Which Emergency Numbers Can Foreign Visitors Use in China and How to Call Them?

For first-time travellers to China, arriving in a completely unfamiliar environment can naturally bring some unease. However, there is no need to panic. China is generally considered a very safe place to visit.

Regardless of general safety levels, unexpected incidents and emergencies can happen anywhere while travelling. When you are in a foreign country, situations like this can leave you feeling lonely and helpless. Save these important local emergency contact numbers in your phone before you arrive in China.

119 — Fire-service hotline

This is China's fire-emergency number for reporting fires. Beyond fire outbreaks, the hotline handles a range of rescue missions. You may dial 119 for help in many non-criminal emergency scenarios, including people who have fallen into water, people stuck at height, or body parts trapped by objects, alongside standard fire-fighting responses.

Note: Operators generally speak only Chinese. If you cannot speak Mandarin, give a clear location description or ask nearby locals to help explain your situation to the dispatcher.

110 — Police hotline

Dial 110 to reach local police. It is used for criminal incidents and situations requiring police intervention. Apart from serious offences, you can also call 110 for physical fights, verbal harassment, getting lost, sustaining injuries and other troubling situations. Police can offer support or direct you to appropriate resources.

Tip: If you cannot communicate in Chinese, stay on the line and describe your location as clearly as possible. Many tourist-heavy cities have operators with basic foreign-language support.

120 — Ambulance and medical-emergency hotline

Call 120 only for urgent medical conditions. When you dial this number, an ambulance can be dispatched to take patients to hospital. Do not call this line for non-medical enquiries or minor issues, so emergency resources remain available.

If you face a genuine health emergency, call without hesitation. Visitors paying out of pocket should still expect to provide payment details or settle charges according to the hospital's procedures.

12345 — Municipal citizen-government service hotline

This non-emergency municipal hotline can be used for tourist-related unfair treatment, consumer disputes, poor service, or other issues you believe local authorities should address. It is intended for non-life-threatening complaints and suggestions.

Important: Do not dial 12345 for fires, violence or medical crises. Use 119, 110 or 120 for real emergencies. Major tourist cities may offer partial English-language support, while smaller cities may only have Chinese-speaking operators. Prepare your location and facts clearly before calling.