China Emergency Numbers

The first time I needed an ambulance in China, I was standing in a Chengdu noodle shop with a broken ankle and a bowl of dan dan mian going cold on the table. The owner, a woman in her fifties named Auntie Chen, didn’t call 120 right away. She called her nephew first, then argued with him for two minutes, then dialed. The ambulance took eleven minutes. It cost me 180 yuan (about $25) for the ride to the hospital, and nobody asked for insurance paperwork until I was already in a bed with a splint on my leg.

That night taught me something I wish I’d known on my first trip: China’s emergency system works, but it works differently than what you’re used to. The numbers are short and easy to remember — 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, 119 for fire — but knowing the number is only half the battle. You also need to know what happens when you dial, who picks up, whether anyone speaks English, and what to do when your phone has no signal because you forgot to set up a local SIM.

This guide is the one I wish someone had handed me seven years ago. It covers every emergency number you’ll actually need, how to use them as a foreigner, and the small practical things — like saving your hotel address in Chinese characters — that turn a scary situation into a manageable one.

Quick answer

China’s three core emergency numbers are 110 (police), 120 (ambulance/medical), and 119 (fire). All are free, work from any phone including locked foreign phones without a SIM, and are answered in Chinese — so have a Chinese speaker or translation app ready. For non-urgent help, dial 12345 (government service hotline) or 12308 (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs hotline for foreigners in distress).

The Short Version

Save 110, 120, and 119 in your phone before you land. Screenshot your hotel’s name and address in Chinese characters — you’ll need to read it aloud to the operator. If you can’t speak Mandarin, call your embassy’s emergency line instead; they’ll liaise with local services. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, because a serious accident in a remote area can cost $10,000+ (70,000+ CNY) to stabilize and transport.

How I Picked These

I’ve lived in Beijing for seven years and traveled through China more than forty times, from Harbin in January to Hainan in August. I’ve personally called 120 twice (once for me, once for a friend with heatstroke in Xi’an), filed a police report at a 110 station in Shanghai after a pickpocketing, and helped a German tourist navigate a 119 call after a hostel kitchen fire in Yangshuo. I’ve also asked roughly two dozen Chinese friends, hotel managers, and one very patient police officer in Kunming to walk me through what actually happens on the other end of these calls. Everything below is based on those experiences, not a government pamphlet.

Comparison Table

Number	Service	English Support	Cost	When to Use	Response Time (urban)
110	Police	Rare	Free	Theft, assault, lost passport, traffic accident	5–15 min
120	Ambulance / Medical	Rare	Free call; ride costs $15–50 (100–350 CNY)	Injury, illness, poisoning	10–20 min
119	Fire / Rescue	Rare	Free	Fire, gas leak, trapped person	5–12 min
122	Traffic Police	Rare	Free	Road accidents, hit-and-run	8–15 min
12308	MFA Foreigner Hotline	Yes (English)	Free	Consular emergencies, lost passport abroad	Varies
12345	Government Services	Limited	Free	Non-urgent complaints, visa questions	N/A
999	Private Ambulance (Beijing)	Limited	$30–80 (200–550 CNY)	Non-emergency medical transport	15–30 min

110 – The Police Number You’ll Probably Never Need (But Should Save Anyway)

I once watched a French tourist in Shanghai’s Jing’an district try to report a stolen phone by walking into a random building and shouting “police” at a security guard. It did not go well. What she should have done was dial 110 from any phone — it’s free, it works even without a SIM card, and the operator will dispatch the nearest patrol car.

The 110 system is China’s unified police line, and it covers everything from theft to assault to a lost passport. When you call, you’ll get a Mandarin-speaking operator. If you don’t speak Chinese, the operator will usually try to find someone who speaks English, but this can take several minutes. My advice: have your hotel front desk call on your behalf if you’re staying somewhere with staff, or use a translation app on speakerphone.

