Western Henan and southern Shanxi in northern China were struck by an earthquake of estimated magnitude Ms6.8 on 23 October 1815.

The epicentre was in Pinglu County in southernmost Shanxi, which was the worse affected area.

This has caused rotation of the Ordos and North China blocks leading to extensional displacement between them.

Other structures were equally affected, including office buildings, prisons, storehouses and the city walls.

In Ruicheng town, damage was limited, but the surrounding villages were badly affected and about 1,600 people were killed.