Chinese authorities are checking possible damage caused by a 4.3-magnitude quake, which jolted a county some 100 km from Beijing.
The earthquake struck Zhuolu County, north China's Hebei Province, at 6:37 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Saturday, the China Earthquake Network Center said.
There have been no reports of casualties or property damage, according to the county government. Authorities are checking the impact of the quake.
"Some residents rushed out of their homes for shelter, but after a while they returned," said a resident surnamed Guo in the county. Guo was playing basketball when the tremor struck. He saw the basketball ring shaking.
The county has started a Grade III emergency response after the quake. Rescuers are on standby.