The police are searching for Wang Damin, Gao Yulun and Li Haiwei after the three escaped from a detention centre in Yanshou County in Heilongjiang Province near the provincial capital city of Harbin at around 4:40 am.
The police have offered cash rewards to those who help capture them.
The fugitives are not carrying guns, according to the provincial public security bureau.
Anyone who provides tips leading to the capture of an escapee will receive 100,000 yuan (about USD 16,200), the bureau said.