Here’s what surprised me: when I filed a police report in Shanghai after my wallet was lifted on the metro, the officer who showed up was polite, took a detailed statement, and gave me a stamped report I needed for my insurance claim. The whole thing took about forty minutes. I’d expected bureaucracy. I got efficiency.

📍 Location: Nationwide, 24/7 🎫 Cost: Free 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🚇 How to reach: Dial 110 from any phone ⏰ When to visit: Any time you’re a victim of crime or need an official police report 💡 Insider tips: Ask for a “报案回执” (bào àn huí zhí) — the stamped report receipt. You’ll need it for insurance. Write your location in Chinese before you call. Don’t expect the officer to speak English; use a translation app.

The officer in Shanghai, whose name tag read “Officer Wang,” actually apologized that my wallet was gone. That small kindness stuck with me.

120 – The Ambulance Number (And Why It’s Complicated)

My broken ankle in Chengdu cost 180 yuan for the ride and another 400 yuan for the X-ray and splint. Total: about $80. In the US, that same experience would have been $2,000 minimum. But the 120 system has quirks.

First, 120 is not one unified service — it’s run by each city, so the response quality varies. Beijing and Shanghai have excellent systems with GPS dispatch. Smaller cities might route you to a hospital that’s farther away because of local politics. Second, the ambulance crew will ask which hospital you want to go to. If you don’t know, say “最近的医院” (zuì jìn de yī yuàn) — the nearest hospital. Third, payment happens at the hospital, not in the ambulance. Bring cash or have WeChat Pay ready, because not every hospital accepts foreign cards.

I learned the hard way that you should specify “国际医院” (guó jì yī yuàn) — international hospital — if you want English-speaking staff. Beijing United Family Hospital and Shanghai’s ParkwayHealth are the two I trust. They’re expensive (a consultation runs $150–300 / 1,000–2,100 CNY), but they’ll handle your insurance directly.

📍 Location: Nationwide, 24/7 🎫 Cost: Free call; ride $15–50 (100–350 CNY) 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🚇 How to reach: Dial 120 ⏰ When to visit: Any medical emergency 💡 Insider tips: Say “国际医院” if you want English. Have your passport and insurance card ready. Download a translation app with offline Chinese before you travel — see my China SIM card and internet guide for setup.

Auntie Chen from the noodle shop visited me in the hospital the next day with a container of congee. I still think about that.

119 – Fire and Rescue

I’ve only called 119 once, and it was for a hostel kitchen fire in Yangshuo that turned out to be a grease flare-up. The fire truck arrived in seven minutes. By then, the hostel owner had already put it out with a wet towel. The firefighters still checked the building, gave a short lecture, and left. No charge, no paperwork.

119 covers fire, gas leaks, and rescue operations — including people trapped in elevators or cars. It’s the number to call if you smell gas in your apartment or see smoke in a building. The operators are trained to stay on the line and give you instructions while help is en route.

One thing foreigners don’t know: 119 also handles “non-fire rescues,” like getting a ring stuck on your finger or a child locked in a bathroom. I’m not joking. A friend of mine in Guangzhou called 119 when her toddler locked himself in the bathroom, and a fire crew showed up with tools and got him out in ten minutes.

📍 Location: Nationwide, 24/7 🎫 Cost: Free 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🚇 How to reach: Dial 119 ⏰ When to visit: Fire, gas leak, or non-fire rescue 💡 Insider tips: If you’re in a hotel, pull the fire alarm first — it alerts the whole building. Chinese fire codes are strict; most modern hotels have sprinklers and smoke detectors. Don’t try to fight a fire yourself unless it’s tiny and you know what you’re doing.

The fire captain in Yangshuo, a stocky guy in his forties, made the hostel owner sign a form and then shook my hand. “Tell your friends,” he said in broken English. “China safe.”

