Improving Response to Travel Emergencies in Shenzhen | The definitive guide to Shenzhen, Shekou, Guangdong, China

Submitted by Harry Fozzard on May 25, 2011 - 10:45

Shenzhen has rapidly become famous worldwide. They have carefully built great free trade zones that made them one of the most successful with regards to the import and export industries. They also have tourist spots such as the park full of mini replicas of the different wonders of the world. Shenzhen has become an ideal vacation spot for those who want to experience China and all that Shenzhen has to offer. Because of this great progress that Shenzhen has achieved, more and more tourists and foreign investors are becoming interested in this small city in South China.

Ever since the population of visitors increased, the number of travel emergencies in Shenzhen also increased. The municipal government has been finding ways to improve response to these types of emergencies. They have received complaints from the foreigners that they are having a hard time seeking help from the Shenzhen District Bureaus and the Shenzhen District Police. The reason behind the difficulty is that most police and phone operators can only speak Mandarin.

The municipal government then decided to create a unified hotline that would include six phone operators who can speak English. This is to provide assistance to foreigners during their stay in Shenzhen. The unified hotline “110” will cater to police emergencies, cases of fire, robberies, and traffic issues. The hotline also aims to provide first-aid assistance just like the 911 hotline of the United States.

The different agencies within the municipal government of Shenzhen currently have their own hotline numbers. There are different emergency numbers, for example, for fire-119 and for traffic issues or accidents-122. The police station-110 will retain its number to be used by all other agencies as well. By the month of May, only 110 will remain active. It will include options so that your call will be redirected to the appropriate agency or bureau. The phone operators will then include the English-speaking agents who will handle concerns and emergencies of foreigners.

Tourists, as well as foreign investors, are advised by the municipal government of Shenzhen to have a record or a list of the emergency telephone numbers that they would need while travelling to Shenzhen. Some of the important numbers they should have on their list are the Booking Office of Shenzhen Airlines – 96737 for flight inquiries and ticket reservations; the Passenger Transport Station in Bao’an District – 2778540 for transportation needs if you are leaving or going to Bao’an; the Municipal Bus Company – 8333 3222 for inquiries with regards to bus routes and bus stations; and the Municipal Government – 8210 0000 if you have any inquiries or complaints. These are just some of the emergency telephone numbers you should be aware of during your stay in Shenzhen. By October or November, the municipal government will be trying out a unified number for the municipal bureaus and offices as well. But until that is in full operation, use their individual hotlines for the meantime.

photo source: Emergency Travel Service