In an emergency, every second counts, but getting help in China can be challenging for foreigners due to language barriers and unfamiliar systems. Knowing the right emergency numbers in China and how to use them could save your life, whether you're facing a medical crisis, theft, or natural disaster.

This guide covers all essential hotlines, tips for communicating with responders, and alternative ways foreigners can get assistance in China.

Key Takeaways 💡

• 🚨 Police: Dial 110 | Medical: Dial 120 | Fire: Dial 119
• 🆘 Foreigner Support: Contact your embassy or 12308 (24/7 Chinese consular hotline)
• 📱 Save these numbers in your phone before traveling
• 🚑 Ambulance services may require upfront payment in some cases
• 🗣️ Language barriers are common—learn basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps

Emergency Numbers in China: Important Hotlines to Know

In an emergency, knowing the right number to call can save lives. China has specific numbers for police, medical emergencies, fires, and traffic accidents, each handled by dedicated responders.

Police (Crime, Accidents, Safety Threats)

110 is the nationwide police emergency number in China.
Use this hotline when you need help right away for things like theft, assault, or threats to your safety. You should also call 110 for a serious accident or public disturbance.

You will usually reach an operator quickly, especially in cities. Most operators speak Mandarin, and some may have very limited English skills. 

Try to speak slowly and mention your location. If language is a barrier, you can ask someone nearby to help translate or use translation apps.

When calling 110, be prepared to:

• State your emergency clearly
• Give your exact address or a nearby landmark
• Stay on the line until help arrives or you are told you can hang up

Police can come to your location and may ask for identification or witness statements.

Medical Emergencies (Ambulance, Hospitals)

120 is the emergency number for ambulance services.
Call this number if someone has a serious health issue, such as a heart attack, injury, or severe illness. Ambulance response can vary by city and location.

When you call 120, it's important to give the following details:

• The exact location or nearest landmark
• Description of the person’s condition
• Any known allergies or medical history if possible

Some hospitals require a deposit before starting treatment. If you go to the emergency room, bring some form of payment, identification, and any health insurance cards you have.

Ambulance staff may not speak much English. If you do not speak Mandarin, try using translation tools or getting help from people nearby.

Fire & Rescue Services

119 is the fire department number.
Call this number during a fire, gas leak, or natural disaster like flooding. The fire brigade will respond as quickly as possible.

If you live or work in a high-rise, know the building’s evacuation procedures. Instructions are often posted near elevators and stairwells. Use stairways instead of elevators during a fire and follow exit signs.

The fire department can also help with:

• Gas leaks
• Rescue operations during floods or earthquakes
• Major road accidents needing rescue equipment

When calling 119, describe your location, describe the situation, and mention if people are trapped or injured.

Traffic Accidents

122 is the number for traffic police.
Use this hotline when involved in a road accident requiring traffic police, such as disputes or injuries. Even for minor accidents, calling 122 to get an official record is a good idea.

At the scene of an accident:

• Take photos of the damage and the scene from multiple angles
• Move vehicles to the side if safe, to avoid blocking traffic
• Exchange contact, license, and insurance details with the other driver

If you rent a car, contact the rental company and follow their instructions. Police will make a report that may be needed for insurance claims. Always stay at the scene until the police say it’s okay to leave.

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Emergency Numbers in China: Special Services for Foreigners

Foreign visitors in China have access to special support services. These services offer help in emergencies, and legal situations and assist in different languages.

12308 – 24/7 Chinese Consular Hotline

If you are a foreigner who needs urgent help while in China, you can call 12308. This hotline is operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is available all day, every day. It gives you quick support for emergencies like a lost passport, arrest, or natural disaster.

Staff on the hotline can speak Mandarin and English. They may also have access to support in other languages on request, but English is the most common after Mandarin. Call 12308 from any phone in China without needing an area code.

You can use this service for:

• Reporting your passport lost or stolen
• Finding help if you are detained or arrested
• Receiving advice during a major crisis or emergency

This hotline is especially helpful if you do not know anyone in China or if you do not speak much Mandarin.

Contacting Your Embassy

Your embassy or consulate can help if you face serious problems, like losing your passport or being in legal trouble. They provide key services such as emergency travel documents, advice if you are arrested, or help if large-scale emergencies happen.

To find your country’s embassy:

• Search online for “[country name] embassy in China”
• Visit your embassy’s official website for emergency contacts
• Embassy contact numbers are often posted at airports and hotels

When you contact your embassy, staff can:

• Guide you step by step if you lose important documents
• Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers
• Contact your family if you are in the hospital or detained

Keep your embassy’s emergency number saved on your phone, as it often differs from the main switchboard number.

Tourist Police (In Major Cities)

Tourist police are special police units in busy cities like Beijing and Shanghai. They are found at airports, train stations, and big tourist sites.

These officers can usually speak some English and are trained to help foreigners with safety issues and minor legal matters. They help with everyday situations such as lost property, scams, or minor accidents.

How to reach tourist police:

• Look for officers in blue and white uniforms labeled “Tourist Police.”
• Find them at information booths in tourist spots
• Ask staff at your hotel or the airport for directions to the nearest tourist police station

Services they offer:

• Help with lost belongings or stolen items
• Assistance if you need to file a police report in English
• Basic directions or help if you get lost

Tourist police are friendly and used to helping travelers from many different countries. If you need local help and do not speak Chinese, it is a good idea to approach them.

