China Ambulance Number: 120
+86 ยท Emergency Medical Service
The ambulance emergency number in China is 120. Operated by National Health Commission. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Emergency Medical Service
China ยท Ambulance
๐ Ambulance and emergency medical services via 120. Operates in all cities and counties. Response faster in urban areas.
๐ข Dedicated Number Pages
๐ Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
๐ฃ๏ธ Emergency Phrases in China
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
โ ๏ธ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- โข Do not call 110 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- โข Do not call 120 for minor ailments - visit a local hospital or clinic
- โข Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Chinese law with possible detention
- โข Do not call 119 for controlled burns or fireworks complaints
- โข Do not call 122 for non-accident traffic inquiries
โ๏ธ Travel Notes โ China
Emergency response is generally fast in major cities. Response in rural and remote areas may be delayed. Public hospitals provide emergency care; international hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer English-speaking services. Ambulance services may require payment. The 12110 SMS service is available for hearing-impaired users.
๐ก๏ธ Traveling to China? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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Ambulance Emergency Service in China โ Complete Guide
When traveling to China or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number in China is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in China is 120, which is operated and monitored by National Health Commission. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 120. Operates in all cities and counties. Response faster in urban areas.
How to Dial 120 in China
To reach the Emergency Medical Service in China, dial 120 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in China. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge โ no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within China using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 120 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in China from an international location, the country calling code is +86.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in China communicate primarily in zh. If you do not speak zh, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 120
When you call the ambulance number in China, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at National Health Commission. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (ambulance assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in China
Please note that China utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Ambulance (120), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Police (Public Security) (110), Emergency Medical Service (120), Fire and Rescue Service (119), Traffic Accident Emergency (122). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across China and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 120 is verified against official directories published by National Health Commission. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions โ Ambulance in China
What is the Ambulance number in China? โผ
The Ambulance emergency number in China is 120. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 120. Operates in all cities and counties. Response faster in urban areas.
Does 120 work from mobile in China? โผ
Yes, 120 works from all mobile phones in China.
Can I call 120 without a SIM card? โผ
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 120 free in China? โผ
Yes, calling 120 is free in China. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in China? โผ
The Ambulance service in China is operated by National Health Commission. Source: https://www.119.gov.cn/
Can I call 110 from a mobile phone without a SIM card in China? โผ
Yes. Emergency calls to 110, 119, 120, and 122 are free and can be made without a SIM card or airtime credit.
Do emergency operators speak English in China? โผ
English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. In major international cities like Beijing and Shanghai, some operators may have basic English. Travelers should have a Chinese speaker assist with emergency calls.
What is the difference between 110 and 122 in China? โผ
110 is the general police emergency number. 122 is the dedicated traffic accident and road emergency number. Both are operated by the Ministry of Public Security.
Is there an SMS service for deaf users in China? โผ
Yes. 12110 is the SMS police emergency number for deaf and hearing-impaired users nationwide.
What should I do if I need medical help but don't speak Chinese? โผ
Call 120 and try to state your location in English. International hospitals in major cities have English-speaking staff. Hotel concierges can assist with medical emergencies.