[1] The shallow thrust faulting earthquake struck a densely populated area on the border between the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai.

[2] The Jishi Shan range lies in the easternmost segment of the Qilian Mountains that form part of the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.

The NNW–SSE trending Jishi Shan range is bounded on both sides by faults that show evidence of both thrusting and strike-slip.

Based on GPS observations, the most active of these structures is the eastern marginal fault, with estimated displacement rates of about 1 mm per year both for strike-slip and shortening.

GNSS velocity observations indicate the Laji Shan Fault produces insignificant thrust and strike-slip movements.

[8] Shaking was reported to have lasted for nearly 20 seconds[9] and was felt by residents as far as Xi'an, 570 km (350 mi) away in Shaanxi province.

Slip occurred bilaterally along the fault's strike relative to the epicenter forming an elongated elliptical area where movement was detected.

[13] According to a professor at the China University of Geosciences, Xu Xiwei, the earthquake was associated with a fault along the northern edge of the Laji Mountain range.

[18] Thirty-four deaths, 198 injuries and two missing people were reported in neighbouring Qinghai province, with the last two fatalities found on 31 December.

[25] Li Haibing, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, attributed the casualties and damage from the earthquake to its timing, shallow depth, vertical movement, and the low quality of building materials in the area.

[32] A debris slide due to soil liquefaction occurred in the village of Jintian in Minhe Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Qinghai.

[35][36] It was reported that muddy sediment, which had liquefied due to the area's high water table, burst through the surface and flowed into the village through a usually dry ditch.

[13] Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, said "all efforts should be made to carry out search and rescue, treat the injured in a timely manner, and minimise casualties".

[45] Premier Li Qiang subsequently visited the affected area and called on officials to "improve living conditions" for survivors.

Emergency services set up tents as temperatures in the area fell to subzero ranges[52] as low as −15 °C,[4] with snowy conditions also being reported.

Hu Changsheng, Chinese Communist Party Committee Secretary of Gansu, and governor Ren Zhenhe subsequently visited the affected areas.

[59] Funeral processions also began for most victims, following Islamic customs in accordance with the predominant faith in the affected region.

[60] Classes in the primary level resumed in Jishishan County on 25 December, but were held in tents as officials said repairs to school buildings were expected to last throughout the winter.

[63] António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed his solidarity with the Chinese people and government and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

[64] Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen expressed condolences and offered assistance, while interim Pakistani prime minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar said he was "deeply saddened" over the earthquake.

[65] Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin expressed condolences over the casualties to Chinese premier Li Qiang during a meeting.