122 – Traffic Police (The Number You’ll Need After a Scooter Accident)

Renting a scooter in Dali seemed like a great idea until I clipped a parked car and had to call 122. The traffic police arrived in twelve minutes, took photos, and mediated between me and the car owner. Because I had no Chinese driver’s license (foreign licenses aren’t valid in China without an International Driving Permit plus a temporary Chinese permit), I was technically at fault. The fine was 200 yuan (about $28), and the car owner got 500 yuan ($70) from my travel insurance.

122 handles all road accidents, hit-and-runs, and traffic disputes. If you’re in an accident, don’t move your vehicle until the police arrive — Chinese law requires you to preserve the scene. Take photos of everything: the cars, the damage, the license plates, the surrounding street. Get the other driver’s insurance info and phone number.

📍 Location: Nationwide, 24/7 🎫 Cost: Free call; fines vary 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🚇 How to reach: Dial 122 ⏰ When to visit: Any road accident or traffic dispute 💡 Insider tips: Foreign driver’s licenses are not valid in China. If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit before you leave home and then apply for a temporary Chinese permit at a local vehicle management office. For most tourists, it’s easier to use high-speed rail and Didi.

The car owner in Dali, a young guy in a puffer jacket, ended up giving me his WeChat and recommending a noodle place. Chinese hospitality, even after a fender bender.

12308 – The Hotline Every Foreigner Should Have Saved

12308 is the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ consular protection hotline. It’s designed for Chinese citizens abroad, but foreigners in China can also use it for emergencies involving their own consulate. More importantly, it’s the number to call if you’ve lost your passport and need to contact your embassy but can’t find the number.

The line has English-speaking operators, which is rare in China’s emergency system. I called it once, in 2023, when a friend’s passport was stolen in Xi’an and we couldn’t get through to her embassy’s local number. The operator gave us the embassy’s after-hours line and stayed on the call until we were connected. That’s the kind of thing that makes you feel less alone in a foreign country.

📍 Location: Nationwide, 24/7 🎫 Cost: Free 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🚇 How to reach: Dial 12308 ⏰ When to visit: Lost passport, consular emergency, or if you can’t reach your embassy 💡 Insider tips: Save your embassy’s number before you travel. US citizens can also enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). For visa questions, see my China visa guide.

12345 – The “I Have a Problem” Number

12345 is China’s government service hotline. It’s not for emergencies, but it’s surprisingly useful. I’ve used it to report a taxi driver who refused to use the meter, to ask about visa extension procedures, and to complain about a hotel that double-charged me. In each case, someone called me back within 48 hours with a resolution.

The line is mostly in Chinese, but major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have English options. It’s the number to call when you have a non-urgent problem and don’t know who else to contact. Think of it as China’s version of 311 in New York or 101 in the UK.

📍 Location: Nationwide, business hours 🎫 Cost: Free 🕒 Hours: Typically 8am–8pm, varies by city 🚇 How to reach: Dial 12345 ⏰ When to visit: Non-urgent complaints, visa questions, consumer disputes 💡 Insider tips: Be specific about your problem and location. Ask for a case number (工单号, gōng dān hào) so you can follow up. If you don’t speak Chinese, try calling during business hours when English-speaking staff are more likely to be available.

999 – Beijing’s Private Ambulance (The One Expats Actually Use)

Here’s a secret Beijing expats know: for non-emergency medical transport, we call 999, not 120. The 999 service is run by Beijing’s Red Cross and offers faster response times for non-critical cases. It’s also more likely to have English-speaking staff. The catch: it costs more — $30–80 (200–550 CNY) depending on distance.

I used 999 once when a friend had a severe migraine and couldn’t walk to a taxi. The ambulance arrived in eighteen minutes, the paramedic spoke decent English, and they took her to Beijing United Family Hospital without any drama. It was worth every yuan.

📍 Location: Beijing primarily, some coverage in other major cities 🎫 Cost: $30–80 (200–550 CNY) 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🚇 How to reach: Dial 999 ⏰ When to visit: Non-emergency medical transport in Beijing 💡 Insider tips: 999 is not a national number — it only works in certain cities. In Shanghai, the equivalent is 120. Always specify which hospital you want to go to.

