China Emergency & Safety Guide 2026

🚑 Emergency Numbers

Emergency calls are free in China. Dial directly from any phone — no area code needed.

120

🚑 Ambulance / Medical

119

🔥 Fire Department

110

🚔 Police

122

🚗 Traffic Accident

📞 Tourist Assistance Hotline

12308 — 24/7 tourist hotline (English available in major cities). Can help with translation, emergency referrals, and complaints.

🏛️ Major Embassies & Consulates

Save your embassy contact before traveling. You'll need them for lost passport replacement.

Country	Beijing Embassy	Shanghai Consulate
🇺🇸 USA	+86 10 8531-4000 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang	+86 21 8011-2400
🇬🇧 UK	+86 10 8529 6600 11 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang	+86 21 6289 8889
🇨🇦 Canada	+86 10 5139-4000 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang	+86 21 6279 8400
🇦🇺 Australia	+86 10 8531-2900 60 Tianze Lu, Chaoyang	+86 21 2215 5200
🇯🇵 Japan	+86 10 8562-2000 1 Liangmaqiao Dongjie	+86 21 5257 4766

⚠️ Common Scams & How to Avoid

🎭 Tea House Scam (Major Cities)

Pretty girls approach you at tourist areas, invite you to "nice tea house." Bill is ¥500-1000+. Avoid: Never follow strangers to tea houses. If interested, research ahead.

🚕 Taxi Overcharging

Some taxi drivers quote "fixed price" 3x the meter rate. Always insist on meter. Use Didi app for guaranteed prices.

👜 Fake/Broken Taxi Soliciting

Don't use taxis that approach you on the street — especially at airports/stations. Use official taxi stands or Didi.

💊 Fake Herbal Medicine

Street "doctors" with herbal remedies. Often fake. Buy medicine only at pharmacies.

🛡️ General Safety Tips

✅
China is very safe — Violent crime against tourists is rare. Use normal precautions as you would in any major city.
✅
Police presence is visible — You'll see police everywhere, especially at tourist sites and transit hubs.
⚠️
Pickpocketing — Crowded tourist sites (like any big city). Keep phone in front pocket, bag zipped.
⚠️
Night markets — Great food, but some vendors overcharge tourists. Check prices before ordering.
✅
Food safety — Street food is generally safe. If it looks uncooked or unhygienic, skip it.
⚠️
Traffic — Crossing streets can be chaotic. Watch locals and follow the crowd at crossings.

📋 What to Do If...

Lost Passport

Report to local police (110) — Get a police report
Contact your embassy/consulate for emergency passport
You'll need the police report + embassy verification
Replacement takes 1-7 days depending on citizenship

Medical Emergency

Call 120 for ambulance
Go to Grade 3 Hospital (三甲医院) — best English-speaking doctors
Major hospitals have international clinics in Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou
Bring passport and insurance info
Payment upfront often required — keep receipts for reimbursement

Theft/Scam

Report to police immediately (110)
Get police report for insurance claims
For scams, if you have evidence, contact tourist hotline 12308

🏥 Best Hospitals for Foreigners

City	Hospital	Notes
Beijing	Beijing United Family	International, English
Beijing	Capital Medical University	Large, experienced
Shanghai	Shanghai East International Medical Center	International, English
Shanghai	Ruijin Hospital	Excellent emergency
Guangzhou	Gleneagles Hospital	International, English
Chengdu	West China Hospital	Best in western China

💡 Quick Reference Card

Print or screenshot this:

Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 119
Tourist Hotline: 12308
Your embassy: [Save number before trip]

🚨 China Emergency & Safety Guide 2026