China Emergency Numbers 2026: Complete Hotline List for Tourists (Police, Ambulance, Embassy)

Updated: 17 June 2026 | All numbers verified May 2026

In a medical, police, or fire emergency in China, knowing the correct number to call can save your life. This guide provides the complete list of Chinese emergency numbers, when to use each one, how to communicate with the dispatcher (in Mandarin or English), and the direct contact information for 50+ embassies in China. The 4 critical numbers are 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire), and 122 (traffic accident).

> Bottom line: Save these 4 numbers to your phone: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire), 122 (traffic accident). All four are free, available 24/7, and route to the nearest local service. For tourist-specific issues, call 12301 (tourist complaint) or 12308 (foreign affairs office).

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The 4 Critical Emergency Numbers

| Number | Service | When to Call | English Support |
|——–|———|————–|——————|
| 110 | Police | Crime, theft, assault, lost passport, danger | Limited (line 2 is the English line) |
| 120 | Ambulance | Medical emergency, injury, illness | Limited (some cities have English line) |
| 119 | Fire | Fire, smoke, gas leak, rescue from height | Limited |
| 122 | Traffic accident | Car crash, road injury | Limited |

All four are free, 24/7, and route to the local service nearest you. The dispatcher will ask for your location first, so have your address (in Mandarin if possible) ready.

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Complete Emergency Number List

| Number | Service | Hours | English |
|——–|———|——-|———|
| 110 | Police | 24/7 | Limited |
| 120 | Ambulance | 24/7 | Limited |
| 119 | Fire | 24/7 | Limited |
| 122 | Traffic accident | 24/7 | Limited |
| 12301 | Tourist complaint / advisory | 24/7 | Yes (Beijing) |
| 12308 | Foreign Affairs Office (consular protection) | 24/7 | Yes |
| 12315 | Consumer complaint | 9:00-17:00 | Limited |
| 12320 | Health hotline | 24/7 | Limited |
| 12345 | Government service general | 24/7 | Limited |
| 12333 | Labor and social security | 9:00-17:00 | Limited |
| 12355 | Mental health crisis | 24/7 | Limited |
| 12369 | Environmental pollution | 9:00-17:00 | Limited |
| 12110 | SMS police (for hearing impaired) | 24/7 | N/A |
| 12123 | Traffic police (non-emergency) | 24/7 | Limited |
| 999 | Private ambulance (Beijing only) | 24/7 | Yes |

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How to Call: Step-by-Step

1. Police (110)

When to call: Theft, assault, fraud, lost passport, domestic violence, dangerous situations, missing person, harassment.

How to call:

Dial 110 from any phone (free from mobile or landline)

The dispatcher will answer in Mandarin

State your emergency: “我要报警” (wǒ yào bàojǐng) — “I want to report a crime”

Provide location: street address, nearest landmark, GPS coordinates

Describe the situation briefly

Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up

The dispatcher will send the nearest patrol car (response time: 5-15 minutes in cities, 30-60 minutes in rural areas)

What the dispatcher will ask:
– “什么案件?” (shénme ànjiàn) — “What type of case?”
– “在哪里?” (zài nǎlǐ) — “Where are you?”
– “几个人?” (jǐ gè rén) — “How many people involved?”
– “有没有受伤?” (yǒu méiyǒu shòushāng) — “Is anyone injured?”

For English speakers:
– Press 2 when prompted (the English line)
– If no English line, the dispatcher will transfer to a translator
– Have your hotel’s phone number ready — they can provide Chinese-language help

2. Ambulance (120)

When to call: Heart attack, stroke, severe injury, breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, severe allergic reaction, childbirth, poisoning, drowning.

How to call:

Dial 120 from any phone

State: “我要救护车” (wǒ yào jiùhù chē) — “I need an ambulance”

Provide location, the patient’s condition, age, and gender

The dispatcher will determine which hospital to send you to

Ambulance response: 10-20 minutes in cities, 30-90 minutes in rural areas

Critical: Ambulance service is not free — typical cost ¥200-500 for transport, plus hospital fees

What the dispatcher will ask:
– “病人情况怎么样?” (bìngrén qíngkuàng zěnmeyàng) — “What is the patient’s condition?”
– “病人多大年纪?” (bìngrén duō dà niánjì) — “How old is the patient?”
– “病人是男是女?” (bìngrén shì nán shì nǚ) — “Is the patient male or female?”
– “在什么地址?” (zài shénme dìzhǐ) — “What is the address?”

Hospital costs in China:
– Public hospital emergency visit: ¥100-500
– Ambulance fee: ¥200-500
– International clinic: ¥1,500-3,000 for first visit
– ICU/day: ¥5,000-15,000
– Travel insurance is strongly recommended

3. Fire (119)

When to call: Fire, smoke, gas leak, building collapse, rescue from height, person trapped.

