A 6.3 magnitude quake hit south-western China on Sunday afternoon, when many people would have been at home.
Thousands of buildings have been razed and hundreds of people killed.
Nearly two thousand people have been injured. Many arrived at local hospitals for treatment.
A major rescue operation is underway.
Yunan province is one of China's most quake-prone regions.
The epicentre was here in Yunan's Ludian county, a mountainous and remote area.
Communications have been seriously affected.
Electricity supplies have been cut and roads blocked by landslides.
Emergency crews have been forced to carry rescue equipment on foot.
A large-scale relief operation is underway.
Thousands of tents, beds and coats are on their way to the disaster area.
