SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/zh-110-police

In mainland China, which phone number do you dial for police emergencies?

Dial 110 for police.

Start playing free

  1. 120
  2. 911
  3. 110 ✔

Why: Mainland emergency numbers include 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, and 119 for fire. In Taiwan, 110 is also the police number.

Huh, didn't know that: In phone numbers, 1 is usually read yāo, so 110 is said yāo yāo líng.

The dad joke
Why did the phone call 110? It could not find its owner.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 110. Mainland emergency numbers include 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, and 119 for fire. In Taiwan, 110 is also the police number.

  1. MDBG Chinese-English Dictionary: 110 www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdrst=0&wdqb=110
    the emergency number for law enforcement in Mainland China and Taiwan
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. MDBG Chinese-English Dictionary: 119 www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdrst=0&wdqb=119
    the emergency number for firefighting services in Mainland China
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. MDBG Chinese-English Dictionary: 120 www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdrst=0&wdqb=120
    the emergency number for medical assistance and first aid in Mainland China
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

LanguagesHow do you say 'Goodbye' in Mandarin Chinese?LanguagesHow do you say 'turn right' in Mandarin Chinese?LanguagesWhat does cèsuǒ (厕所) mean in Mandarin Chinese?

That's stuff everyone should know.