China Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Phone Numbers in China

Quick Reference

  • Country: China
  • Country Code: +86
  • International Prefix: 00
  • National Prefix: 0

Overview

China's telephone numbering plan is a vital framework for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators. This comprehensive guide delves into the structure of Chinese phone numbers, formats, dialing procedures, regulatory aspects, number allocation strategies, and recent advancements affecting the Chinese numbering plan. Understanding these elements is essential for effective telecommunications management and development within China.

Table of Contents

  1. History of China's Numbering Plan
  2. Regulatory Framework
  3. Number Formats
  4. Dialing Procedures
  5. Number Portability
  6. Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
  7. Number Allocation and Management
  8. Technical Considerations
  9. Future Developments
  10. Recent Changes to the Numbering Plan
  11. Emergency Numbers
  12. Additional Information
  13. References
  14. Appendix

History of China's Numbering Plan

China's telephone numbering system has undergone significant transformations to accommodate its vast population and the rapid expansion of telecommunications services. Initially, the numbering plan was straightforward, with landlines and mobile numbers sharing similar formats. However, with the advent of mobile technology and the proliferation of telecom operators, a more structured and scalable numbering system was essential.

  • Early Years: Landline numbers were primarily managed by state-owned enterprises, with area codes assigned based on geographic regions.
  • Mobile Expansion: The introduction of mobile networks necessitated the creation of distinct prefixes to differentiate mobile numbers from landlines.
  • Number Portability: Implemented to enhance competition among telecom operators, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers.
  • Recent Developments: Continuous updates to the numbering plan to incorporate new technologies and address the growing demand for phone numbers.

Regulatory Framework

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is the primary regulatory body overseeing telecommunications in China. MIIT is responsible for:

  • Number Allocation: Assigning number blocks to telecom operators based on demand and regulatory guidelines.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all telecom operators adhere to national and international standards.
  • Policy Development: Formulating policies to guide the growth and management of telecommunications services.
  • Fraud Prevention: Implementing measures to combat telecom fraud and ensuring the integrity of the numbering plan.

Other Regulatory Bodies

  • Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC): Collaborates with MIIT in regulating online and telecommunications sectors, particularly concerning information security and fraud prevention.
  • Public Security Bureau (PSB): Works alongside MIIT to enforce regulations related to telecommunications fraud and illegal activities.

Number Formats

General Structure

Chinese phone numbers are categorized based on service type (landline, mobile) and location. The general structure includes:

  • Country Code: +86
  • Area Code: 2 to 4 digits (for landlines)
  • Mobile Prefix: 3 digits (for mobile numbers)
  • Subscriber Number: 7 to 8 digits

Number Format Table

TypeFormatExample
Landline (Beijing)10 + XXXXXXXX10-12345678
Landline (Guangzhou)20 + XXXXXXX20-1234567
Mobile1XX-XXXX-XXXX138-1234-5678
Toll-Free800-XXXXXXX800-1234567
Premium Rate16X-XXXXX160-80875
Shared Cost400-XXXXXXX400-1234567

Detailed Number Formats

Geographic Numbers (Landlines)

Landline numbers in China range from 10 to 12 digits, incorporating an area code and a subscriber number. The area code length varies based on the region's size and population density.

  • 2-Digit Area Codes: Reserved for major cities with extensive telecommunications infrastructure.

    • Format: 10-XXXXXXXX (Beijing)
    • Example: 10-12345678

  • 3-Digit Area Codes: Assigned to other significant cities.

    • Format: 20-XXXXXXX (Guangzhou)
    • Example: 20-1234567

  • 4-Digit Area Codes: Utilized for smaller cities and regions.

    • Format: 728-XXXXXXX (Xiantao)
    • Example: 728-1234567

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in China are standardized to 11 digits, ensuring a uniform structure across all telecom operators. The numbers are segmented into:

  • 1XX-XXXX-XXXX
    • Example: 138-1234-5678

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows users to retain their mobile numbers when switching between operators, promoting competition and service quality.

Special Service Numbers

Special service numbers cater to specific needs, such as toll-free services, premium rate offerings, and shared-cost communications.

  • Toll-Free Numbers:

    • Formats: 800-XXXXXXX or 400-XXXXXXX
    • Example: 800-1234567

  • Premium Rate Numbers:

    • Format: 16X-XXXXX
    • Example: 160-80875

  • Shared Cost Numbers:

    • Format: 400-XXXXXXX or 950-XXXXXXX
    • Example: 400-1234567

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Within the Same Area:

    • Action: Dial the subscriber number directly.
    • Example: To call 12345678 within Beijing, dial 12345678.

  • Different Areas:

    • Action: Dial the national prefix 0, followed by the area code and the subscriber number.
    • Example: To call a Guangzhou number from Beijing, dial 020-1234567.

International Calls

  • Outgoing:

    • Action: Dial the international prefix 00, followed by the country code, area code, and subscriber number.
    • Example: To call the United States number +1-202-555-0123 from China, dial 00-1-202-555-0123.