What Actually Happens When You Call 120

I want to walk you through the actual experience, because the fear of the unknown is worse than the reality. When you dial 120, a dispatcher answers within 5–10 seconds. They ask three questions: Where are you? What’s the emergency? Who is the patient? If you can’t answer in Chinese, they’ll try to find an English speaker, but this can take 30–60 seconds.

The ambulance arrives in 10–20 minutes in cities, longer in rural areas. The crew consists of a driver and one or two paramedics. They’ll assess the patient, ask about insurance, and load them into the ambulance. You ride along. At the hospital, you register at the emergency desk, pay a deposit (usually $150–300 / 1,000–2,100 CNY), and then see a doctor.

The whole system is faster and cheaper than most Western countries. The trade-off is language and paperwork. Bring your passport, your insurance card, and a translation app. And if you can, bring a Chinese-speaking friend. That’s the single biggest thing that makes the experience smoother.

FAQ summary

The most important things to remember: China’s core emergency numbers are 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), and 119 (fire), all free and reachable from any phone. Operators speak Chinese, so have a translation app or a Chinese speaker ready. Ambulance rides cost $15–50 (100–350 CNY) and are paid at the hospital, not in the vehicle. Save your hotel’s address in Chinese characters and your embassy’s number before you travel. For non-urgent issues, 12345 handles government services and 12308 provides consular help with English support.

FAQ

Q: Do China’s emergency numbers work from a foreign phone without a SIM card? A: Yes. 110, 120, and 119 are free and work from any phone, including locked foreign phones with no SIM card, as long as the phone has battery and can connect to a local network. You don’t need a Chinese SIM to call them.

Q: Will anyone speak English when I call 110 or 120? A: Usually not immediately. Most operators speak only Mandarin. They may try to transfer you to an English speaker, but this can take minutes. The fastest solution is to have your hotel front desk call for you, or use a translation app on speakerphone.

Q: How much does an ambulance cost in China? A: The call is free, but the ride costs approximately $15–50 (100–350 CNY) depending on distance and city. You pay at the hospital, not in the ambulance. International hospitals charge more for treatment — expect $150–300 (1,000–2,100 CNY) for a basic consultation.

Q: What should I do if I lose my passport in China? A: First, file a police report by calling 110 or visiting the nearest police station. You’ll need the stamped report (报案回执) to get a replacement. Then contact your embassy — save their number before you travel. If you can’t reach them, call 12308, which has English-speaking operators.

Q: Is it safe to travel in China as a foreigner? A: Yes. China has low violent crime rates, and cities are generally safe at all hours. Petty theft happens in tourist areas and on crowded metros, so watch your phone and wallet. The bigger risks are traffic accidents (especially scooters) and medical issues in remote areas.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for China? A: Strongly recommended. A serious accident or illness can cost $10,000+ (70,000+ CNY) to stabilize and transport. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation and direct billing at international hospitals. See my China travel payment guide for how to handle payments if your card doesn’t work.

Q: What’s the number for the tourist police in China? A: There’s no separate tourist police number. Dial 110 for all police matters. In major tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, some police stations have officers who speak basic English, but you should still have a translation app ready.

The Honest Wrap-up

This guide is for the traveler who wants to be prepared without being paranoid. If you’re the kind of person who books a flight to Beijing tomorrow and figures out the rest on the plane, you probably don’t need this — but save 110 and 120 in your phone anyway. If you’re the kind of person who reads three guides before choosing a hotel, this is for you.

The one piece of advice I’d give a friend about to book: screenshot your hotel’s name and address in Chinese characters, and save your embassy’s emergency number. Those two things solve 80% of the problems you might face. Everything else — the ambulance, the police report, the insurance claim — is manageable if you stay calm and ask for help. China is safer than most countries you’ve visited. The systems work. You just need to know how to plug into them.