Quick Answer
China has clear, nationwide emergency numbers.
They work, they respond, and they are widely used.
Most travelers will never need them, but you should know them anyway.
The Three Numbers You Actually Need
These are standard across China:
- 110 — Police
- 120 — Ambulance / Medical emergency
- 119 — Fire
You do not dial a combined “911-style” number.
When You Should Call 110 (Police)
Call 110 if:
- You are lost and genuinely need police help
- You are involved in an accident
- There is a serious dispute
- You feel unsafe or threatened
- You need official assistance
This is for real issues, not minor inconveniences.
When You Should Call 120 (Medical)
Call 120 if:
- There is a medical emergency
- Someone is unconscious
- There is serious injury
- Immediate medical help is needed
For minor illness, use hospitals or clinics instead.
When You Should Call 119 (Fire)
Call 119 if:
- There is a fire
- There is smoke or explosion risk
- Fire services are required urgently
This is straightforward and rarely needed by travelers.
Language Reality (Important)
- Operators may not speak fluent English
- Keep explanations short and simple
- Say key words slowly
- Use a translation app if possible
If language is difficult, get help from locals or hotel staff.
What Happens After You Call
Typically:
- The operator confirms location
- Assistance is dispatched
- Nearby staff or police arrive quickly
China’s response times in cities are generally fast.
What NOT to Use Emergency Numbers For
Do not call emergency numbers for:
- Lost items without urgency
- Minor payment issues
- Hotel complaints
- Internet or app problems
Use hotel staff or service desks instead.
Better First Line of Help (Often Faster)
In many situations, it is better to:
- Ask hotel front desk
- Ask transport station staff
- Ask shopping mall service desk
- Ask police officers on duty
These channels resolve most issues quickly.
Reality Check
- Emergency numbers are real and functional
- Calls are taken seriously
- Abuse of emergency lines is not tolerated
- Most travelers never need to call
Knowing the numbers is enough.
What Locals Do Instead
- Call emergency numbers only when necessary
- Ask nearby staff for help first
- Rely on public service desks
- Stay calm and factual
You can do the same.
Checklist
- Emergency numbers saved or memorized.
- Hotel address saved in Chinese.
- Translation app ready.
- Know when to call and when not to.
- Use staff help first when possible.