  • Incoming:

    • Action: Dial +86, followed by the area code and the subscriber number.
    • Example: To call a Beijing number from the US, dial +86-10-12345678.

Number Portability

China has implemented Mobile Number Portability (MNP) nationwide since November 10, 2019. This allows users to retain their mobile numbers when switching between service providers, fostering a competitive market environment. MNP enhances consumer choice and encourages telecom operators to improve service quality to retain subscribers.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

China's telecommunications market is dominated by three major operators, each assigned specific number ranges to differentiate their services.

  • China Mobile:

    • Prefixes: 13X, 15X, 18X
    • Examples: 138, 139, 150

  • China Unicom:

    • Prefixes: 130, 131, 132, 145, 155, 156, 166, 167, 171, 176, 185, 186

  • China Telecom:

    • Prefixes: 133, 153, 173, 177, 180, 181, 189, 191, 199

Note: These prefixes are subject to change as new number ranges are introduced to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers.

Operator-Specific Prefixes

Each telecom operator has distinct prefixes to identify their network. Understanding these prefixes can help in identifying the service provider of a particular mobile number.

OperatorPrefixes
China Mobile134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 150, 151, 152, 157, 158, 159, 178, 182, 183, 184, 187, 188, 198
China Unicom130, 131, 132, 145, 155, 156, 166, 167, 171, 176, 185, 186
China Telecom133, 153, 173, 177, 180, 181, 189, 191, 199

Example: A mobile number starting with 138 (China Mobile) can be identified as belonging to China Mobile, although Number Portability may allow users to switch providers without changing their numbers.

Number Allocation and Management

Allocation Mechanism

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) oversees the allocation of number blocks to telecom operators. The allocation process ensures that number resources are utilized efficiently to meet the demands of China's vast population.

  1. Request Submission:

    • Telecom operators must submit requests for additional number blocks based on their current usage and future projections.
    • Operators are required to demonstrate that a certain percentage of their allocated numbers are in use to avoid hoarding.

  2. Evaluation:

    • MIIT assesses the requests based on factors like market demand, operator performance, and geographic distribution.
    • Projections on future number usage and technological advancements are considered.

  3. Allocation:

    • Numbers are allocated in blocks to optimize resource utilization.
    • Sub-blocks may be assigned to operators for more granular management.

Pricing of Numbers

Currently, number allocations are provided to telecom operators without direct charges. However, to encourage efficient use of numbering resources and deter hoarding, introducing fees for number allocation is considered. Potential pricing models include:

  • One-Time Charge: A fixed fee per number or block.
  • Annual Charge: Recurring fees based on allocated or active numbers.

Proposed Fees:

  • Mobile Numbers: ¥5.00 per number
  • Fixed Numbers: ¥1.00 per number

These charges aim to promote optimal allocation, ensuring that numbering resources remain sustainable and adequately meet the demands of China's expanding telecommunications landscape.

Technical Considerations

Regular Expressions for Validation

Developers handling Chinese phone numbers can utilize the following regular expressions for validation:

  • Landline (2-digit area code): ^10\d{8}$
  • Landline (3-digit area code): ^20\d{7}$
  • Mobile: ^1[3-9]\d{9}$
  • Toll-Free: ^800\d{7}$
  • Premium Rate: ^16[08]\d{5}$
  • Shared Cost: ^400\d{7}$

Special Cases

Golden Numbers

  • Definition: Highly desirable numbers due to simplicity or repetition (e.g., 138-0000-0000).
  • Usage: Often sold at premium rates by telecom operators.
  • Impact: Can enhance brand prestige and customer satisfaction.

Number Blocking

  • Purpose: To mitigate spam and fraud, certain numbers may be blocked by operators.
  • Implementation: Regulatory bodies work with telecom operators to identify and block malicious numbers.
  • User Impact: Ensures safer communication channels for users.

Number Portability Implications

  • MNP Impact: Allows users to switch telecom operators without changing their numbers.
  • Management: Requires dynamic management strategies to maintain number allocation integrity.
  • Benefit: Enhances competition and service quality among telecom operators.

Future Developments

Next Generation Networks (NGN)

Next Generation Networks (NGN) represent the future of telecommunications in China, integrating fixed and mobile networks to deliver high-speed data, voice, and video services over a unified IP-based infrastructure. Key aspects include:

  • Convergence: Seamless integration of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), mobile, and internet services.
  • Scalability: Enhanced capacity to handle increasing data traffic and user demands.
  • Flexibility: Support for innovative services and applications, including VoIP, IoT, and 5G technologies.

Impact of Number Portability

The introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has streamlined numbering administration by allowing the transfer of numbers between operators without altering their original allocation. Future implications include:

  • Efficient Resource Utilization: Reduced need for new number allocations, promoting optimal use of existing resources.
  • Enhanced Competition: Operators are incentivized to improve service quality to retain subscribers.
  • Administrative Simplification: Easier management of numbering resources amidst operator changes.

