16.1 What are the emergency numbers in China?

Although China is a very safe destination, knowing how to get help in an emergency is a basic part of responsible travel. Memorizing a few essential emergency numbers and knowing how to use them under stress is important for every traveler.

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1. Core emergency numbers

Unlike some countries that use a single emergency number (like 911 or 999), China has separate numbers for different services. These three numbers are valid nationwide and are free to call.

Number	Service	When to call
110	Police	For any crime‑related situations: theft, robbery, assault, serious disputes, or if you lose your passport and need to file a report.
120	Ambulance	For all medical emergencies: serious injury, suspected heart attack, loss of consciousness, or any situation requiring urgent medical help.
119	Fire department	For fires, getting stuck in elevators, or other situations needing professional rescue.

Not sure which number to call?
If you are unsure, dial 110 (police). They can help coordinate with other emergency services if necessary.

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2. Biggest challenge: the language barrier (and how to overcome it)

This is the most realistic difficulty foreign travelers face when calling emergency numbers in China.

• Reality:
  Call center operators will almost certainly speak only Mandarin Chinese.

• Best solution: get a Chinese speaker to help you
  This is the fastest and most effective option in almost all cases.

  • Who can help:

    • Hotel front desk staff (best choice)
    • Restaurant or shop employees
    • Your tour guide (if traveling with a group)
    • Nearby locals on the street

  • How to ask for help quickly:
    Prepare a note on paper or in your phone with this message in Chinese and English:

    我需要紧急帮助，请帮我拨打 [号码]。
    I need urgent help, please call [number] for me.
    (Wǒ xūyào jǐnjí bāngzhù, qǐng bāng wǒ bōdǎ [number].)

    Show this to someone nearby and they will usually be willing to help.

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3. If you absolutely must call yourself

If no one is available to help and you have to call on your own, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and focus on the key information first

   • Use the simplest possible English words: “Police!” or “Ambulance!”

2. Clearly communicate your location — this is the most critical part

   • Emergency services cannot help you if they don’t know where you are.

   • Best approach: find something with a Chinese address on it:

     • Your hotel business card or room key sleeve
     • A restaurant bill with an address
     • A nearby shop sign or street name plate

   • Try to read the Chinese slowly, or describe nearby landmarks (e.g., hotel name, large building, or intersection).

Even if communication is not perfect, giving a clear location greatly increases the chances that help can reach you.

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4. Other important contacts

• Your embassy or consulate

  • When to call:
    If you lose your passport, are arrested, become the victim of a serious crime, or encounter other major problems.
  • Before your trip:
    Look up the address and 24‑hour emergency phone number of your embassy or consulate in China and save it both in your phone and on paper.
  • Note:
    Embassies are not emergency medical or police services, but they can provide support, advice, and coordination.

• Your travel insurance provider

  • When to call:
    In case of medical emergencies, hospitalization, or serious property loss.
  • What they can do:
    Provide guidance on where to seek treatment, arrange or guarantee payment in some cases, and help with claims later.

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Knowing these numbers and having a simple plan for who to ask for help will give you extra peace of mind during your trip to China.