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Non-Emergency Help Lines in China (Important But Less Urgent)

China has several phone numbers for help in situations that are not life-threatening or urgent. You can use these hotlines to solve daily problems, report issues, and seek support for your well-being.

Community Services (12345)

You can call 12345 for help with many community and city service issues. Local government offices run this number in many cities.

If you have problems like:

• Loud construction noise
• Issues with water, gas, or electricity
• Streetlights or public cleanliness
• Problems with city management

You can call and explain your situation. Operators will record your request and send it to the right department. You can call anytime, day or night; operators usually speak Mandarin. This service is for non-urgent matters, so be patient while waiting for a response. Many cities also let you check the progress of your request.

Consumer Complaints (12315)

To report problems with shopping and services, call 12315. This hotline is managed by China’s market regulatory authority.

Call 12315 if you face:

• Scams or consumer fraud
• Unsafe or fake products
• Not getting what you paid for
• Trouble getting refunds or returns

You will be asked for details about your complaint, such as when and where it happened, and your contact information. 

The call is free. Staff will review your complaint and contact businesses to help solve the issue. If you cannot call, you can also use a website or app to file complaints.

Mental Health Support

If you are feeling sad, stressed, or need someone to talk to, there are mental health hotlines you can use.

One option is the Beijing Suicide Prevention Hotline: 010-8295-1332

You can also find expat-friendly counseling and support lines in larger cities. These may offer help in English and other languages. The mental health hotlines are confidential and free or low-cost.

Most services give emotional support, crisis counseling, and information about local help. Some lines are open 24 hours, while others have set hours. If you are worried about your mental health, you can call these numbers for immediate support.

How to Communicate in an Emergency (Overcoming Language Barriers)

In an emergency in China, language can be problematic if you do not speak Mandarin. There are good ways to ensure help arrives fast, even if communication is hard.

Basic Mandarin Emergency Phrases

Learning a few important Mandarin phrases can make a big difference. If you need urgent help, you can shout or say “Help!” (救命！Jiùmìng!) to get attention.

If you need a doctor, say “I need a doctor” (我需要医生 Wǒ xūyào yīshēng). Polite words like “thank you” (谢谢 xièxiè) and “please” (请 qǐng) can also help in many situations.

You do not need to speak perfect Mandarin. Saying the important words slowly and clearly is usually enough. Use simple body language with your words, like pointing at where you are hurt or holding up medicine.

Using Translation Apps

Translation apps are a great tool if you do not know Mandarin. Apps like WeChat Translate and Google Translate work well in China. It is smart to download the language packs ahead of time because you might not always have an internet connection.

When using a translation app, typing your message is often more accurate than using your voice because background noise or accents can confuse the app. For short conversations, you can show your phone screen to the person helping you.

If you want to use the voice feature, speak slowly and clearly. Repeat the sentence if the translation seems wrong. 

Some apps also let you take a photo of signs or medical forms to translate text, which can be very helpful at hospitals or police stations.

Preparing an Emergency Info Card

Having an emergency info card in Chinese is a smart idea. Write down your:

• Name and age
• Blood type
• Allergies
• Any medical conditions (like asthma or diabetes)
• Important medicines you take
• Emergency contact name and phone number

You can ask a friend, or hotel staff, or use an online translator to put this information in Chinese. Keep the card in your wallet or bag where it is easy to find.

If there is an emergency, you can give this card to responders, doctors, or police. It helps them know what you need, even if you cannot speak. This step can save time and help you get safe, quick treatment.

📌 Also Read: English-Speaking Lawyer in China: Your Guide to Legal Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting help in an emergency in China is different from many other countries. Emergency services have specific numbers, and language barriers can sometimes make communication more difficult.

Do emergency operators speak English?

Most emergency operators in China speak Mandarin. In large cities, some operators may know basic English, but it is not guaranteed. If you need help in English, try to speak slowly and clearly. If you are in a tourist area, you may have a better chance of finding someone who can help in English.

Will an ambulance take me to an international hospital?

Ambulances in China usually take patients to the nearest government hospital. Most ambulance crews do not know about or go directly to international hospitals. If you want to go to a specific hospital, you should tell them clearly, but it may not be possible.It is helpful to carry the name and address of your preferred hospital in Chinese.

Can I use 911 in China?

No, 911 does not work in China. The main emergency numbers are different:

• 110 for police
• 119 for fire
• 120 for ambulance

If you dial 911 by mistake, your call may not connect to any emergency service.

What if I’m arrested in China?

If you are arrested, you have the right to contact your embassy or consulate. Embassy staff can help communicate with local authorities and give you advice, but they cannot get you out of jail. Cooperate with police and ask clearly to speak with your embassy if you need help.

Are there English-speaking doctors on 120?

Most doctors and paramedics who respond to 120 emergency calls speak only Chinese. In some big cities and international clinics, there may be English-speaking staff, but this is rare. If you need specific language help, ask for an interpreter as soon as possible or contact your embassy for advice.

Conclusion

When you are in China, knowing the right emergency numbers and how to use them can make a huge difference in a crisis. Save these contacts, learn a few helpful phrases, and always be ready—especially if you do not speak Mandarin. Being prepared can turn a scary situation into a quick solution whether you are visiting or living here. Traveling soon? Bookmark this guide and share it with friends or family.

If you ever need legal help during your stay, contact Choi & Partners for trusted advice and support