Recent Changes to the Numbering Plan

While the core structure of China's numbering plan remains aligned with ITU-T Recommendation E.164, recent updates focus on:

  • Implementation of MNP: Enhancing flexibility and competition among mobile operators.
  • Introduction of New Prefixes: Allocating new number ranges to accommodate the growing demand for mobile numbers.
  • Fraud Prevention Measures: Strengthening mechanisms to combat telecom fraud and ensure number allocation integrity.
  • Technological Integration: Adapting the numbering plan to incorporate advancements like 5G, IoT, and NGN.

For the most up-to-date information on telecommunications regulations in China, please consult the official Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website.

Emergency Numbers

From within Mainland China, the following emergency numbers are used:

  • 110 – Police
  • 119 – Fire Brigade
  • 120 – Ambulance
  • 122 – Traffic Accident
  • 999 – Privately Operated Ambulance (Beijing ONLY)

Note: Emergency numbers assist in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

Recent Enhancements

Starting from 2012 in Shenzhen, an implemented system upgrade unified three emergency reporting services into one number, 110. A similar approach is being installed in more cities across China to enhance convenience and accessibility.

  • Error Handling: Dialing 112, 911, and 999 outside Beijing without the area code 010 triggers a recording message about the correct emergency numbers in both Chinese and English.
    • China Mobile & China Unicom Phones: Play a recorded message.
    • China Telecom Phones: Display "Number does not exist" with no service redirection.

Additional Information

Chinese International Dialing Codes

China has multiple international dialing codes for its regions:

RegionDialing Code
Mainland China+86
Hong Kong+852
Macau+853
Taiwan+886
North American Numbering Plan (NANP)+1
United Kingdom+44
Japan+81

Note: Mainland China uses +86, while Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have their distinct dialing codes.

How to Identify China Phone Codes

Identifying whether a Chinese phone number is a mobile or a landline, and determining its location, can help verify the legitimacy of contacts. Examples include:

  • Mobile Number without International Code: 150XXXXXXXX (11-digits)
  • Mobile Number with International Code: +86135XXXXXXXX (country code + 11-digits)
  • Landline Number without International Code: 021 XXXX XXXX (area code + 8 digits)
  • Landline Number with International Code: +86 (0)756 XXX XXXX (country code + area code + 7 digits)

Note: China landline numbers are always 7 or 8 digits long, and the "0" from the area code is omitted when calling from overseas.

References

  1. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Official Website
  2. China Mobile Official Website
  3. China Unicom Official Website
  4. China Telecom Official Website
  5. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) E.164 Recommendation
  6. Telecommunications Fraud Prevention in China
  7. MIIT Numbering Plan Updates
  8. Cyber Security Administration Reports
  9. Public Security Bureau (PSB) Announcements
  10. China's Mobile Number Portability Implementation
  11. Regulatory Changes and Prefix Allocations
  12. Telecom Operators and Prefix Updates
  13. MIIT's New Prefix Allocations
  14. Guangdong Prefix Assignments
  15. Guizhou Prefix Allocations
  16. Taiwan Dialing Code Information
  17. Hong Kong Dialing Code Information
  18. Macau Dialing Code Information
  19. Telecom Fraud Prevention Measures

For the latest telecommunications regulations in China, visit the official MIIT website.

Appendix

Annexure-1: Numbering Plan and License Conditions

National Long Distance License

  • Network Standards: Adherence to the National Fundamental Plan and technical standards prescribed by MIIT.
  • Service Requirements: Compliance with service quality and coverage mandates.

Basic Service License / International Long Distance License

  • Network Standards: Compliance with the National Fundamental Plan and technical standards by MIIT.
  • Operational Compliance: Ensuring interoperability with international telecommunication systems.

Mobile Telephone Service

  • Number Plan: As per ITU-T recommendations, conforming to the National Numbering Plan.
  • Service Requirements: Maintaining network integrity and service quality standards.

Unified Access Service

  • Numbering Plan: Linked to the Short Distance Charging Area (SDCA) based numbering scheme.
  • Service Integration: Facilitating seamless access across different service types.

Annexure-2: Number Portability Statistics

Service ProviderIMSI (Sep)HLR (Sep)Difference%age
China Mobile114,058,81977,479,21536,579,60432.07%
China Unicom11,869,0139,206,1272,662,88622.44%
China Telecom51,495,02046,839,7584,655,2629.04%
Other Providers68,279,19854,624,80913,654,38920.00%
Total398,673,410310,259,97888,413,43222.18%

Data continued for subsequent months as part of ongoing monitoring and updates.

Annexure-3: Abbreviations Used

AbbreviationMeaning
2GSecond Generation Network
3GThird Generation Network
4GFourth Generation Network
5GFifth Generation Network
5G NR5G New Radio
4G LTELong-Term Evolution
3G WCDMAWideband Code Division Multiple Access
CDMACode Division Multiple Access
GSMGlobal System for Mobile Communications
HLRHome Location Register
IMSIInternational Mobile Subscriber Identifier
IoTInternet of Things
IPInternet Protocol
MIITMinistry of Industry and Information Technology
MNPMobile Number Portability
NGNNext Generation Network
PSTNPublic Switched Telephone Network
SIMSubscriber Identity Module
VNOVirtual Network Operator