Major China City Area Codes and Zip Codes – Quick Guide for Travelers

When traveling to China, in addition to doing basic research on your destinations, knowing the correct area code and zip code for major cities is also essential. And it’s quite possible for you to feel in need of such knowledge from the very beginning of your journey when you first want to call a hotel.

Indeed, these numbers are part of daily logistics. As a result, this guide will explain everything about Chinese city area codes and postal (zip) codes and provide practical tips for people who are planning a tour to China.

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• How to Make a Phone Call in China
• How to Make a Phone Call with WhatsApp
• Area Codes and Zip Codes
• How to Mailing
• Pro Tips
• Travel with China Xian Tour
• FAQs

How to Make a Phone Call in China?

Mobile Phone Numbers vs. Landlines in China

There’s a key difference between mobile phone numbers and landline numbers in China:

• Landlines require the area code when calling from outside the local area.
• Mobile phone numbers are nationwide, and they do not require area codes.

Chinese mobile numbers typically start with 13, 15, 17, 18, or 19 and they will be 11 digits long, for example: 138 xxxx xxxx.

How to Make an International Call to China from Abroad

China’s international dialing code is +86 (or 0086 if you’re using an international access code),  and you’ll need to begin with it when calling a number from outside China. The situation is slightly different to call a landline and a mobile phone.

• For a landline: +86+ area code (without the leading zero) + landline number

Example: To call a Beijing number (010-1234 5678) from abroad, dial +86 10 1234 5678.

• For a mobile phone: +86+ full 11-digit number.

Example: +86 138 0013 8000

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How to Make International Calls from China to Abroad

This basic formula applies to making a call to foreign number from China:

• For landlines: 00 + country code + area code (without the leading zero) + the local number

Example: London landline (local area code 020): 00 44 20 71234567 (drop the 0 from 020)

• For mobile phones: 00 + country code + the recipient’s mobile number (or +country code + mobile number)

Example: call a US mobile: 00 1 5551234567 or +1 5551234567

How to Dial a Chinese Number in China

If you want to dial a Chinese Number in China, it is much easier. Refer to the following format:

• For landlines:

1. When calling a landline in another city, you need to dialwith the following format: 0 + area code + local number

Example: From Xi’an to Beijing, dial 010 1234 5678

2. If you are calling within the same city, just simply dial the number without adding any code.

• For mobile phones: dial the recipient’s mobile number directly

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How to Make a Phone Call with WhatsApp

Option 1: Purchase and install an eSIM that provides international roaming services.

You need to purchase the eSIM card before departure. Nomad, Airalo, Roamless, BitJoy, and OceanESIM all provide it. Usually, the card is activated automatically after you arrive in China. Thanks to the simple operation and stable connection, it is the most recommended way.

• Pros: No need to install a VPN, no power consumption, stable internet, voice and video calls are all available.
• Cons: Expensive

Option 2: Activate a China-dedicated roaming package for your own card.

Simply turn on “Data Roaming” in the settings upon arrival, and you can WhatsApp directly. This is the most convenient way and is recommended for business travelers. However, just like the eSIM, it costs more and there may be a data cap.

Option 3: Download reliable VPNs before departure.  

Some international apps and most VPN websites may be inaccessible in mainland China, so travelers who need access should prepare their connectivity solutions before arrival. Just download and enable the VPN before arriving in China. It is better to download two paid VPNs as backups, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN. Then you can make a phone call directly.

Tips: VPN regulations in China can be complex. Foreign visitors should check the latest local rules and choose reliable and legal internet access options.

Area Codes and Zip Codes of China’s Major Cities

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How to Use Zip Codes for Mailing in China

Correct use of postal (zip) codes is essential if you’re planning to send mail or parcels in China. Mis-writing or omitting the code can sometimes lead to delays or misdelivery.

Here are best practices:

• Always include the six-digit postal code on the last line of the address.
• In English / international mail formats, addresses are often written from smallest unit to largest, but the postal code still appears near the line of city / province.
• Example format for address to China

Room 501, Building A

No. 88 West Lake Road

Xihu District

Hangzhou 310000

China

• In Chinese-language domestic mail, addresses are written in sequence like province → city → district → street → recipient, with the postal code at the top or in the address header:

310000

Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Xihu District, West Lake Road 88, Building A, Room 501

收件人姓名(recipient)

Tips:

1. Do not shorten or truncate the code (e.g. writing “3100” or “310”) – it must be written in the full six digits.
2. Hong Kong / Macau have their separate postal systems.

Pro Tips for Using Phone and Postal Services in China

Using Hotel or Business Phone Numbers

• Hotels and businesses usually give phone numbers in the format (Area Code) + Local Number. For example: “(021) 7654 3210”.
• When dialing from abroad, drop the leading “0” of the area code and add +86. So that number becomes +86 21 76543210.
• It’s wise to save both formats (local and international) in your contacts, especially for guides or meeting points.

China SIM Cards & Roaming Advice

• Foreign visitors can purchase a SIM card in China, but it will need to provide yourpassport for real-name registration.
• You can find Chinese travel / tourist SIM cards at airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, and online.
• These SIMs often include data, local voice/SMS, and may have validity spans (7–30 days).

Emergency Numbers in China (110, 120, 119)

• It would be free to call emergency numbers:

110 for police / public security

120 for medical emergencies / ambulance

119 for fire / rescue services

• Other related service numbers include:

122 for traffic accidents in many places

114 for directory assistance / phone number inquiry

Tips:

1. The calls should be made directly by dialing those three digits.
2. In many cities, operators may understand limited English. However, it’s always necessary to have the location and nature of the emergency clearly.

China Zip Code Finder Tools

• Because many Chinese postal codes depend on districts or small neighborhoods, you should use postal lookup tools to confirm the correct six-digit zip code for your address.

Reliable tool:

China Post’s official website

• Always double-check the code before sending packages, especially when package is going to the big cities or new subdivisions.
• When writing addresses (especially for international mail), the postal code goes on the last line immediately before or after the city and province.

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FAQs about China Area Codes & Zip Codes

Which code is used for domestic and international telephone calls to a landline, and which is used for mail and parcel delivery?

• Use the area (telephone) code for calling landlines.
• Use the postal (zip) code for mail and parcel delivery.

Are Chinese mobile phone numbers associated with a city’s Area Code?

No. Mobile numbers in China are nationwide and not tied to a city’s area code.

Do Hong Kong and Macau use the same six-digit Zip Code system as Mainland of China?

No. Hong Kong has no postal code system. And Macau also does not currently use a postal code in its addressing system.

Where should the Zip Code be placed on an envelope or package when addressing mail to China?

The six-digit postal code goes on the last line of the address, right after or before the city/province and before “China.”

Example (English format):

Recipient Name

Street Address, District

City 123456 Province

CHINA