious injuries |
| 119 | Fire Department | Fires, gas leaks |
| 122 | Traffic Police | Vehicle accidents |
All calls to these numbers are free from any phone in China, including foreign SIM cards on roaming. These numbers work in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and every city across mainland China.
110 — Police
Call 110 when you're facing a security threat: theft, scams, physical threats, serious accidents, or public disturbances. Operators respond quickly, especially in major cities. Most operators speak Mandarin with very limited English, so have your location ready in Mandarin, or ask someone nearby to make the call for you.
If you're arrested or detained by Chinese police, you have the right to contact your home country's embassy or consulate. Embassy staff can help with communication and guidance, though they can't get you released. Always cooperate, and clearly ask permission to contact your embassy.
120 — Ambulance
Call 120 for medical emergencies like heart attacks, serious injuries, or unconsciousness. When you call, give your location as quickly as possible, that's the most important thing the dispatcher needs. If you can, mention the hotel name, street name, and nearest landmark.
A few things worth knowing about ambulance services in China: they typically take patients to the nearest government hospital, not a hospital of your choosing. Ambulance services also aren't free, there's a transport fee. In Beijing, you can also call 999 (International Red Cross ambulance service), which operates 24 hours and has limited English support.
119 — Fire Department
Call 119 for fires, gas leaks, or natural disasters requiring evacuation and rescue. State the location, describe the situation, and say whether anyone is trapped. The fire team will respond as quickly as possible. When staying in a hotel or high-rise apartment, check the emergency evacuation procedure, usually posted on the room door or near the elevator. Use the stairs, not the elevator, during a fire.
122 — Traffic Accidents
If you're involved in a motor vehicle accident, as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, call 122 to report it to the traffic police. Give the location and describe any injuries. Don't move vehicles from the scene before police arrive, unless the position is blocking traffic. If there are serious injuries, call 120 alongside 122.
Other Useful Numbers for Tourists
Beyond the four main emergency numbers, here are a few helplines that are genuinely handy when traveling in China:
12301 — National Tourism Hotline
Run by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Available for complaints, information, and travel-related assistance. Use it if you have issues with travel agencies, tickets, or tourism services anywhere in China.
12308 — 24-Hour Consular Hotline (for Chinese nationals abroad)
Operated by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Chinese citizens needing consular help overseas. For foreign tourists, it's relevant because staff can help bridge communication in emergencies involving Chinese authorities. Reachable from China at +86-10-12308.
12345 — General City Assistance
Available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities. Good for non-emergency situations where you need help from local authorities — including assistance for foreign visitors.
The Language Barrier, Here's What to Prepare
One of the biggest challenges when calling emergency numbers in China is the language barrier. Almost all operators speak Mandarin, and English proficiency is very limited — even in major cities. Preparing a few key phrases in Mandarin is far more effective than hoping for a bilingual operator.
Some of the most useful emergency phrases:
- 救命！(Jiùmìng!) — Help! / Save me!
- 我需要救护车 (Wǒ xūyào jiùhùchē) — I need an ambulance
- 我的护照丢了 (Wǒ de hùzhào diū le) — My passport is lost
- 我在 _____ 酒店 (Wǒ zài _____ jiǔdiàn) — I'm at _____ Hotel
- 有人被偷了 (Yǒu rén bèi tōu le) — Someone has been robbed
Another option: ask hotel staff, shop staff, or someone nearby to make the call — most Chinese people in major cities are more than willing to help foreign tourists in an emergency.
Tips to Prepare Before You Go
Having the numbers saved isn't enough, here's what else to set up before your trip so you can actually use them effectively:
- Save your hotel address in Mandarin — ask the front desk to write it on a small card, or screenshot your booking confirmation, which usually includes the hotel name in Chinese characters
- Activate international roaming before you leave so you can make emergency calls from the moment you land
- Save your embassy or consulate number in Beijing and your destination city — useful for passport issues or legal situations
- Download an offline translation app like Google Translate (with the Chinese language pack downloaded) or Youdao, so you can communicate without an internet connection
- Note your hotel's contact number — hotel receptionists can usually help contact emergency services and act as translators in urgent situations
Information in this article is sourced from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China, the Beijing Municipal Government (english.beijing.gov.cn), TravelChinaGuide, and China Legal Experts. All main emergency numbers (110, 119, 120, 122) are valid throughout mainland China.
