Tourist Police in China 2026: Complete Guide to Getting Help as a Foreign Visitor
Complete guide to finding and using tourist police services in China. Everything foreign visitors need to know about getting help during their trip.
What is Tourist Police in China?
Tourist Police (旅游警察) are specialized police officers trained to assist tourists in China. They play a crucial role in maintaining safety and providing assistance to the millions of international visitors each year.
Key Characteristics:
- Specially trained in tourist assistance
- Often speak basic English
- Wear distinctive uniforms or badges
- Found at major tourist sites
- Available 24/7 in many locations
How to Contact Tourist Police
Emergency Numbers
National Tourist Hotline: 12308
- Best option for English speakers
- Connects you to local tourist police
- Available 24/7
- Can help with any tourism-related issue
- Free call from any phone in China
Police: 110
- General police emergency number
- Can dispatch tourist police if needed
- Works without SIM card
- Free call
Finding Tourist Police On-Site
Major tourist attractions have dedicated tourist police stations:
- Near entrance/exit gates
- Information booths
- Security checkpoints
Look for:
- “旅游警察” (Tourist Police) signs
- Blue “i” information signs
- Police officers wearing tourist police armbands
Services Offered by Tourist Police
Language Assistance
- Basic English communication
- Translation services
- Help explaining situations to regular police
- Written statements in English
Lost Documents
- Police reports for lost passports
- Guidance to embassy/consulate
- Assistance contacting authorities
- Translation of documents
Theft and Crime
- Report theft
- File police reports (needed for insurance)
- Track investigation progress
- Coordinate with other police units
Medical Emergencies
- Call ambulance services
- Guide to nearest hospitals
- Help communicate with medical staff
- Contact travel insurance
Scams and Disputes
- Report tourist scams
- Mediation in disputes
- Consumer protection guidance
- Contact market management
Directions and Information
- Tourist site information
- Transportation guidance
- Restaurant recommendations
- General inquiries
Major Cities with Tourist Police
Beijing
Locations:
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City entrance
- Summer Palace
- Badaling Great Wall
- Wangfujing area
Special Services:
- English-speaking officers available
- International tourist service centers
- 24/7 hotline: 110 or 12308
Shanghai
Locations:
- The Bund
- Yuyuan Garden
- Nanjing Road
- Xintiandi
- Yu Garden
Special Services:
- Tourist Police stations at major sites
- Bilingual signage
- WeChat support available
Xian
Locations:
- Ancient City Wall
- Terracotta Warriors
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Muslim Quarter
Special Services:
- Officers near major attractions
- Foreign affairs handling
- Helpful for Silk Road tourism
Chengdu
Locations:
- Jinli Street -宽窄巷子
- Panda Base
- Dujiangyan
Special Services:
- Tourist-focused training
- Helpful with Panda tourism
- Sichuan cuisine recommendations
Hangzhou
Locations:
- West Lake
- Lingyin Temple
- Hefang Street
- Xiahe Street
Special Services:
- West Lake patrol units
- Boat safety enforcement
- Tea culture area support
Language Tips for Emergencies
Essential Phrases
Chinese (Mandarin):
- 救命 (jiù mìng) - Help!
- 警察 (jǐng chá) - Police
- 旅游警察 (lǚ yóu jǐng chá) - Tourist Police
- 我需要帮助 (wǒ xū yào bāng zhù) - I need help
- 我迷路了 (wǒ mí lù le) - I’m lost
Emergency Communication:
- “I don’t speak Chinese”
- “Please call an interpreter”
- “Where is the tourist police?”
- “I need to contact my embassy”
Communication Tips
- Use translation apps - Download before trip
- Show hotel card - Chinese address makes location clear
- Use pictures - Show photos of places/things
- Write it down - Use paper to draw or write
- Stay calm - Officers are trained to help tourists
When to Call Tourist Police
Yes, Call For:
- Lost or stolen items
- Medical emergencies
- Theft or crime
- Scams or fraud
- Tourist disputes
- Directions when lost
- Natural disasters
- Terrorist incidents
Consider Alternatives For:
- Minor directions (ask locals)
- Restaurant recommendations (use apps)
- Medical issues (go directly to hospital)
- Minor lost items (check lost and found)
Tourist Police vs Regular Police
When Each Is Better
Tourist Police Better For:
- Language barriers
- Tourist-specific issues
- Lost tourist documents
- Foreigner-related matters
- Tourist site emergencies
Regular Police Better For:
- Serious crimes
- Traffic accidents
- Medical emergencies (call 120 directly)
- Official reports and investigations
How They Work Together
- Tourist police can call regular police
- Transfer serious cases appropriately
- Coordinate on major incidents
- Regular police may assist if tourist police unavailable
Other Safety Resources
Embassies and Consulates
Each country has embassies in Beijing and consulates in major cities:
- Emergency passport services
- Legal assistance referrals
- Local safety updates
- Evacuation assistance
Travel Insurance
- 24/7 helplines available
- Direct hospital connections
- Cash advances
- Translation services
Your Hotel
- Concierge can contact police
- Hotel security can assist
- Translation help available
- Local knowledge
Reporting Crimes as a Tourist
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Move to safe location
- Don’t confront criminals
- Call for help if injured
Step 2: Contact Police
- Dial 110 for police
- Or go to nearest police station
- Or find tourist police on site
Step 3: Provide Information
- Describe what happened
- Provide evidence
- Give statement
- Get case number
Step 4: Get Documentation
- Police report (essential for insurance)
- List of stolen items
- Photos of evidence
- Witness information
Step 5: Follow Up
- Check case status
- Provide additional information
- Keep copies of all documents
What Information to Provide
- Date, time, location
- Description of perpetrators
- What was taken/incident
- Witnesses
- Evidence available
FAQ: Tourist Police in China
What is the tourist police number in China?
The main tourist hotline is 12308. You can also call 110 for police assistance.
Do tourist police speak English?
Yes, tourist police in major cities typically speak basic English. For full English support, call 12308.
Can tourist police help with lost passports?
Yes! They can help file reports, contact your embassy, and guide you through the replacement process.
Where are tourist police stations located?
They are typically found at major tourist attractions, airports, train stations, and in areas popular with tourists.
What can tourist police help with?
Language assistance, lost items, theft reports, medical emergencies, directions, scams, and any tourist-related issues.
Is China safe for tourists?
Yes, China is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the government prioritizes tourist safety.
What should I do in a tourist emergency in China?
- Stay calm and safe
- Call 110 or 12308
- Find a tourist police station
- Contact your embassy if needed
- File a report for insurance
Quick Reference Card
Print this and keep with you:
TOURIST POLICE IN CHINA
========================
Emergency: 110
Tourist Hotline: 12308 (English support)
Police Station: Look for blue "P" signs
Key Phrases:
- Help! = 救命!
- Tourist Police = 旅游警察
- I need help = 我需要帮助
My Embassy: [Your country]
My Hotel: [Name in Chinese - ask hotel]
Nearest Police: [Ask hotel staff]
Conclusion
China’s tourist police are dedicated to ensuring visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Knowing how to access their services gives you peace of mind while exploring this incredible country.
Save the emergency numbers, locate tourist police at major sites, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Your safety is their priority!
Last updated: 2026-03-25 | This guide is regularly updated for accuracy.
More China travel guides at chinaentryguide.com