China

Country: China / People’s Republic of China

• Country code: CN
• Official language: Standard Chinese / Mandarin
• Currency: Renminbi / yuan (CNY)
• Time zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8), no nationwide daylight saving time
• Electricity: usually 220 V / 50 Hz, plug types A, C and I

Many Chinese cities have highly developed infrastructure. At the same time, high-rise buildings, lifts or elevators, water pumps, public transport, mobile networks, internet, mobile payments, ATMs, supermarkets and logistics depend heavily on electricity and digital systems.

During a prolonged power outage, dense urban districts, high-rise buildings, stations, airports, shopping centres or malls and rural areas may be affected in very different ways. Regional risks include typhoons, heavy rain, flooding, earthquakes, heat, cold, landslides and air pollution.

The most important emergency numbers in China should be saved offline and also kept on paper. Language barriers are possible, so it is useful to have the address, hotel name, nearest landmark and current location written down.

• 110: police
• 119: fire service
• 120: medical emergency / ambulance
• 122: traffic accidents / traffic police
• 12395: maritime search and rescue

Use emergency numbers only for real emergencies. In many cities, 12345 is used for general government service requests, but it is not a replacement for emergency calls.

China uses national and local systems to release early warnings and emergency information. Weather warnings are often colour-coded: red is the highest level, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

• Weather warnings: National and local meteorological services issue warnings for typhoons, heavy rain, floods, heat, cold, snow, storms and other hazards.
• Official channels: Information may be distributed through television, radio, websites, apps, SMS, WeChat, public screens, loudspeakers and local authorities.
• Mobile alerts: Direct mobile warnings and mandatory reminder functions are used or being tested regionally. Do not rely on a mobile phone alone.
• During a power outage: A battery, hand-crank or car radio, power banks and printed contacts remain important.

For China, preparing a household or travel reserve for at least 7 to 14 days is sensible. In large cities, it is also important not to depend completely on online payments, delivery services and lifts or elevators.

• Plan drinking water and shelf-stable food for everyone.
• Keep medicines, first-aid supplies, hygiene items and personal long-term medication ready.
• Prepare flashlights, spare batteries, power banks, chargers and suitable travel adapters.
• Keep cash in small notes, because mobile payments, card payments and ATMs may fail.
• Keep important phone numbers, addresses, accommodation details and document copies on paper as well.
• In high-rise buildings, store water, lighting and a basic emergency bag without relying on lifts or elevators.
• When cooking or heating without electricity, pay close attention to fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Depending on the event, local public security authorities, fire and rescue services, health authorities, emergency management departments, meteorological services and city, district or neighbourhood offices may be responsible in China.

For power cuts in residential buildings, building management, property management or the local grid operator are often the first practical contacts. In hotels, stations and shopping centres or malls, follow instructions from staff and local authorities.

Travellers should save the contact details of their own embassy or consulate offline. China’s 12308 consular hotline mainly serves Chinese nationals abroad and is not a general emergency number for travellers inside China.

Travellers in China should carry their passport and valid visa or residence documents. Authorities may carry out identity checks, and copies are not always accepted as a substitute.

• Follow official evacuation, closure, security and traffic instructions.
• Do not spread unconfirmed rumours about emergencies; use official sources.
• Do not photograph military facilities, police operations, checkpoints or sensitive infrastructure.
• If documents are lost, contact the police, accommodation provider and your own diplomatic mission immediately.
• Regional rules can change quickly during typhoons, floods, earthquakes, epidemics or major events.