The quake, which was recorded as a 5.9 magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck Gansu near the border with Qinghai, where Haidong is located.
The epicenter was about 100 kilometers (60 mi) southwest of Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. The initial earthquake was followed by several smaller aftershocks.
Xinhua reported that the quake – which was felt about 570 kilometers (350 miles) away in Xi’an, northern Shaanxi province – had a magnitude of 6.2.
freezing temperatures
Xinhua said electricity and water supplies were disrupted in some local villages.
CCTV images showed emergency vehicles heading to the scene with flashing lights on snow-covered highways.
Rescue workers wearing overalls were depicted walking shoulder to shoulder in trucks, while other images showed them standing in line to receive instructions.