The 1998 Zhangbei–Shangyi earthquake occurred at 11:50 local time on 10 January with a moment magnitude of 5.7 at a depth of 14.1 km.

Damage was reported in the town of Zhangbei, Hebei Province, as well as to sections of the Great Wall of China.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred as a result of shallow oblique-reverse faulting.

The rupture likely occurred along a north northeast-south southwest striking, east-northeast dipping fault.

[7] In Beijing, approximately 225.3 km (140.0 mi) southeast of the epicenter, office and apartment towers swayed.