Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Emergency Contact Numbers in Zhangjiajie

China has a unified emergency contact system, and the following numbers are applicable in Zhangjiajie:

Police (Public Security Bureau): 110
Fire Department: 119
Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 120
Traffic Accidents: 122

These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.

2. Police Services (Public Security Bureau)

The police in Zhangjiajie handle public safety, crime, and lost property issues. They are also the first point of contact for reporting theft, harassment, or other emergencies.

Key Details:

Contact Number: 110
Location: The main Public Security Bureau office is located in Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City. Smaller police stations are distributed across the city and rural areas.
Languages: Most officers speak Mandarin. English-speaking officers may be limited, so having a translation app or a local guide can be helpful.
Cost: Police services are free of charge.
Procedure:
1. Dial 110 to report an emergency.
2. Provide your location and a brief description of the issue. If you don’t speak Mandarin, try to communicate using basic phrases or translation apps.
3. Wait for officers to arrive or follow their instructions.

Cultural Considerations:

Be respectful and calm when interacting with police officers.
Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, as police may ask for identification.
If you lose your passport, report it to the police immediately and obtain a loss report, which is required for replacement at your embassy or consulate.

3. Fire Services

The fire department in Zhangjiajie handles fire-related emergencies, including building fires, forest fires, and rescue operations.

Key Details:

Contact Number: 119
Location: The main fire station is in Yongding District, with additional stations in Wulingyuan and other areas.
Languages: Firefighters primarily speak Mandarin.
Cost: Firefighting services are free for emergencies. However, fines may be imposed for false alarms or negligence leading to fires.
Procedure:
1. Dial 119 to report a fire.
2. Clearly state the location of the fire and any immediate dangers.
3. Evacuate the area and wait for firefighters to arrive.

Cultural Considerations:

Fire safety regulations are strictly enforced in China. Avoid smoking in prohibited areas, especially in Zhangjiajie’s national parks, as forest fires are a serious concern.
Familiarize yourself with fire exits and safety procedures in hotels and public buildings.

4. Medical Emergency Services

Zhangjiajie has several hospitals and clinics equipped to handle medical emergencies. Ambulance services are available by dialing 120.

Key Details:

Contact Number: 120
Major Hospitals:
- Zhangjiajie People’s Hospital (张家界市人民医院): The largest and most well-equipped hospital in the city, located in Yongding District.
- Wulingyuan District Hospital (武陵源区医院): Serves the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Languages: Medical staff primarily speak Mandarin. English-speaking staff may be available in larger hospitals, but this is not guaranteed.
Cost:
- Ambulance services typically cost between 50–200 RMB, depending on the distance.
- Emergency treatment costs vary but must be paid upfront unless you have insurance. Carry cash or a Chinese payment app (e.g., WeChat Pay or Alipay) as international credit cards may not be accepted.
Procedure:
1. Dial 120 for an ambulance or go directly to the nearest hospital.
2. Provide your location and describe the medical emergency.
3. At the hospital, register at the emergency desk (急诊室, jízhěn shì) and pay the registration fee (usually 10–50 RMB).
4. Follow the doctor’s instructions and keep all receipts for insurance claims.

Cultural Considerations:

Bring a Chinese-speaking friend or guide if possible, as language barriers can complicate medical consultations.
Pharmacies (药店, yàodiàn) are widely available for minor ailments, but prescription medications may require a doctor’s visit.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical expenses.

5. Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are handled by the traffic police, and the emergency number is 122.

Key Details:

Contact Number: 122
Procedure:
1. Call 122 to report the accident.
2. Do not move your vehicle unless instructed by the police.
3. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved.
4. Wait for the traffic police to arrive and document the scene.

Cultural Considerations:

Driving in Zhangjiajie can be challenging due to winding mountain roads and local driving habits. Exercise caution, especially in rural areas.
If you are a foreign driver, ensure you have a valid Chinese driver’s license, as international licenses are not recognized in China.

6. General Tips for Emergencies in Zhangjiajie

Language Barrier: Download a reliable translation app (e.g., Google Translate or Pleco) to communicate in Mandarin.
Location Awareness: Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and landmarks, as addresses in rural areas can be difficult to describe.
Emergency Phrases in Mandarin:
- Help! (救命! Jiùmìng!)
- I need a doctor. (我需要医生。Wǒ xūyào yīshēng.)
- There’s a fire. (着火了。Zháohuǒ le.)
- Call the police. (报警。Bàojǐng.)
Cultural Sensitivity: Remain calm and polite in all interactions. Raising your voice or showing frustration may be perceived as disrespectful.

7. Additional Resources

Tourist Assistance Hotline: 12301 (for general tourist inquiries and assistance in English).
Local Emergency App: Consider downloading apps like “WeChat” or “Alipay,” which often have emergency service integrations and location-sharing features.
Embassy/Consulate Contact: Keep your embassy’s contact information handy for assistance in case of legal or medical emergencies.

By keeping this information in mind, you can navigate emergency situations in Zhangjiajie with greater confidence and ease. Stay safe and enjoy your time in this beautiful city!