Emergency Contacts in China
Know the key emergency numbers, language support options, and embassy contacts so you can get help fast if something goes wrong.
Quick answer
Save China’s emergency numbers (110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire), plus local assistance hotlines and your embassy phone, and keep them offline.
The Big Three emergency numbers
China does not use 911. The core emergency numbers are 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, and 119 for fire or rescue.
If you are unsure which service to call, dial 110. Police operators in major cities are the most likely to have English support and can dispatch other services.
- 110 police and general emergencies
- 120 medical emergencies
- 119 fire, gas leaks, or rescue
Specialized assistance hotlines
For traffic incidents, 122 connects you to traffic police. For consumer issues, 12315 is the official hotline for market regulation and complaints.
Directory assistance is 114, which can help you find local business or hospital numbers.
- 122 traffic accidents
- 12315 consumer complaints
- 114 directory assistance
Language support and city help
In major tourist areas, look for Tourist Police. They are trained to assist foreigners and often speak basic English.
Many cities run a government service hotline at 12345 with an English option for non-emergency help and translation support.
Embassy prep for worst-case scenarios
Save your embassy or nearest consulate phone number before you travel. They can help with lost passports, legal trouble, or hospitalizations.
Embassy services often require appointments, so keep the emergency line separate from general service numbers.
Offline backup card
Write down your hotel address in Chinese, your passport number, and a few emergency phrases. Keep a paper card in your wallet.
Offline access matters if your phone dies or is lost.