Dear students,

Whether you just arrived in China to begin your studies or are already settling into life here, unexpected situations are sometimes inevitable: a sudden illness at midnight, losing valuables, a power outage in your room, or even a bout of homesickness. Don't panic. Keep these five essential numbers on hand to help you in emergencies.

120: Medical emergencies

When to call:

• Sudden serious illness, such as high fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing
• Accidental injuries, such as fractures, severe burns, or traffic accidents
• Food poisoning or severe allergic reactions

How to communicate effectively:

• Specify your location clearly, including city, district, street, and nearby landmarks. For example, the south gate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road, Minhang district, Shanghai.
• Describe your symptoms clearly. For example, "My friend is unconscious, or has difficulty breathing, or is experiencing severe abdominal pain."
• If worried about language barriers, ask a Chinese friend for help or use a translation app such as Tencent Translator.

Remember this emergency call formula:

"Here is [address or notable landmark]. There are [number] [nationality] patients with [injury description]. We are wearing [distinctive clothing]."

An example: Here is People's Square in Shanghai's Huangpu district. Two Americans have fainted from heatstroke. We are wearing blue and white striped shirts.

Tips:

• If you have allergies, save a note in your phone in Chinese describing your allergy history.
• Most university clinics have 24/7 doctors. Ring the doorbell for night assistance.
• If you have difficulties communicating in Chinese when you dial the number, ask the telephone operator for English service.
• Shanghai has international hospitals, such as Ruijin Hospital International Department. Save their contact information in advance.

110: Police hotline

When to call:

• Lost valuables, theft, robbery, or fraud
• Traffic accidents or getting lost
• Harassment or personal threats
• Suspicious activity or dangerous incidents, such as fights or break-ins

What to provide:

• Exact location accurate to street or building names
• A brief description. For example, "I lost my wallet" or "I was hit by a car"
• Clarify if police presence is needed. If so, you can say, "Please send a patrol car as soon as possible."

Tips:

• 110 is not just for reporting crimes. You can call whenever your personal safety is at risk.
• Claim a receipt and keep the case number for follow-up.
• Inform your university's international student office in time, especially in situations such as losing your passport.

  

119: Fire and rescue

When to call:

• Fires, such as electrical appliances catching fire in dorms, and kitchen fires
• Someone is trapped due to reasons such as an elevator malfunction or a car accident
• Hazardous chemical or gas leakage

How to report:

• Specify your location accurately, including building, floor, and room number
• Describe the situation. For example, "The frying pan is on fire, and the flame is small, but there's lots of smoke," or "I'm stuck between railings."
• If trapped, specify your exact location. For example, "I'm in the elevator on the third floor, and the door won't open."

Tips:

• High-power appliances such as hot pots, fridges, and induction cookers are prohibited in dorms in China, as they can easily cause fires.
• If you smell gas, do not turn on lights or use your phone. Close the valve, open windows, evacuate from the house, and then call 119.

  

12355: Psychological support hotline

12355 is a nationwide hotline providing psychological and legal support for youth in China. The number is available in over 100 cities with round-the-clock services. Some cities and time slots offer English support.

Each call will be automatically directed to professional counselors. If you are struggling with mental issues such as loneliness while abroad, dial the number, and a warm, understanding voice will help you.

When to call:

• Experiencing culture shock or loneliness in a new environment
• Overwhelmed by academic stress, insomnia, or anxiety
• Relationship or interpersonal difficulties

Tips:

• Most universities offer psychological counseling, often with services tailored for international students. These are your first choice, as they are free and confidential.
• Participating in cross-cultural activities in your college is a good way to overcome loneliness.

12345: Municipal service hotline

12345 is a one-stop hotline for everyday issues in China.

When to call:

• Sudden dormitory utility failure, such as a power outage or water cutoff
• Daily disputes. For example, food delivery or express delivery disputes involving wrong delivery or lost packages
• Complaints about conditions like noisy neighbors at night
• Policy inquiries, including visas, passports, and rental regulations
• You can call to consult about almost any daily issue

Calling tips:

• Start with "I am an international student" to seek foreign language assistance.
• Describe the problem and what you need. For example, "My dorm suddenly lost power, can you help me check what happened and tell me how to resolve it?"
• Note the operator's ID number for follow-up services.

Tips:

• 12345 mainly handles public service and livelihood-related matters. It does not deal with highly specialized issues or legal proceedings such as lawsuits, arbitrations, and administrative reviews.
• If the line is busy, try the city's 12345 website, where online inquiries will receive responses and solutions.

Your ultimate safety checklist

• Save 120, 110, and 119 in your phone's emergency contacts. These numbers support SOS quick dial.
• Post a note in plain sight in your dorm with your address and emergency numbers for unexpected needs.

These numbers serve as an invisible safety net to ensure you have a secure and comfortable life in China. You are never alone when facing difficulties.

Source: Official WeChat account of China Scholarship Council at "gh_afaa09c3e5f3"