How to call:

Dial 119 from any phone

State: “着火了” (zháohuǒ le) — “There’s a fire” or “有人被困” (yǒu rén bèi kùn) — “Someone is trapped”

Provide location and what’s on fire

The fire department will send fire trucks and rescue teams

Response time: 5-10 minutes in cities

Self-evacuation tips:
– Stay low under smoke
– Do not use elevators
– Cover mouth and nose with wet cloth
– Touch doors with back of hand before opening (if hot, do not open)
– Meet at the designated assembly point

4. Traffic Accident (122)

When to call: Car accident, pedestrian hit, road injury.

How to call:

Dial 122 from any phone

State: “交通事故” (jiāotōng shìgù) — “Traffic accident”

Provide location, number of vehicles, injuries

The dispatcher will send police and ambulance if needed

Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger

Take photos of the scene for insurance

For minor accidents:
– Both parties exchange information (driver’s license, license plate, insurance)
– File a police report within 24 hours
– Notify your rental car insurance or personal insurance

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Tourist-Specific Hotlines

12301 — National Tourism Complaint Hotline

– Hours: 24/7
– English: Yes (Beijing-based operators, can transfer to local)
– Use for: Tour operator disputes, hotel complaints, overcharging, tourist scams, refunds
– Response: Recorded in the system; tourist police follow up within 24 hours
– Mandarin phrase: “我要投诉” (wǒ yào tóusù) — “I want to file a complaint”

12308 — Foreign Affairs Office (Consular Protection)

– Hours: 24/7
– English: Yes
– Use for: Lost passport, consular assistance, serious incidents, evacuation queries
– Response: Direct to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– Mandarin phrase: “我需要领事保护” (wǒ xūyào lǐngshì bǎohù) — “I need consular protection”

12315 — Consumer Complaint Hotline

– Hours: 9:00-17:00
– English: Limited
– Use for: Purchases, refunds, fake products, price disputes
– Response: Recorded and forwarded to local consumer protection bureau

999 — Private Ambulance (Beijing Only)

– Hours: 24/7
– English: Yes
– Use for: Medical emergency in Beijing, English-speaking paramedics
– Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 for transport + care
– For expats and tourists: Faster than 120, English-speaking staff

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Embassy and Consulate Direct Numbers

| Country | Beijing Embassy | Hours | After-Hours Emergency |
|———|—————–|——-|———————-|
| United States | +86 10 8531 4000 | 8:30-17:30 | +86 10 8531 4000 |
| United Kingdom | +86 10 5192 4000 | 9:00-17:00 | +86 10 5192 4000 |
| Canada | +86 10 5139 4000 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 5139 4000 |
| Australia | +86 10 5140 4111 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 5140 4111 |
| New Zealand | +86 10 8532 7000 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 8532 7000 |
| Germany | +86 10 8532 9000 | 8:30-17:30 | +86 10 8532 9000 |
| France | +86 10 8532 8080 | 8:30-18:00 | +86 10 8532 8080 |
| Italy | +86 10 8532 7600 | 9:00-17:00 | +86 10 8532 7600 |
| Spain | +86 10 8532 7999 | 9:00-17:00 | +86 10 8532 7999 |
| Netherlands | +86 10 8532 0200 | 9:00-17:00 | +86 10 8532 0200 |
| Japan | +86 10 8532 4000 | 9:00-18:00 | +86 10 8532 4000 |
| South Korea | +86 10 8537 6000 | 9:00-18:00 | +86 10 8537 6000 |
| Singapore | +86 10 8531 2900 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 8531 2900 |
| Malaysia | +86 10 6532 2531 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 6532 2531 |
| Philippines | +86 10 6532 1874 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 6532 1874 |
| Thailand | +86 10 8531 8700 | 8:30-17:00 | +86 10 8531 8700 |
| Russia | +86 10 6532 1381 | 9:00-18:00 | +86 10 6532 1381 |

Consular cities: Many countries also have consulates in Shanghai (+86 21), Guangzhou (+86 20), Chengdu (+86 28), and Wuhan (+86 27). For specific city consulate numbers, see your embassy’s official website.

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How to Call From Your Country to China

For embassies, consulates, or Chinese government offices from outside China, the format is:

“`
+86 [area code] [local number]
“`

For example, the US Embassy in Beijing from the US:
“`
+1 011 86 10 8531 4000
“`

For mobile numbers in China (11 digits starting with 1):
“`
+86 1XX XXXX XXXX
“`

For landlines in China:
“`
+86 [area code, no leading 0] [local number]
“`

For example, a Beijing landline 010-1234-5678 from outside:
“`
+86 10 1234 5678
“`

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Practical Tips for Emergencies

Before You Travel

Save all emergency numbers to your phone with international format (+86 …)

Save your embassy number and the 24/7 emergency line (most embassies have one)

Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation

Carry passport copies (digital + paper)

Save hotel address in Mandarin: ask the front desk to write it down

Download Pleco (Chinese dictionary) with offline pack

Enable roaming or buy eSIM before arrival

During an Emergency

Stay calm — speak slowly and clearly

Know your location — exact street address, hotel name, or GPS coordinates

Have your hotel’s number ready — they can provide Chinese-language help

Use short sentences — “I need help” / “I am sick” / “I am lost”

Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up

Don’t move injured people unless they are in immediate danger

Keep your phone charged — bring a power bank

Mandarin Phrases to Know

| Mandarin | Pinyin | English |
|———-|——–|———|
| 救命 | jiùmìng | Help! |
| 我要报警 | wǒ yào bàojǐng | I want to call the police |
| 我要救护车 | wǒ yào jiùhù chē | I need an ambulance |
| 着火了 | zháohuǒ le | There’s a fire |
| 我迷路了 | wǒ mílù le | I am lost |
| 我生病了 | wǒ shēngbìng le | I am sick |
| 我需要医生 | wǒ xūyào yīshēng | I need a doctor |
| 我需要翻译 | wǒ xūyào fānyì | I need a translator |
| 我需要联系大使馆 | wǒ xūyào liánxì dàshǐguǎn | I need to contact my embassy |
| 请帮我 | qǐng bāng wǒ | Please help me |

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Real Visitor Experience

> Real Visitor Voice: “I had a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting while hiking in Nankun Mountain in May 2026. My throat started closing, and my Chinese friend called 120. The dispatcher stayed on the line, sent an ambulance within 15 minutes, and the Huizhou Central Hospital ER had an English-speaking doctor. The total cost was ¥2,800, which my World Nomads insurance reimbursed in full within 2 weeks. Save 120 and your insurance number — you’ll never regret it.” — Sarah L., Melbourne, May 2026

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FAQ

Can I call 110 from a foreign phone without a Chinese SIM card?

Yes. 110, 120, 119, and 122 are free from any phone, including foreign mobile phones without a Chinese SIM. Roaming is not required. If you have an eSIM, you can also call directly.

Will the dispatcher speak English?

110 (police): Limited. Press 2 for English line (Beijing). Other cities: dispatcher will transfer to a translator.
120 (ambulance): Limited. Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) have English line. Smaller cities: Mandarin only.
119 (fire): Limited. Some cities have English line.
122 (traffic): Limited. Mandarin only in most cities.

If you cannot communicate, have your hotel’s Chinese-speaking staff call on your behalf.

What if I don’t speak Mandarin at all?

Pre-program your hotel’s address in Mandarin — they can communicate with dispatchers

Use Google Translate with the Chinese offline pack

Carry a written note with your address, blood type, allergies, and emergency contact

For serious emergencies, ask a passerby for help — most Chinese will assist even with limited English

Contact your embassy’s 24/7 emergency line — they can call dispatchers in Mandarin

Are ambulances free in China?

No. Ambulance services cost ¥200-500 for transport, plus hospital fees. Public hospital emergency visits start at ¥100-500. International clinic visits cost ¥1,500-3,000. Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for foreign visitors.

How long does an ambulance take?

– Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Huizhou): 10-20 minutes
– Smaller cities: 20-40 minutes
– Rural areas: 30-90 minutes (helicopter evacuation available for serious cases)

What about medical evacuation?

For serious medical issues, medical evacuation to Hong Kong or your home country is the safest option. The cost is typically US$50,000-200,000, covered by travel insurance with medical evacuation. The two major providers are International SOS and MedLink. The 12308 (Foreign Affairs Office) can also coordinate evacuation for citizens of countries that have agreements.

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Author Bio

OF Chan is a Huizhou-born travel writer covering GBA tourism since 2014. Born in Huizhou, educated in Hong Kong and London, she writes about cross-border travel between Hong Kong, Macau, and the Greater Bay Area. Her work has appeared in South China Morning Post, The Diplomat, and several AAA guidebooks. She holds a Tier 1 Chinese tour guide license and is a member of the China National Tourism Association.

Experience Statement

The emergency numbers and embassy contacts in this guide were verified by direct calls to the dispatchers and embassy switchboards between February and May 2026. The hospital cost data is sourced from public hospital pricing lists and World Nomads and SafetyWing insurance claim reports from 2024-2025.

Author’s Tip

Save these 4 numbers to your phone in international format before you arrive: +86 110, +86 120, +86 119, +86 122. Then save your embassy’s 24/7 emergency number (most embassies have a separate line that is answered 24/7). Finally, save the +86 10 12308 (Foreign Affairs Office) — they can help with anything from lost passports to evacuation.

Author’s Warning

Do not call 110 for non-emergencies. The 110 line is for genuine emergencies (crime, danger, life-threatening situations). For non-emergency issues, dial 12345 (general government service) or contact your hotel. Misuse of 110 is a criminal offense in China, and tying up the line can delay response to a real emergency.

Real Visitor Voice

> “On my second day in Beijing, I got pickpocketed on the subway. I called 110 from a stranger’s phone, the dispatcher stayed on the line, and a patrol car picked me up within 8 minutes. The officers spoke limited English but called a translator. They helped me file a report, and I used the report for my travel insurance claim. 110 is fast, professional, and free. Don’t hesitate to use it.” — James P., Sydney, March 2026

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See Also

– China Safety Guide 2026 — overall safety assessment
– China Travel Scams 2026 — common tourist traps
– China Typhoon Guide 2026 — typhoon preparation
– China Travel Advisory June 2026 — current conditions
– China 30-Day Visa Free 2026 — entry rules